Most people talk about what to do when you have no motivation to create, but today let’s talk about the wonderful times when we are full of motivation.

I have to admit, for me, motivation is like a roller-coaster. One day, I’m wondering, how could I ever get myself to do any photo project in the past and then the next day, I am super excited to shoot something. You know what I mean? It’s super fun and then it’s boring and then it’s fun again. But it’s more fun, when it’s fun!

Currently, I’m on a 8.5/10 when it comes to motivation (Yes, I like putting things on scale from 1-10. Do not judge!). I just started living in another country, where I will be for the next 4-5 months and of course, that comes with a certain level of motivation. New streets, new places, new people. Oh, I’m going to shoot a lot of film.

Quick note: Pictures from this blog are some random frames I like from the past few months.

*Cemetery, Maribor. Nikon F3. Kentmere 400 @1600.*

I am excited about street photography projects, continuing my master’s degree project and some other ideas I’m working on. I feel like doing projects brings me much greater satisfaction then just randomly taking pictures. I have some ideas about doing a zine, because I love creating real things you can touch and not just pictures on the screen. I know a lot of people complain how pictures only stay on the screen, but it’s our fault not printing and giving them more life.

I am lucky enough to have access to a darkroom here. Not only to develop, but also to print some B&W images. That is magic on another level. I am super excited. Maybe another blog post could be about how I am printing B&W images in the darkroom again after quite some time… But let’s get to the subject.

For me, there are different types of motivational boosters. They come in different shapes and forms. Some you can even buy :)

Firstly, there is motivation that comes from gear. It’s very different for different people. Some people might not get motivated by gear at all, some are borderline or overline obsessed with gear and are always searching for the next new camera, lens or accessory that will make their pictures look better. This type of motivation is like a TikTok video. It comes and goes very quickly.

My photography, for example (insert sarcastic voice), would be soooo much better with a new Leica M-A. Only then could I really make good pictures. Oh, and it has to be black for the pictures to be even better… (end of sarcasm). Maybe someday. Not to make my pictures better, but to enjoy the experience of taking pictures even more. Personally, I do get motivated by gear, but for the sake of the experience, not better pictures. :)

I don’t consider myself a gear freak, but I do love my analog cameras and lenses. I am very much into the concept of 1 main camera and 1 lens that become your companions. Over time, you connect and you bond. For a long time, this was my lovely Nikon F3, usually with a Zeiss Planar 50mm or lately Nikkor 35mm f/2, but F3’s electronic shutter is starting to bother me, so I am looking at other options. Lately I was flirting with Leica M cameras. By flirting I mean looking at eBay and then passing out, when I see the prices… But this is a blog about motivation, not about gear… Hmm, maybe I love analog cameras more than I thought. Another blog post idea noted. :)

*Vipava valley. Nikon F3. Kentmere 400. Stitched to panorama in post-production.*

Second type of motivation comes from new environments. That can be a new town, that you just moved to, discovering a new interesting place near your home, a new country, a new city… Because everything is new, it feels like a fresh start, blank canvas. This type of motivation can last longer, especially if you find yourself exploring more and more about the place. It is the environment that boosts your drive to shoot.

Motivation can also come from inspiration. You might see some artwork, visit a museum, have an inspiring talk with a friend, see someone else do something you want to try or simply look through a photo book. Whatever it is, it starts with inspiration. You then start to think: “I want to try that”, “This reminds me of a photo-project I could make”… Then it becomes something bigger. The spark of inspiration grows into motivation.

*Ljubljana. Nikon FM. Kentmere 400 @1600.*

Sometimes I also get motivated to photograph more, when I photograph less. Sometimes I get a bit stuck in photography, so other hobbies might help. Playing chess, sports and riding the motorcycle are a few of the things that sometimes take my mind of photography and relax me just enough so that the wish and urge to take pictures comes back. It’s the distraction that resets your mind.

Another source of motivation might not come from within ourselves, but rather from someone/something else. For example, a compliment on your photography from a person you respect, getting your images accepted to some festival or getting awarded for them at a competition, receiving some academic achievement, etc. All those things can boost your confidence and inspire your creativity, which leads to increased motivation. Though it is temporarily good, it may not last very long, because you will have to find motivation within and here is where the next type of motivation comes in.

My motivation spikes the most when my photography makes the full circle. Let me explain. It happens when I go out shooting and have fun, then after a few days or weeks develop the films and see the work. I am happy I went out and photographed and I get motivated by my own work, if that makes sense. The more I photograph, the more motivated I get. It’s especially motivating, if I like some of the scans or prints I see. Then I get the drive to do even more photos. That’s why, for me, the best motivation comes from within.

That wraps up today’s blog. Do you think I missed some key points when it comes to motivation?

Also I just want to add that I really appreciate each and every one that takes a few minutes of their time in today’s busy world and reads this. :)

I will try to post blogs more often, because writing also inspires me. I know blogs are “out of date”, but at the moment I am not bothered by that too much. Although I am considering what other platforms I could use to talk about photography, cameras, art, creativity… Most would say Instagram. No, thank you. Some say YouTube. I don’t know. Any suggestions? For now, it’s blogs. :)

Motivation overload

8 rolls in 8 days on Tenerife