Taking photos is supposed to be fun, but sometimes it starts to feel a bit… flat. You end up taking the same kinds of pictures, in the same places, and it all starts to feel more like a chore than a hobby. If that sounds familiar, it might be time to mix things up a bit. You don’t need fancy equipment or hours to spare. All you need is a few tweaks to your usual routine that can help bring the fun back. Here’s what’s worked for me.
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Try shooting with something different
If you always reach for your phone or the same camera, try switching it up. Maybe borrow an instant camera or see if you can get your hands on a film one. Shooting on film forces you to slow down a bit, which can actually make it more fun. You’re not glued to the screen checking every photo anymore, you just shoot and hope for the best. And when you send them off for 35mm film processing, getting those prints back feels like opening a surprise package. It’s less about perfection and more about enjoying the moment.
Stop worrying if your photos are “good”
Not every photo has to be perfect. Some of my favourites are a bit blurry or crooked or taken at totally the wrong time. But they remind me of something, and that’s what matters. If you’re always trying to get the perfect lighting or composition, you’ll end up drained. Try taking photos just because something made you laugh or caught your eye. No pressure. Just click and keep going.
Go for a walk and take your camera with you
You don’t need to head to a fancy spot. Just go for a walk around your local area with your camera or phone and keep your eyes open. Look for small details — weird windows, cool textures, a cat on a windowsill. Some of the best photos come from the places you pass every day without even noticing. If you’ve got a friend who’s into photography too, go together and compare shots after.
Set yourself a random mini challenge
Feeling stuck? Give yourself a word for the day and try to take five photos that match it. Could be anything like “quiet,” “green,” “chaos.” You can take it literally or do your own thing. It just gives you a bit of a nudge to see things differently. You could even do an A to Z photo challenge and do one letter a day. It sounds silly, but it really helps shake off that creative rut.
Print your photos and actually use them
Most of us take hundreds of photos and never look at them again. Try printing a few out. Stick them on your wall, keep them in a little box, or put together a photo album. You could even make little cards or gifts with them. There’s something about holding a photo in your hands that makes it feel more real and way more satisfying than just scrolling through your camera roll.
