Overcoming Creative Blocks: When a Brick Wall Becomes Your Masterpiece
Do you ever have those days when the thought of picking up your camera feels like a chore? You know you should go out and shoot, but the inspiration just isn't there. You've been to the same woodlands, seen the same flowers, and the creative spark feels a million miles away. I get it. We've all been there.
For me, those moments are a signal to change my approach. Instead of forcing a grand adventure, I've learned to start small, right in my comfort zone. It’s about building momentum and reconnecting with the simple joy of looking closer.
My Go-To Mantra: 'F/11 and Be There (with flash)'
One of the most powerful things I've learned is to free my mind from the technical stress. When I’m feeling uninspired, I don't want to wrestle with my camera settings. I want to look and see. This is where a personal "go-to" setting becomes your best friend.
Just as documentary photographers have their classic "f/8 and be there" mantra, I have a starting point for my macro work that allows me to focus on composition and light, not on the numbers. I'll typically set my camera to:
ISO 200
Shutter Speed 1/250s
Aperture f/11
Flash in TTL mode with +1 exposure compensation
This isn't a rigid rule, but it’s a robust starting point. It takes away the hesitation and lets me begin shooting immediately. The moment you remove the technical barrier, you free up your brain to be creative.
From the Woodland to a Brick on My Wall
Today, after a tough week at work with multiple projects on the go, I started with my usual routine—slowly surveying the familiar elements of my garden. I felt no connection. But then, as I walked back to the house, something caught my eye: the textured, slightly sparkling lichen-covered surface of a simple brick on my wall. I had walked past it a thousand times, but today, it was a new world.
Since I had already prepped my macro lens and go-to settings indoors, I was ready for the sudden spark of inspiration. I got into position and began shooting immediately. At first, I was at a comfortable 0.5:1 magnification ratio, just exploring the surface. I started to see the colours and tiny details I had never noticed. This was my comfort zone, and it was working.
Pushing Beyond the Uncomfortable
Once I felt the creative flow return, I decided to push it. I got in closer, increasing the magnification to 1.25:1. This is where things get challenging. The depth of field becomes razor-thin, and the slightest movement can ruin a shot. But this is also where the magic happens. By moving into this uncomfortable territory, I was forced to slow down, focus on every tiny adjustment, and truly see the abstract patterns.
I wasn’t worried about the final image. My only goal was to experiment and enjoy the process. The great shots are a bonus, a reward for the effort.
The result? A collection of images that were far more abstract and interesting than the ones I had planned to create. The lesson was clear: it’s the act of showing up and being present that matters. If you don't go and try, you'd never get a result anyway, so just doing it gives you the chance to find something special.
So, the next time you feel stuck, remember this: don’t force a masterpiece. Just start. Find your own "f/11 and be there" settings, look at the world around you, and be open to finding a hidden world in the most unexpected places—even on a simple brick wall.