The problem with photography (or really, any creative pursuit) is that you can have all the variables in place and have prepared yourself as well as possible, only to feel the creativity drift away from you like some nebulous cloud you grasp at only to watch your hand pass right through it. This video examines the idea of when it's time to take a break.
Coming to you from Thomas Heaton, this helpful video follows him as he deals with a day when he just can't seem to accomplish what he wants. Photography, like most anything else, rewards persistence, but of course, there's a difference between fruitful persistence and simply frustrating yourself; the trouble, of course, lies in having a feel for when you've crossed that line and when you need to give your mind and body a rest so you can try again with renewed vigor. That line differs for us all, but I think it's important to know for ourselves where it is. As Heaton points out, creating images is very much an experience, and our enjoyment of any such thing has intimate ties to our ability to create within that moment. Be sure to take care of that part of yourself just like you would take care of your equipment. As you can see in the video, it'll reward you when you try again.
Hi Alex, I am always fascinated with the British attitude especially when they start using words like "horrendous" and we not taking about non stop 100 mph wind here. Slightest change in the normal weather pattern is enough to turn them into depressive soles. And this include two weeks of fine weather. Cannot cope with that either. The Australians call them "Whinging Pomps".
The locals describe each other as "misery guts".
I'm a Brit, and you're completely right. We love moaning about the weather. We also love using overly descriptive words to get otherwise mundane points across. By using "horrendous", what he's actually saying is "its far from ideal".
Hi Stephen, Nice to meet you. I used to work in the UK for many years and it wasn't until I joined local government in the early 1990's that I became acquitted with word horrendous to describe minor event. For me, the word horrendous refers to life changing events such as a serious car accident or someone jumping in front of a high speed train. Just putting words into context.
All the best
Elan
I had an horrendous curry last night. I won't be returning to that Indian again.
Good for u.....i won't either....old joke mate, ...not enough creative juice in it.
Hi Elan, a pleasure! Well, for really serious occurrences, we'd just use the prefix "absolutely" - absolutely horrendous :oD
Having lived in the US for the last few years, it's taken me a while to tune in to American phrasings. Though I remain adamant that I understand Americans better than they understand me :oD
Absolutely......well the weather here is no where near horrendous, even with it's daily occurrence of tropical thunder storm.