Need to get my mojo back!

Any ideas

Hi, I've not been on here for what seems like forever, but I'm hoping to be back soon as but I feel I need your help

I'm itching to get out and take some more photos, so that's good in itself, but I'm not happy with my camera (Nikon D40) or lens anymore, and can't afford to upgrade, but having said that, I'm blaming the camera for the idiot using it

To start with I couldn't get out and about because of health problems, and my camera was put in it's case and forgotten about, but now, on the whole I feel lots better, depending on the day, and feel I can start to get out and about, but I've forgotten everything I almost knew, and I'm so frustrated at not getting even a half decent shot, I did take a few of my dog in the river the other day, which were ok-ish, but all I did was stick the camera in sport mode and hold my finger down on the button, which is ok, but there's so much more I want to do.

Please, someone give me the kick up the rear I need

Hi Christine, nice to see you

We all have off periods so I wouldn't worry too much about it... one of the best ways to get back into it all is by finding something, or setting yourself a topic, that you would like to take photos of. Or, if you're anything like me, get some new kit to play with

Re the D40, it's only real weakness is it's not amazing in low-light, so have you thought about getting a good flash, and maybe doing a make-shift home studio to take pics of your dog?

Or how about finding a photo you really really like, then trying to go out and reproduce something very similar?

I have 3 hobbies: photography, motorcycle touring & computers. Normally these three interests go well together, however, I live in the Pacific Northwestern part of the United States where it rains 8 months of the year. I get a serious case of "cabin fever" since I live in a 182 square foot studio apartment. I'm dying to get out, ride, and shoot photos. My savior is the third hobby, computers. I signed up for training courses with Kelby. It's a flat yearly fee that gets me access to photography & software lessons. I fill the time indoors by learning more about mycraft. I can practice Photoshop techniques on older saved RAW files to better my post processing.

My suggestion would be to give study a try. There are loads of free resourses online to keep you occupied until your health, wealth or weather improves. As far as the camera, I started with a D40X. I'm certain you haven't exhausted the limits of that camera yet. Go on photo safaris to your local shopping place, Do macro work on veggies or flowers found in stores. If you have a shopping mall close by pick a spot on a bench and capture passers by or architectural features of the shopping center. It's all photography & you'll become a better photographer with practice, practice, practice.

How about starting a project.
I'm doing a 365 project (which might be a bit intensive) which is pushing me to take photos everyday.
Maybe you could have a photo week where you document your week through photos.
Or go on a photo walk once a week and make a storyboard of your favourite photos from the walk.

I know what you mean. I only joined YoP recently and my work has been so busy that I haven't had the time or energy recently to get out and about. I did manage to find a local course which I started a few weeks ago and the enthusiasm of everyone is great. Its just 2 hours on a Thursday evening but I really look forward to it. So I can only agree with all of the above comments. Make time and get out there with your camera.

-Hayley

Thank you all for taking the time to reply to my plea

I now I haven't even begun to find out what my camera can or can't do, but this morning I've dug out my little note book and have been having a good old read up of what settings are best for what, and even some of the simpler things like, what the heck is ISO and where do I find it, and how do I do partial metering when the only settings I can find are 'Matrix, Centre weighted, and Spot' well I did say I'd forgotten all I didn't know but I'm determined to find out

I know part of my problem is getting out and about, to go anywhere I need to take the car, as I can't do the walking, and I use the excuse that the parking round here is a nightmare, and even with my Disabled badge, it means that I can only park outside for a maximum of 3 hours before I have to move the car, and if there are still no parking spaces, I'd have to park in the car park round the back which is a good 5 minutes walk for me, and really at the end of being out for a while is quite exhausting and painful

Writing all this down makes me realize just how many excuses I've been making for not doing anything and what a rut I'm in, and I must do something about it

I think I'll set myself little targets, try to learn and conquer something new, maybe not every week, but every couple of weeks or so and see how I go

Thanks for listening to the rumblings of a cranky old (ish ) bat

We have been considering doing little learn together projects here on YoP which will be perfect for you.
In the meantime, post your questions and I'm sure we can help.

Hello Christine xxxxx

Sorry, you have been unwell hun.

if you have limited mobility at the moment, I think doing some still life's, or garden shots, is the best way to get you practising again. Or, shots of Jack Basically just say to yourself I am going to use it for 10 minutes each day, photographing something, anything.

Lovely, to have you back XXXXX

I know the feeling, I've just come out of a long stint in hospital, and thought I'd be OK to use the camera, but have been told that's not the case for a few more weeks yet as the equipment I mostly use is too heavy I'm gutted... I hardly ever come on YOP at the moment, because it just really makes me unhappy knowing that I can't contribute in any meaningful way, I've totally lost my mojo, as you say - and added to that, other people's stuff is making me jealous too (I never did do well at being ill - this just feels like insult to injury!).

It will get better over time, regardless of equipment I'm sure ((((((((hug))))))))) I think the others have offered good advice, but I just wanted to add my support - and say, you're not alone

xx

http://www.nikondigitutor.com/eng/d40/index.shtml

This link should be of great help then, open menu on the side.

Bazza