Hitting a brick wall

Projects. And simplicity.

First simplicity. Try using just one lens for a trip out. Leave all the choice at home and just make do and then try to use every possible facet of that lens. If it is the 18-55mm, for example, make sure you use all focal lengths, all possible distances including close focusing, all possible aperture effects.

Second a project. Go out with an objective. Let's say you decide to go and photograph post boxes. You'll soon discover that there are many, many types of post box, some quite ornate. Take really good images of every type you can find. Put them on ePHOTOzine as a set, even make a Blurb book....and so on.

Well Charlotte I have just had a look at your Flickr stream and you have some beautiufl macro images. I see the majority of your shot;s are macro and insect related, Maybe this is where the problem is. Choose another genre, portraits of family and friends ect. Friends animals and pets. You also have a couple of very nice landscape shot's, have left a comment and added you as a friend. Have a stroll around your town/city and have a go agt architecture. Now the dark nights are here, it opens up some opportunities for low light work, traffic trails ect. Bonfire night is upon us and it's the ideal time for firework shots. Tripod and cable release are needed, but it is really easy. Our bonfire usually has a fairground near it and you can get some lovely abstract shots from there.

One of the rides from a few years ago.




fairground ride by SFB579, on Flickr

Charlotte, I've admired several of your shots in the Gallery: you clearly have talent.

John's suggestion of limiting yourself to one lens, preferably a prime lens is a good one. This need not be expensive if you're prepared to use old manual-focus K-mount lenses which are still relatively inexpensive if bought off e-bay.

Then just "stand in front of more interesting things" as the saying goes. You need to get out and about away from your blooms and bugs, not necessarily to classically beautiful places, run-down inner-city areas can be inspirational. Find a willing friend and offer to take their picture; browse through photographic magazines (often maligned on this forum but I've found them to be a source of good ideas); enter the competitions on this site.

Snappychappy's suggestion of getting out of your comfort zone has to be a good idea. If you stick with one genre you'll get quite skilled at it,but you'll also end up in a rut (and I should know!)

The great thing about digital is that the bit between buying the gear and printing is, essentially, free, so you can afford to experiment.

What ever you do, post the results on these pages so that we can see what you've come up with.

Winter blues? The best time of the year for landscapes has only just begun.

Try and get down to the Creuse - it looks fabulous at the moment but the displays of colour will probably be gone on a few days, if it carries on this windy it may not survive the weekend.

How about a trip to the cemeteries? Good photo opps there for a few more days.

Macro is more difficult now so explore a few different things to find out what you like.

There are certainly no shortage of photo opportunities where you are.

My recipe for a nice shot of the river at the moment: Gloomy day, bit of foreground rock, bit of river, backdrop of trees, no sky, tripod, slow shutter speed. Guaranteed success or your money back.

Shoot people, there are infinite possibilities, and you won't get fed up!

Although I would say that