Fine Art and Conceptual Photography

Michael Troutt Michael Troutt

Shooters Block and Me.

If you've ever heard of Writer's Block, you know the feeling of that dark cloud looming over your creative pursuits, hindering productivity for days, weeks, or even years. Well, that's precisely what hit me in late 2019, except it wasn't about writing; it was about my beloved photography. The transition to Creative Fine Art photography back in 2015 had already slowed down my production, as each shoot demanded more time and effort to develop my unique style. At that time, I was primarily collaborating with one talented local model, and while she was incredible, I began to sense a hint of staleness creeping into my work by mid-2019.

Realizing the need to breathe new life into my art, I decided to take a break to rework my future shoot ideas and rekindle the fire within me. But fate had its own plans, and just as I was contemplating this hiatus, 2020 struck with the infamous Covid pandemic. It was a year that challenged us all, and I found myself unable to summon any creative inspiration. My camera gathered dust, and my passion seemed to have taken an unanticipated sabbatical.

In the following year, I tried to reignite my artistic spark, but more often than not, I couldn't bring myself to click the shutter, even when I had ample free time. While I attended a few meetup group shoots, connecting with new models in the industry, it was evident that time had its way of changing things. Many familiar faces had moved on to new endeavors, and the dynamics of the photography world had evolved.

As four years passed with minimal photographic output, my camera remained idle as I sought solace in reediting old photographs and exploring novel editing techniques. Though I can't claim that my creative block has entirely dissipated, I can proudly declare that I am finally ready to embrace the art once again. The yearning to create has resurfaced, and I find myself itching to connect with models and embark on new photographic journeys.

Now, as I contemplate reaching out to models and planning fresh shoots, a mixture of excitement and apprehension fills me. What will this renewed chapter hold? How will my art evolve? These questions, once daunting, now propel me forward into the unknown, eager to embrace the challenges and rewards of my craft.

In conclusion, artistic blocks are a natural part of the creative process. As artists, we must navigate through these tumultuous waters, seeking solace in patience, self-discovery, and the knowledge that every ebb will eventually lead to a flow. So, here's to new beginnings, to capturing fleeting moments, and to the passion that drives us forward in the pursuit of our artistic dreams. Let the journey begin!

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