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If you’re lacking the motivation and inspiration to get out there and shoot, take comfort in the knowledge that artists of all persuasions find themselves in a creative funk now and then. A little reflection upon what you want from your photography might be the first step towards fixing the problem.

Have you ever had that experience where you head out with your camera all eager and ready to shoot some MoMA-worthy masterworks, only to find that every scene you frame in your viewfinder looks kind of “meh” and uninspiring? 

This is a rhetorical question, of course. Every photographer has had this experience — in fact, anyone who regularly engages in a creative pursuit has had this experience.

The reasons often proposed for being creatively blocked are myriad — lack of inspiration, distraction, overthinking it, fear of being judged etc. etc. etc. And along with all of the well-meaning advice about the causes of this paralysis comes a wealth of proposed “fixes” from which you can choose your own poison to suit your particular creative malaise.

In this thoughtful video from Tatiana Hopper, she describes having this very experience on a trip to Italy — a trip that she had imagined was going to be rich with amazing photographic opportunities and memorable images. Once she was there, however, and raising the camera to her eye, she was surprised to find herself quite unmotivated and uninspired by what she was seeing in her viewfinder.

Instead of just ignoring this sentiment and pushing through it to keep shooting – per the kind of “get back on the horse” advice that is often prescribed for creative block — Tatiana chose to reflect upon how she came to find herself in this state of mind. In the process of asking herself a set of honest questions about how she was choosing the subjects to shoot and what it was that she hoped to get out of her photography, she was able to forge a new perspective and draw fresh inspiration.

It’s clear that there is no “one size fits all” solution to this kind of creative block, despite the wealth of well-meaning advice on the subject. What Tatiana’s experience shows us however, is that when it comes to our photography, as much as we might be working to perfect our craft, we are also always working on ourselves.

As a photographer, you’re constantly seeking inspiration and exploring new ways to express your vision. Sometimes, the most impactful projects come from unexpected sources, challenging conventional ideas about what makes a compelling subject. This fantastic video explores two such projects that showcase the power of photography to elevate the ordinary and shed light on often-overlooked aspects of our world. 

Coming to you from Ted Forbes with The Art of Photography, this insightful video explores the work of two photographers. Forbes shares his thoughts on why these projects are so significant and offers valuable insights into the photographers’ approaches. He highlights the importance of subject matter, printing processes, and layout in creating a cohesive and impactful body of work. 

The first project, “Russian Soul” by Alain C.J. de Lotbinière, is a photographic essay documenting the spiritual side of the Russian people through their deep connection to Orthodox Christianity. Lotbinière’s black and white images capture the exquisite architecture of churches and monasteries, as well as the individuals who practice these traditions. Forbes praises Lotbinière’s ability to maintain a consistent aesthetic across diverse subjects, creating a unified and powerful narrative. He also emphasizes the importance of high-quality printing, particularly for black and white photography, and the effectiveness of Lotbinière’s minimalist layout that allows the images to speak for themselves. 

The second project features four zines by Bernd Mayer, focusing on often-ignored subjects like garbage collection and marginalized communities. Mayer’s work dignifies these subjects with a sense of respect and beauty, reminding us that compelling stories can be found in the most unexpected places. Forbes commends Mayer’s ability to elevate the mundane and give a voice to those who are often unseen. He reads excerpts from Mayer’s zines, which offer further context and insights into the lives of the people he photographs. 

Forbes concludes the video by discussing his own exploration of Japanese photography, highlighting the work of Jun Miki and his book “Samba Samba.” This personal project showcases Miki’s diverse talents, from architectural studies and portraits to vibrant depictions of Brazilian culture and Carnival celebrations. Forbes encourages viewers to explore photography from different cultures and historical periods, expanding their understanding of the medium and discovering new sources of inspiration. Check out the video above for the full rundown.