Losing interest. Please help

[Aaron801]

Since when are cameras and lenses and all the other photo gear just "TOYS"? Hmmm?

That's what I call all of that stuff too: toys! If you aren't using them for your livelihood, that's pretty much their function...

So... you don't make a buck with your toys and you don't take photography seriously. You got 3 likes for your reply.

Not sure what point your making here, but I take photography pretty seriously (it's more of a passion for me than something that I'd just call a "hobby") and I have occasionally made a bit of money with it... but my gear is to me, what I call "toys." Toys that I cherish and that are important to me but toys nonetheless...

"A bit of money" you say you've made with camera gear. How so?

Honestly... not very much. I might like to get more "on assignment" type gigs, but for my own personal stuff, I don't mind not selling it (I haven't really tried) as I produce that stuff purely for my own amusement, not for an audience... and this is really almost all of the photography that I do.

Personally, I've sold thousands of images made with my 'toys'.

If you're making good money with your photo gear, I'd say that you have the right to call them either "toys," or "tools." In my case, I don't really give myself the permission to call the photo gear that I own anything more than "toys."

 

[ultimitsu]

Since when are cameras and lenses and all the other photo gear just "TOYS"? Hmmm?

Since Leica M3, didnt you get the memo?

 

[Jaded Snapper]

Hi, OP.

I think you've captured what may help you, and your GP is certainly a good port of call. However GPs can be mixed in experience of mental health issues. If your practice is one where you just get any GP it may be worth asking if they have one with experience or interest in anxiety/OCD type behaviour.

There are are other resources to help too, one place to have a look round is here http://www.mind.org.uk

Also, you aren't alone - mental health issues are so common that they really shouldn't carry any stigma any more.

 

[MarshallG]

Since when are cameras and lenses and all the other photo gear just "TOYS"? Hmmm?

...says the guy who hasn't posted a single photo to his gallery...

 

[Shifter]

Since when are cameras and lenses and all the other photo gear just "TOYS"? Hmmm?

...says the guy who hasn't posted a single photo to his gallery...

I post plenty of photos here. You just haven't seen them because you're busy with your toys. ?

 

[cookedraw]

Before I start please let me assure you that this isn't a troll post, rather a request for help.

Almost 2 years ago I picked up a Sony A77ii and slowly amassed some gear (lenses, lighting, tripod, ect).

I would spend hours reading, watching YouTube videos and studying photography & LightRoom during the week.

At Weekends I would try what I had researched during the week. I experimented with a lot of different techniques and scenarios.

Over the months I have printed 4 photographs to hang on the wall.

I would be almost constantly thinking about photography.

Over the last 3 months, I've used the camera once.

I don't seem interested with photography anymore.

I took a course at my local college to try and reignite my interest.

It didn't work.

Picking up the camera now seems a chore and I just have no interest.

Is this a normal phase that will pass?

Has this happened to you?

Should I just back off for a bit?

Or force myself through it?

Don't force yourself. If you can make some money by selling it , why not ?

You can buy a compact camera or a good phone and maybe you will enjoy it more.

Better to sell while you can get money for it than to have it on the shelf until it is worthless or someone steals it.

You can always buy a new camera if you change your mind. Material things are ment to be used.

Cheers !

 

[007peter]

I have a completely different take. I think it's in yr Gene. It is part of yr personality and there is nothing you can do about it.

I suspect yr share similar traits to most "Serial Entrepreneurs" who start a company from stretched, becomes both successfully and BORED, sold the company and start another one from scratch.

I hate to say this to a GEAR ORIENT DPR, but if you switch to another system, I bid you will find yr passion reignited.

 

[Shifter]

[No message]

 

[MarshallG]

Since when are cameras and lenses and all the other photo gear just "TOYS"? Hmmm?

...says the guy who hasn't posted a single photo to his gallery...

I post plenty of photos here. You just haven't seen them because you're busy with your toys. ?

Your gallery is empty.