Getting out of a creative rut | Tips for getting out of it — Your Choice Photography

For the first time in over 15 years I found myself in a major creative rut and I didn’t know what to do. I kept forcing myself to post on social media and come up with ideas, but the more I tried to force it the worse it got. Every task became daunting and tiring, all I wanted to do was shoot yet it felt like a chore. I had to do something but I didn’t know what, so I focused on what I did know and could do and stopped looking at what I could not.

#1 | Social Clear Out

I don’t know about you but a couple of wrong clicks can have you down a negative black hole. So, I updated my social media feeds for a more positive vibe. I unfollowed accounts I no longer resonated with or that didn’t inspire and followed new ones that did. Photographers I love, small businesses I support, fitness women that make me feel badass, musicians, artists …the list goes on.

#2 | Social Media Switch Off

No, I didn’t announce it and yes, I thought the algorithm was going to punish me. BUT, by removing the pressure of what to do and when ... even for just a couple of days, gave my mind time to breathe. Whether you take 2 weeks off and announce it or just don’t scroll for a few days…it feels nice to switch off. The more frequently you do it, the less worried about it you become.

#3 | Book Onto A Workshop or Shoot Day

If you’re block is about what to shoot or the pressure of hosting your own, then remove it and go to someone else’s. I’ve hosted shoot days & workshops for years and you are responsible for everything! Give yourself a break, find something you like the style of, if you’re able to financially, book on it! I found The Harrogate Studio during my Social Clear Out and booked onto their Spring Fantasy Shoot Day. My only goal was to shoot, if I liked any of it - it was a bonus. Some of those images are now marked for print and will be displayed proudly in my home.

#4 | Find What Sparks Joy

…and if you know me, you know it is going Marie Kondo on the folding and sorting! Genuinely, find the bits you love most and do more of it, they’ll create excitement and help re-energise momentum. If you know what sparks your joy and you don’t know where to find it, ask! The internet can be a wonderful place.

#5 | Take A Break

I gave myself 2 weeks to work on me without pressure. I took annual leave, went to gym when I wanted, ate when I wanted, slept as long as my body needed, started journaling again, took it easy on myself, gave myself time to let things settle and get clarity….which led me onto #6

#6 | Have A Mentoring Session

I’m a huge believer when it comes to learning something, of finding someone who does it how you love and learn from them! You can do it online for free or, if feasible, book a mentoring session or class. My 2 weeks off gave me time realise what was bogging me down and so I dove in and booked the call with one of my faves, Gabriela Photography & Film. I came out of the session with a plan, new tools to try and new ways to do things I’d not thought of before…because when you’re running your own business you usually only have you!

…ease back into it!

This goes without saying, you’ll probably be raring to go but diving in head first will likely give you overwhelm. Spend the time you need planning and structuring what is next…for me, I decided on the quantity of times I would post, got back into blogging after updating my internet and got back into planning and prep!

Here are a few of the images from the workshop I attended, just 3 of 10+ set ups I photographed that day.