Getting Back in the Creative Zone for 2025
In 2024, I lost my creative flow. I was still taking pictures, but the creativity wasn’t there. Some people might say they didn’t notice any difference in my work, but I knew deep down that I wasn’t putting creative thought into it. Let me explain.
Over the years, I’ve developed what I call my "routine shots"—images that I’ve mastered throughout my professional career. These are my go-to shots, the ones I can take with confidence and precision. But they weren’t pushing my creative process. And isn’t that why most of us get into photography in the first place? To be creative?
At the start of 2024, I posted a video about feeling creatively burnt out. A big part of that burnout stemmed from a dwindling clientele and the creative people around me dropping out—wardrobe stylists, makeup artists, hairstylists, and more. Chasing new leads for clients and creative collaborators became exhausting.
The Plan for 2025
So what’s different this year? I’m going back to the basics. I’m starting over. I’m picking up my camera without the pressure of capturing the "hero shot." Instead, I’m just shooting for the love of it, without worrying about how good the shot is. Interestingly, 75% of my work has never been posted on my website or social media, so I have a lot of unseen content.
One of my biggest passions in photography is car photography. It’s something I truly love. This year, I plan to focus on that passion—asking people if I can shoot their cars, attending automotive shows, and just taking photos for the joy of it, without the expectation of making money from it. I want to rediscover the pure excitement of capturing beautiful machines and the art of automotive photography.
The Challenges in the Industry
Photography as an industry is evolving. With smartphones improving in quality and AI-assisted editing becoming more accessible, clients and models are turning away from traditional photographers. High prices, long return times, and unprofessional behavior from some in the industry have also contributed to this shift. However, I believe that true artistry and craftsmanship will always hold value, and I’m committed to setting myself apart through creativity and professionalism.
But staying creative is the key to my return. Photography is what I love, and I refuse to let external challenges take that passion away from me.
Reviving My Magazine
Another major change is my approach to my magazine. Last year, I shut down the website because I hadn’t published a magazine since 2020, and it felt like I was wasting money on it. Sure, I could have just placed images into a magazine layout and called it a day, but I wanted something more than a lookbook.
Many magazines ask photographers to submit images, but most of them are just collections of random photos with a basic content page. That’s not what I envisioned for my magazine. I want it to have real content—articles about the shoots, insights from the people involved, and stories that make the individuals in the magazine feel like they are truly being featured. I want to bring back the storytelling aspect of photography, where each shoot has a narrative and meaning. I could go on and on about this topic, and maybe I will—in a video.
Looking Ahead
Overall, I have a plan in place, and I’m excited about what’s to come. I appreciate everyone who continues to support me on this journey. Here’s to rediscovering creativity in 2025!
