Sister Theresa taking a shot at Punggol Waterway Park photowalk

Photography enthusiasts, don't throw in the towel until you've read this! Tip number eight has been the key factor in keeping me motivated for over a decade.

Photography can be an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling hobby or profession, but like any pursuit, it can be challenging to stay motivated and inspired. Whether you're struggling with creative block or finding it difficult to make time for photography, there are many ways to stay motivated and keep your passion for photography alive. In this blog, we'll explore some tips and techniques for staying motivated in your photography journey.

1. Set Goals: Setting goals is an excellent way to stay motivated in your photography journey. Whether it's mastering a new technique, exploring a new location, or completing a personal project, having a clear goal in mind can help keep you focused and motivated. Be sure to set realistic goals that are attainable, and break them down into smaller, more manageable tasks.

For instance, if you want to improve your portrait photography, set a goal of mastering a specific lighting setup, and break that down into smaller tasks, such as researching the equipment needed, practicing with the setup, and refining your technique.

2. Join a Community: Joining a community of fellow photographers of diverse skill levels can provide an excellent source of motivation and inspiration. Whether it's a local photography club or an online community, connecting with others who share your passion for photography can help keep you motivated and provide opportunities for feedback, support, and collaboration.

For instance, you might join an online photography forum or Facebook group to connect with other photographers and share your work. You could also attend local photography meetups or workshops to meet other photographers in person and learn new techniques. Strong recommend facebook group : Behind the scenes photography (I simply love this!)

3. Try Something New: Trying something new can be a great way to reignite your passion for photography. Whether it's experimenting with a new genre, trying a new technique, or exploring a new location, stepping outside of your comfort zone can help you stay motivated and inspired.

For instance, if you typically focus on landscape photography, consider trying your hand at wildlife or street photography. These genres will challenge you to think differently about composition, lighting, and subject matter. Alternatively, you might want to experiment with new editing techniques. Perhaps you've never tried black and white photography or a vintage film look. Take some time to research and practice these techniques to expand your skills.

Another way to try something new is to shoot in a different location. Maybe you're used to photographing in a particular park or city, but you've never explored a different neighbourhood or country. Take a trip or visit a new location, and you may find fresh inspiration in your surroundings. Trying a new piece of equipment can also help you stay motivated. Perhaps you've never experimented with a macro lens, or you've never tried shooting with a tripod. Investing in new equipment can open up new creative possibilities and challenge you to approach your photography in new ways. (Before making a big investment in camera gear, it's always a good idea to take a step back and avoid impulsive purchases. Instead, consider renting the equipment first to make sure it's the right fit for your needs and preferences.)

4. Keep Learning: Photography is an ever-evolving art form, and there is always something new to learn. Whether it's mastering a new editing software or learning a new lighting technique, keeping your skills and knowledge up-to-date can help keep you motivated and inspired.

It's important to remember that there is always room for improvement and growth in your craft. The world of photography is constantly evolving, with new technology, techniques, and trends emerging all the time. Keeping up with these changes can help you stay motivated, confident and inspired in your photography journey. One way to continue learning and developing your skills is to take advantage of educational opportunities. Whether it's attending a photography workshop or enrolling in an online course, these experiences can provide valuable knowledge and insights. For example, you might take a course on portrait photography to learn new lighting techniques or attend a workshop on landscape photography to gain new perspectives and inspiration. If you're looking to incorporate storytelling into your photography practice, consider enrolling in my top-rated Udemy course "Digital Storytelling - Creating a Compelling Photo Essay" 

5. Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness can be a powerful tool for staying motivated and present in your photography. By focusing on the present moment and immersing yourself in the experience of photography, you can cultivate a deeper appreciation for the art form and stay motivated to continue exploring and creating.

For instance, you might try incorporating mindfulness into your photography practice by taking a few deep breaths and centering yourself before beginning a shoot. Alternatively, you could take a moment to focus on the textures, colors, and shapes around you, and how they interact with the light and environment. Taking the time to appreciate and observe the world around you can help you to see things in a new light and capture unique and interesting photos.

6. Celebrate Your Progress: Celebrating your progress can be a powerful motivator in your photography journey. Whether it's mastering a new technique or simply getting out and shooting more often, taking time to acknowledge your achievements can help keep you motivated and inspired to continue growing and learning.

As a photographer, it's easy to get caught up in comparing yourself to others and feeling like you're not making progress fast enough. However, it's important to remember that progress is often slow and incremental. Celebrating your progress, no matter how small, can be a powerful motivator to keep you going. One way to celebrate your progress is to create a portfolio of your best work. This can be a physical or digital collection of your favorite images that showcases your skills and growth as a photographer. Taking the time to curate and present your work in this way can help you appreciate how far you've come and inspire you to continue improving.

7. Take a Break: Finally, sometimes the best thing you can do to stay motivated is to take a break. If you're feeling burnt out or overwhelmed, taking time away from photography can help you come back with fresh eyes and renewed creativity.

For instance, you might take a week off from photography to focus on other hobbies or spend time with family and friends or simply take a break from social media and the pressure to constantly produce new content. It's important to listen to your body and mind, and give yourself permission to rest and recharge. When you return to photography, you'll likely feel more energized and excited to explore the world with your camera once again.

8. Taking part in photography competitions: Taking part in photography competitions can be a great way to stay motivated and inspired in your photography journey. Competitions can push you out of your comfort zone and challenge you to improve your skills and creativity. Additionally, competing with other photographers can be a great way to connect with like-minded individuals and gain valuable feedback and critiques on your work. 

One practical way to get involved in photography competitions is to research and sign up for local or online competitions. Look for competitions that align with your interests and style of photography. For example, if you love landscape photography, look for competitions that specifically focus on landscapes. You can also consider joining photography groups or organizations that hold competitions as part of their activities. Once you've found a competition to participate in, make sure to read the rules and guidelines carefully. Pay attention to the submission criteria, deadlines, and any specific requirements for image size or format. Take the time to select your best work and carefully edit and prepare your images for submission.

While it's natural to hope to win a competition, it's important to remember that the true value of participating lies in the experience and feedback you receive. Don't be discouraged if you don't win or place in a competition. Take the opportunity to reflect on your work and the feedback you receive and use it to improve your skills and techniques.

In conclusion, participating in photography competitions can be a fun and rewarding way to stay motivated and inspired in your photography journey. By pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, connecting with other photographers, and receiving valuable feedback on your work, you can continue to grow and improve as a photographer.

Remember, it's not always about achieving perfection or being the best photographer out there. What matters most is that you find joy and fulfilment in the process of creating and capturing the world around you. So go out there, keep shooting, and never stop exploring the endless possibilities of this beautiful art form.

Chin Hock