Navigating Burnout in Photography

Funky clouds in Brown’s Ravine on Folsom Lake

I don’t know how so many photographers do it. Put out content day after day, year after year, without taking a break. I understand from a brand perspective: breaks mean losing followers and losing followers means losing money. But for those of us non-influencer photographers, do we need to follow the same rigorous schedule of never ending shooting and posting of images?

Making a living with photography is my goal, but am I willing to kill my love of the art form to achieve it? And if I’m not, am I really going to make any money? These are questions I’m constantly wrestling with and are likely behind my periodic bouts of burnout. And when I burnout on photography, I mean it.

This past winter in California was a black and white photographer’s dream. Endless rain and storms tailor-made for high contrast images. But come the end of January, I hit the wall. Hard. For a solid three and a half months, I didn’t pick up my Leica camera, and I didn’t post a black-and-white photograph on any social platform (I diverted into macro flower photography for several weeks, but that is a different story).

The Pressure to Perform

One of the biggest factors contributing to my burnout is the continuous pursuit of perfection. In the age of social media, we constantly strive for exceptional images, seeking validation and recognition for our work. This pressure is self imposed, but also very real. And now, with AI in the mix, chasing the perfect picture becomes an almost insurmountable obstacle in our minds. This leads to self-doubt, comparison to others, and little room for rest or experimentation.

The Rut of Repetition

Another contributor to my burnout is the lack of creativity. I spent a long time finding my style, and now that I’ve found it, I’m ready to move on. I think that’s a net positive in the long run, but it clashes with the modern idea of staying consistent to grow your brand and audience. Photography is at its most exciting when we push ourselves out of our comfort zone, so when we keep repeating the same techniques and subjects (can I really take another picture of a tree?), my passion wanes and I get bored.

Balancing Personal and Professional Demands

For many photographers like myself, what starts as a beloved hobby evolves into a professional pursuit. Turning my love of photography into a moneymaking enterprise introduces additional stressors and expectations. Balancing personal projects and the need to market oneself can become overwhelming, draining the joy out of the art form.

Recognizing the Warning Flags

This past burnout was so bad, I researched some signs to look out for the next time around so that I can head it off at the pass. Some common signs of pending burnout include a loss of enthusiasm and motivation, decreased creativity, feelings of exhaustion, increased self-criticism, and a lack of satisfaction in one's work. I’m one to fly by the seat of my pants anyway, so ignoring these signals in the future will likely result in another bout of apathy.

Rekindling the Flame

So, what can be done if I, or anyone feeling similar exhaustion with their art, do to drag myself out of the photography funk? Here’s a list of ideas to keep in mind:

1. Take a Break: Stepping away from photography for a short period can help regain perspective and recharge your creative batteries. Use this free time to explore other hobbies, travel, or engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation outside of photography.

2. Seek Inspiration: Immerse yourself with inspiring works of art, visit galleries or join online communities where you can connect with like-minded artists. Exposing yourself to new ideas and perspectives can reignite your passion and spark fresh creativity.

3. Embrace Personal Projects: Dedicate time to personal projects that allow you to explore subjects and themes that truly resonate with you. By removing the pressure to meet external expectations, you can rekindle your love for photography and regain a sense of creative freedom.

4. Experiment and Learn: Challenge yourself to try new techniques, genres, or equipment. Attend photography seminars, workshops, or even consider enrolling in a photography course to learn new skills and broaden your artistic horizons.

5. Practice Mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness techniques into your photography routine. Try meditating for as little as ten minutes a day. Slow down, be present in the moment, and appreciate the surrounding beauty. By focusing on the process rather than the outcome, you can rediscover the joy of capturing images and reconnect with your artistic vision.

6. Connect with Others: Engage with other photographers, whether through local meetups, online forums, or social media platforms. Sharing experiences, collaborating on projects, and receiving constructive feedback can reignite your passion and provide a sense of camaraderie.

I’ve experienced burnout several times before, but I can’t remember one lasting as long as this most recent bout. I mean, I couldn’t give a fig about taking another photograph if my life depended on it. I don’t want to experience that again. Taking a break is one thing, but getting to a place of abhorring your chosen craft is unforgivable. If you’ve experienced burnout and an apathetic attitude to your photography, hopefully the tips related in this blog can help get you (and me) out of your funk.