Breaking Free from Photography Ruts: A Mother’s Journey Through the Lens - Hello Olivia Photography

Hey there, fellow photo enthusiasts! 📸✨

If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in a photography rut, you're definitely not alone. As a mom of two incredibly photogenic girls that ironically also HATE having their photos taken, I’ve had my fair share of camera-wielding highs and lows. Every day I snap away, capturing everything from dirty faces to messy hairdos, but sometimes even the most enthusiastic photographer can hit a creative wall. If you’re in the same boat, let me share how I’m working through this… because this current one is ROUGH.

1. Change Your Perspective (Literally!)

When you’re taking the same types of shots day in and day out, it’s easy to fall into a predictable pattern - and that gets boring quick.. To shake things up, try changing your perspective. If you usually shoot from eye level, get down low or climb up high for a fresh angle. I’ve found that photographing my girls from their eye level or even below can turn the mundane into the magical. Just watch out for curious little hands wanting to investigate your camera!

2. Embrace the Imperfections

Perfection is way overrated! Sometimes the best shots come from those spontaneous, imperfect moments. I’ve learned to embrace the messy hair, the food-stained shirts, and the “I’m done” faces that my girls throw at me. These imperfect moments often capture the truest essence of who they are (and make hysterical photos for later). And trust me, those are the photos you’ll treasure the most!

3. Incorporate a New Theme

Creating a photo challenge or theme can be a fantastic way to reignite your creativity. For example, dedicate a week to only using low light or shooting in full sun with your family. Or, make a fun project of photographing a day in their life, or an hour by hour project. Themes get you thinking and and give you a massive boost of creativity and keep things exciting.

4. Experiment with New Techniques

Sometimes, all it takes is a little experimentation to reignite your passion. Try shooting in black and white, playing with unusual angles, or using different editing styles. I usually break out my lensbaby lens and frustrate myself with that to get inspired.

5. Get Inspired by Others

Sometimes, the best way to get out of a rut is to look at the work of other photographers. I love scrolling through Instagram, Pinterest, or photography blogs to gather inspiration. Seeing how others capture everyday moments can spark new ideas and remind you why you fell in love with photography in the first place. However, there is a caveat to this. If you find yourself looking at other peoples work makes you feel like crap about your own - you need to step away and go IMMEDIATELY to step 6.

6. Take a Break (Yes, Really!)

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or uninspired, it’s okay to take a step back. Sometimes, giving yourself a break from photography can be just what you need to recharge your creative batteries. In my case, I ended up dumping social media completely and I don’t think I’ll ever go back. So go enjoy your life without a camera in hand, and you might find that when you pick it up again, you’ll see things with fresh eyes.

7. Involve Your Subjects

Turn the tables and let your kids become the photographers for a day. Give them a camera (even a toy one) and let them take the lead, or have them direct what you photograph. Not only will this be a fun bonding experience, but it will also offer you a new perspective on how they see the world.

8. Celebrate Small Wins

Every little photo project or creative experiment is a victory. Don’t be too hard on yourself if every shot isn’t a masterpiece. Celebrate the small wins and enjoy the process. After all, photography is as much about the journey as it is about the destination.

So, fellow photographers and parents, next time you find yourself in a rut, remember these tips and give them a try. Photography is a beautiful journey, and sometimes the detours can lead to the most incredible discoveries. Keep snapping, stay inspired, and most importantly, have fun!

Happy shooting, everyone! 📷💕

I’d love to hear how you get out of your photography ruts! Share your tips and stories in the comments below. Let’s keep the creativity flowing together!