Snap the Day, Keep Stress Away
Why shooting Just for Yourself Matters
What to photograph when you’re on the edge – on burnout, creativity, and personal projects that keep us going.
In the photography world – just like in many other creative professions – there comes a time when you’re simply tired. Sometimes even burned out. The work you once loved starts to feel heavy. Your creativity fades, and instead of new ideas, your mind is filled with… nothing. And yet – your clients are waiting. They’re counting on your energy, your vision, and that “wow” factor that draws eyes to their images. But inside, you feel like something has gone quiet.
The hardest part? Comparison. You scroll through social media, look at what your fellow photographers are doing, and think: “Their work is so much better. They’re constantly creating. And me? I can’t even bring myself to pick up the camera.” You start doubting your style, your ideas – even yourself. And that’s when the downward spiral begins.
I’ve been there. I still have moments like that – but far less often now. Because I’m learning to be kinder to myself. I remind myself: “This will pass. Look how far you’ve come. You’re good at what you do.” I’ve stopped beating myself up and started patting myself on the back. Because the truth is – you can’t be inspired 24/7, and that’s perfectly okay.
“Burnout isn’t a sign of weakness – it’s a sign that you’ve been strong for too long.”
When burnout hits, I either give myself a short break from the camera (if I can afford one). And when I’m ready, I go back to shooting – but only for myself. No clients, no pressure, no expectations. Just me, my camera, and the world around me 🙂
You don’t need an audience to create beauty. You just need to see it!
That’s the thing: personal projects save me. Nature saves me. The quietness, the softness, the slow pace. It reminds me that creativity doesn’t live in pressure or perfection. It lives in curiosity. In paying attention. In shooting not for money or praise – but for meaning.
I love taking my camera outdoors. I have hundreds of photos of flowers, trees, wild horses – many of them imperfect, but a few I absolutely adore. That moment when I sit at my computer, start browsing through the shots… and suddenly, one stands out. That’s my little “wow.” And that “wow” is for me alone. I love editing those shots, testing new presets, making them look beautiful and slightly artistic. I follow my heart.
It gives me freedom. No deadlines, no feedback, no stress. Just quiet observation. Photography that soothes my mind. Nature calms me down, sparks inspiration, and brings me back to creativity. That’s my way of resetting. That’s my way back to myself.
We don’t talk about burnout enough in creative work. About how hard it is to feel uninspired when inspiration is literally your job. But if you’re in that space now – if you’re tired, uninspired, doubting yourself – you’re not alone. Burnout can happen to anyone, no matter how long we’ve been photographers. It can strike at any stage.
“You’re still an artist – even when you’re resting.”
So take the pressure off.
Go outside. Photograph a leaf. A window. A cloud.
Make something just for you. Even if no one ever sees it.
We all have different ways of dealing with burnout. I’ve found mine – shooting for no one but me. Tiny personal projects that remind me why I fell in love with photography in the first place.
The most important thing is to be kind to yourself, believe in your worth, and let the moment pass.
I’d love to hear your story – what’s your way back when burnout shows up? What helps you breathe again?
Thank you for joining me today. See you next time with more to share! 🕊
