Staying motivated in photography can be challenging, especially when you hit a creative slump. Without a clear sense of direction or purpose, it’s easy to feel adrift, and that lack of vision can make even picking up your camera feel like a chore. Vision isn’t about gear or technical skills—it’s about having something to strive for, a destination to guide your creative energy.
Coming to you from William Patino, this insightful video explores how a lack of vision can derail your photography and what you can do to get back on track. Patino shares his personal experience of struggling with creative burnout, recognizing that he’d lost sight of his goals. He emphasizes that photography requires effort and dedication, particularly for landscape work, where early mornings, long hikes, and unpredictable weather are common. Without a clear vision, those challenges can feel overwhelming. Patino suggests that identifying what inspires you and setting small, manageable goals can reignite your motivation.
Breaking down your creative journey into smaller steps is one of Patino's main tips. Instead of trying to capture a perfect, portfolio-worthy shot every time, focus on specific aspects of your photography. For example, if you’re not satisfied with your current work, start by improving one area—subject matter, lighting, or composition. If technical aspects like long exposures or processing techniques feel lacking, dedicate time to refining those skills. Alternatively, experiment with themes or styles, such as shooting only black-and-white images or exploring intentional camera movement (ICM). These smaller, focused goals can help you build momentum and keep your creative process fresh.
Patino also highlights the importance of spending time in nature without putting pressure on yourself to produce results. Sometimes, simply being outdoors and observing your surroundings can spark inspiration. He mentions how even moments of aimless wandering—whether on a hike or a boat ride—can help you reconnect with the joy of photography. Nature has a way of presenting unexpected opportunities, and those unplanned moments often lead to some of the most meaningful images. By removing expectations and focusing on the experience, you can let inspiration come to you naturally.
Reflecting on past work is another way to clarify your vision. Looking back at your favorite images can help you identify what resonates with you most and guide what you want to focus on moving forward. This approach shifts the emphasis from creating for the sake of output to pursuing what genuinely excites you about photography and the natural world. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Patino.
And if you really want to dive into landscape photography, check out our latest tutorial, "Photographing the World: Japan II - Discovering Hidden Gems with Elia Locardi!”
