Navigating the Landscape of Creative Burnout

I've been reflecting a lot lately on a feeling that I think many of us creatives experience at one point or another – burnout. As someone who has dedicated his life to the art of film photography, it might seem surprising to hear, but for the past few months, I've been feeling a bit distant from my camera. I still love photography, and I always will. However, recently, I've found it increasingly difficult to muster the energy or find the motivation to go out and shoot.

Burnout is a peculiar phenomenon. It's not that I no longer appreciate the beauty of a well-composed shot or the intricate dance of light and shadow that I can capture on film. It's just that, for a while now, the act of capturing these moments has begun to feel more like a chore than the joy it once was.

From speaking to others in the creative community, I know I'm not alone in these feelings. Burnout seems to be an almost inevitable part of the creative journey. There are highs and lows, peaks and valleys, periods of intense inspiration, and periods of frustrating stagnation.

It's important to remember that it's okay to feel this way. Our society often glorifies constant productivity, but this is neither sustainable nor healthy, especially in creative fields. Creativity isn't a switch that can be flicked on and off at will; it ebbs and flows, much like the tide.

So, what do we do when we hit these periods of burnout? Well, for me, I've found a few strategies that have helped.

First, give yourself permission to rest. It's okay to step away from your camera (or paintbrush, or keyboard) for a bit. Rest and recuperation are not wasted time; they're necessary for long-term creative health.

Second, seek out new sources of inspiration accross different mediums. This can be as simple as exploring a new genre of music or delving into a book on a subject you know nothing about. Often, the best way to reignite your creative spark is to step outside of your usual sources of inspiration.

Finally, remember why you fell in love with your craft in the first place. For me, film photography has always been about capturing the essence of a moment, about finding beauty in the everyday. Whenever I start to feel distant from my work, I try to recall the joy I felt when I developed my first roll of film or the pride I felt when I made my first print.

Burnout may be a common experience, but it doesn't have to be a permanent one. It's a sign that something needs to change, whether that's taking a break, seeking new inspiration, or reevaluating your relationship with your work. Remember, it's okay to take a step back. Your creative spark is not gone; it's just resting. And when it's ready, you'll pick up your camera and capture the world with fresh eyes once again.

Everything you need to get started with 35mm film:

Cameras - eBay

Film - Amazon

Cinestill CS41 Developing Kit - Amazon

Epson V600 Flatbed Scanner - Amazon

*Disclosure: These are affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission.