When your passion for photography wanes, it’s easy to feel stuck and uninspired. Whether it’s from routine, stress, or even just a lack of direction, finding a way to reconnect with your creativity is essential.
Coming to you from Max Kent, this reflective video shares a personal journey of rediscovering photography after a creative rut. Kent describes how a three-month trip offered the opportunity to approach photography differently. One key takeaway was carrying a camera at all times. Rather than setting out to “do photography,” he integrated it into his daily life, capturing spontaneous, in-between moments. He explains how this shift—keeping a camera in a sling bag for easy access—helped him notice smaller, quieter scenes that might have otherwise gone unnoticed.
Kent emphasizes the importance of intentionality in composition. He discusses how, in the past, he fell into predictable patterns of shooting landmarks and obvious subjects without much thought. On this trip, he committed to being more curious about each scene, asking himself questions like, “What can I frame differently? Is there a reflection or texture I can use?” This mindset led him to explore unconventional angles, details, and storytelling elements that elevated his work beyond typical tourist shots.
Another critical point Kent highlights is balancing proactive and reactive photography. He describes the value of waiting in a location for the right subject or moment to complete a composition, a practice he likens to being proactive. At the same time, staying reactive—ready to capture fleeting moments as they happen—is equally important. By blending these approaches, Kent found himself more attuned to his surroundings, enabling him to anticipate and create stronger images.
To stay focused and inspired, Kent relied on a simple system: a curated album of photographs he admired and notes about his personal style. These reminders served as touchstones during moments of doubt, helping him avoid falling back into uninspired habits. The notes included prompts like “use layers,” “look for out-of-focus elements,” and “show movement with long exposures.” This approach helped him stay grounded in his goals and reminded him of the creative techniques he wanted to refine. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Kent.
