Overcoming Creative Friction: How to Let Go of Control in Your Photography

Wish I didn't know now what I didn't know then...

Against the windA little something against the windI found myself seeking shelter against the wind

 ~ Bob Seger, Against the Wind

There's a frustration among seasoned photographers.  We stumble into it often.  It's a feeling of being stationary, no matter how much we're trying to move forward.  When you're a beginner, there is just so much to learn.  With each press of the camera's shutter, we are able to create something that teaches us and propels us forward in our journey.  But as we press the shutter more and more, we tend to learn less and less.  We become paralyzed by rules, crippled by expectations, powerless to the fear of rejection.  The photographs we once loved to create now feel repetitive and meaningless.  We're so busy trying to create the perfect photograph that our photographs simply lose the perfection of being ours.

Over the years, I have dealt with these feelings in many ways.  I've put my camera down for a bit and pursed other creative hobbies.  I've pushed through, holding on to a glimmer of hope in the future of my photographs but remaining frustrated by the work I am currently creating.  I've poured myself into a workshop, a photography book, or a project that I've left unfinished.  But, finally, I've come to a place in my photography journey where I've discovered the only way that I can cope with this feeling.  I've simply let it go.  I no longer set expectations of myself or my photographs.  I don't force myself into a project because I know I won't complete it.  I don't listen to the voices of doubt and the whispers of rejection because I know that I am not defined by what others think.  I simply find something beautiful, create a photograph of it, and hold it dear to my heart.  I create the rules for my photographs, I determine the correct exposure, the most pleasing composition, and the final vision in processing.  This approach has given me a sense of contentment with my work that was lacking during all those years filled with doubts and frustrations.  There is a freedom in letting go of those rules, expectations, and fears.  It brings back the beginner's mindset, the openness, eagerness, and freedom from preconceptions when creating photographs.  By allowing myself to adopt this mentality, I have found more opportunities, creativity, energy, and enjoyment in photography.

A Mindful Practice for Shifting Your Perspective

When you feel like you are fighting against your environment or your own expectations, try this exercise to lean into the present moment:

• Accept the Elements: If the wind is blowing your tripod or the light isn't doing what you planned, stop trying to force your original idea. Ask yourself: What story is the landscape trying to tell right now, and how can I capture that instead?

• Embrace the Imperfect Frame: Intentionally take five photos that violate standard rules. Shoot directly into the harsh sun, let your shutter drag too long, or compositionally unbalance the frame. Notice how it feels to create without the weight of perfection.

If you are struggling to move past creative friction and want to learn how to shoot with more freedom and intention, I am here to help. Through my Private Mentoring programs, available both online and in person, we work one on one to break through artistic blocks, streamline your workflow, and build a portfolio that carries genuine emotional weight.