Do you fuel your fire or let it go out?
Today I went with a friend to shoot the sunrise. I know this lake fairly well and know how few places there are with compelling or even just plain usable foreground elements. It’s always a tough shoot unless you have a lot of time or have scouted beforehand. With my friend’s back being very painful, I knew we couldn’t walk far from the parking lot and I hoped against hope I’d find something, but doubted I would.
What an attitude huh? I’d practically given up before I’d even started. Whatta dope.
It got worse. I actually took the filter holder off my camera and put the whole rig away! I stood around chatting with Denise about how I wasn’t feeling it. She was moving around and trying things. What the hell was I doing? Being an idiot.
So I decided that was stupid and went off hunting. Down by the foundation of an old boathouse I found something…not quite in time for the pre-dawn light, but in time to catch the sun as it crested and lit up the reeds in the foreground. I was thrilled to find that crack in the ice, too. It won’t win any awards, but it isn’t crap either. Finding it made the whole morning worth it and I felt instantly better. Suddenly I was a photographer again.
I’m glad I made the effort. I wasn’t feeling it when I got to the location, but neither was I trying to feel it. I wasn’t fueling my fire, I was letting it die. Some photographer, huh? How many times have you been tempted to give in and stop shooting when you get on location? Do you work your way through it or do you tell yourself you’re being a discerning photographer and not wasting your time? Attitude and expectations are everything on some shoots. Don’t give up. Go hunting. Stay engaged. Look around. Fuel your fire!
I can relate to your situation, happened to me before. I learned to relax, let loose, have no expectation; so that I can let things come to me. Very nice sunset image, congrat.
-Quan.
Extremely well said. Makes me wonder if my “lack of creativity” when we get out together is just me being lazy. Something to think about for sure.
I also think the photo came out very well. I’ll have to get you to show me around for a sunrise one of these days. Before summer gets here and sunrise is just too damn early!
Thanks for letting me camp out in your blog this morning. I enjoyed your work, had a great time, and tried to leave my campsite as clean as when I arrived.
I’m glad you enjoyed it. Come back anytime!