How to Keep Photography Interesting: Tips for Staying Inspired
Photography is a powerful medium to capture the beauty of the world around us, but even the most passionate photographers can hit a creative slump from time to time. Whether it’s the routine of everyday shoots or a lack of fresh inspiration, it’s easy to feel like you’re stuck in a creative rut. If you’re looking for ways to keep your photography exciting and reignite your passion, here are some creative tips that have worked wonders for me. Give them a try, they might just light that spark of creativity you’ve been looking for.
Look for the extraordinary in the ordinary
Shooting in exotic locations or dramatic landscapes often gets all the glory in the world of photography. And, sure, there’s something magical about capturing the grandeur of a stunning view with perfect lighting, it practically feels like nature is handing you a composition on a silver platter. But what about those “boring” places you pass by every day? You know, the ones that don’t seem to scream “photogenic” at first glance? The truth is, if you take a closer look, there’s a lot of beauty to be found in the mundane.
Try challenging yourself to find the extraordinary in the everyday. Maybe it’s the interesting shadow play on a brick wall, a person strolling by in just the right light, or a perfectly coordinated color scheme in your surroundings. Even something as simple as the way the light hits your cup of coffee can lead to a striking image. These little moments, often overlooked, can transform the most ordinary settings into a goldmine of photographic potential.
The composition’s mission
To make your shots more captivating, I rely on what I like to call the "holy trinity" of my compositions. These techniques help transform images from simply being "of something" to "about something," giving them depth and meaning. Here’s how you can use them to elevate your photography:
Reflections are everywhere. Puddles, shop windows, or even car mirrors. They offer a unique way to reimagine your surroundings, whether you’re in the city or wandering through a forest. A reflective surface adds layers to your shot, making it more visually engaging.
For a dynamic twist, I always like to experiment with long exposures. Imagine focusing on a person across a metro platform, manually adjusting your settings to slow down the shutter speed and increase the aperture. The result? A compelling image where your subject is in sharp focus while the blur of a passing train or subway creates an energetic, movement-filled frame.
Foreground Elements: Including foreground in your shots adds depth and intrigue. I’ll admit, I’m a sucker for a good foreground. Take this image I captured of a boat on Lago di Braies, for instance. Without the branches in the frame, it would simply be a shot of the boat on the lake. Pleasant, sure, but perhaps a bit flat. By incorporating the branches in the foreground, the composition becomes far more engaging. The added depth draws the viewer's eye into the scene, creating a layered and dynamic visual that transforms a simple photo into something much more captivating.
Less is more: limit your gear
Sometimes, having too many options can completely stifle creativity. I should know, I’m that person who tends to lug every single piece of gear I own to a shoot, a trip, or even a casual photowalk, just in case I might need the perfect focal length for that one magical shot. That perfect shot almost never happens.
Instead, what does happen is that I spend the first 15 minutes feeling like a pack mule and the next hour regretting my life choices as my back starts screaming at me. And let’s not forget the absolute circus act of constantly swapping lenses mid-shoot. By the time I’ve fiddled with my camera bag, found the lens I want, swapped it out, and adjusted my settings, the moment I wanted to capture has long since vanished.
Whether it’s a fleeting expression, a burst of golden-hour light, or a pigeon doing something weirdly photogenic, the best compositions often last just a blink. The irony is that the weight of all that gear isn’t just physical, it’s mental, too. Having too many choices can slow you down and distract you from the real magic of photography: being present, observing, and reacting to what’s happening around you.
One way to combat this is by limiting yourself to a single lens. Go out with just one focal length, whether it’s a 50mm prime, a wide-angle, or even a telephoto and see how it changes your perspective.
By restricting yourself, you’ll learn to truly work with what you have, framing shots differently, exploring new angles, and even physically moving around more to get that perfect composition. It’s not just a great creative exercise but also an opportunity to refine your skills, as it helps you notice details you might have overlooked when relying on the convenience of a zoom lens. The beauty of this constraint is that it often leads to more thoughtful and deliberate shots, ones that feel intentional rather than incidental.
Inspired by this mindset, I’ve decided to embrace this approach more often. Recently, I took a look at the metadata of photos from many of my photowalks over the years. To my surprise, I realized that I shoot predominantly at either 35mm or 135mm. So why am I carrying so much gear when I clearly gravitate toward these focal lengths?
Now, I’ll admit, I’m not the best at following my own advice, my camera bag has a way of filling up with "just in case"-gear. But for the sake of traveling light and not feeling like a walking camera store, I’m committing to simplifying my setup. Whether it’s a hike, a city stroll, or a casual shoot, I’ll attempt to restrict myself to fewer lenses.
Let the adventure be spontaneous
At times, a change of scenery is exactly what you need to spark creativity. Of course, I’m not saying you need to plan an elaborate trip to faraway places. It can be as simple as hopping in the car, taking a random train, or just wandering aimlessly on foot with no particular destination in mind. The point is to explore. I know I mentioned earlier that photographing the mundane can lead to striking compositions and I still stand by that, but sometimes, your local park bench, forest or the corner café just aren’t cutting it anymore.
That’s when it’s time to step out of your geographical comfort zone and discover new places. Whether it’s an urban scene you didn’t know existed, a charming countryside nook, or even an unexpected interaction between people and places, the act of exploring can refresh your perspective and lead to shots you wouldn’t otherwise might have missed.
Make old school a new rule
If you're feeling stuck with digital, why not take a trip down memory lane and go old school for a bit? Film photography forces you to slow down and be more intentional with every shot. With a limited number of exposures on a roll, you’re practically forced to take your time, carefully compose your frame, and think about each image before clicking the shutter. Gone are the days of rapid-fire bursts and hoping one of them works. And let me tell you, I am one of those run-and-gun photographers at times.
Not only will shooting film give you a refreshing challenge, but it also brings a whole different aesthetic to your work. The grain, the colors, the tonal ranges, film has this beautiful, organic quality that digital just can’t replicate. And let's not forget the best part: the excitement of waiting to develop the film and seeing how the photos turned out. It brings back that same sense of wonder and anticipation you might have had when you first picked up a camera.
Now, full disclosure: I’m still a newbie in the world of film photography. About a year and a half ago, my friend and colleague, Bruno van de Voorde (@vdvisuals, definitely check him out on instagram), finally convinced me to dust off an old film camera my grandfather gave me. And let me tell you, it’s been a game-changer. Since then, I’ve taken this trusty Canon AE-1 with me on countless trips and shoots, and I’ll definitely be continuing the journey with it. Who knew going backward could actually push me forward in my photography?
42nd Street Subway Station, New York City
Lower East Side, Manhattan, New York City