Photography can be a rewarding and creative pursuit, but even the most passionate enthusiasts face moments of doubt or disinterest. Addressing this common challenge, one photographer shares personal insights on how to navigate these periods and rediscover excitement in your creative process. His strategies range from shifting perspectives to embracing new tools and projects.
Coming to you from Kyle McDougall, this thoughtful video begins by exploring the idea of changing your approach or purpose in your work. McDougall reflects on how he once focused on visually engaging subjects like light, shadows, and textures but later found that approach unfulfilling. Today, his projects are centered around documenting stories or historical elements, which gives his work meaning and direction. He acknowledges the fear of change but suggests that experimenting with new styles, subjects, or approaches can be liberating and spark creativity. Whether it’s embracing a documentary-style project or simply shaking up your routine, change could be the antidote to feeling stuck.
McDougall also highlights the benefits of tackling a photo project tied to a specific story or historical narrative. Using his project “Slate City,” inspired by the history of North Wales, as an example, he describes how diving into a region's past can shift your perspective and enrich your work. By photographing quarries, chapels, and even WWII bomb storage sites, McDougall demonstrates how focusing on a single theme can open up endless possibilities. His approach also emphasizes the importance of learning about a subject, as it alters how you see and interpret your surroundings. Projects like these can offer clarity, structure, and a deeper connection to your work.
Expanding on this, McDougall encourages embracing tools and techniques that suit your vision rather than adhering to conventions. In the video, he recounts using both a 6x7 film camera and a DJI drone for different aspects of his documentary work. The drone provided a subtle perspective change that enhanced the narrative quality of his images. His advice: experiment with tools that might initially feel unconventional or outside your comfort zone, as they could offer fresh perspectives and unexpected results.
For those seeking more manageable goals, McDougall discusses the idea of “micro projects.” These smaller-scale endeavors, focusing on 15-20 images, allow you to complete and share work in a shorter timeframe. He references “Arcade Carpets” by Rob Ball, a typology project documenting carpet patterns in British seaside arcades. Projects like these can provide creative fulfillment without the commitment of years-long undertakings, offering an opportunity to balance larger projects with smaller, more immediate works. Check out the video above for the full rundown from McDougall.
