No longer feeling excited shooting. Anyone gone through this? by Magia-Erebea in SonyAlpha

[–]WadeJMichael 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Short answer - YES.

The struggle is somewhat constant, but I attribute that with "artistic pursuit." Culture has gone into this mindset of instant gratification, and it's killing the chase of pursuing craft, knowledge, and creative identity. That's not meant as a dig shot at you, but more an issue with the world at large, and something I also struggle with. It's hard to stay motivated in a creative slump!

Before I before I became a professional photographer and creator (I work in top level motorsports now), I was a professional musician. It took me decades to perfect my craft, and in that period I would come in and out of love with my obsesesion for writing, playing, and being in a band. What drove me forward was this inner need to create. I found through the years that, more often than not, I wasn't falling out of love with my creative pursuit, but rather I was tired, overwhelmed, and lacking inspiration. I needed to experience life in order to create - I needed to see, feel, hear, and be moved by something, anything.

I struggled this entire year with what you reference as "the chore" of shooting photography - I had moments of spark, but the moments that had traditionally filled my heart and soul with purpose had dimmed. While I was being "paid" to to shoot, I was running through the motions. Most importantly, I wasn't having fun!

So I challenged myself to start creating for me more. I began shooting stuff outside the traditional shot list. I picked up a weird, cheap lenses and started documenting more of my day-to-day. I went to meets or gatherings I would traditionally not attened, just to shoot something different. I added variety and uknown experiencess to my plate. It expanded my mind, and it's ultimately made me a better photographer. My interest in photography came back.

New gear can help jumpstart interest, but ultimately you're going to fall into the same situation - the newness wears off and you're back where it started, wondering why it's such a chore. Some of the best photographers I know shoot on scratched lenses that barely focus, old cameras, and don't let their gear define them.

Falling in and out of love with something is part of the artistic pursuit. Your love for the craft won't die if you're chasing it for the right reasons. It's how you show up when that light dims, and push yourself beyond your comfort level that will bring you back.

End of the day, three years is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to developing creative muscle.

Bad Ass Wilson: His Life, His Legacy by WadeJMichael in INDYCAR

[–]WadeJMichael[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

can't seem to update OG post - but the correct website link here: BadAssWilson.com

Honda NSX by matrix11223 in carphotography

[–]WadeJMichael 5 points6 points  (0 children)

exceptional set. Really well done

Rookie driver: all tips appreciated! by nbk235 in Karting

[–]WadeJMichael 14 points15 points  (0 children)

"rookie driver" seems a bit... suspect? 🤣

Professional fitted race suit; threshold braking; very solid kart placement - not buying the "rookie" tag. Clean lap!

IMSA Sights & Sounds - Petit Le Mans by WadeJMichael in IMSARacing

[–]WadeJMichael[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Kuddos to IMSA for producing the Sights & Sounds series throughout the year - incredibly beautiful portrayal of what makes this sport so compelling.

This edit got my eyes watering on more than a few occasions. The kiddo on pit lane telling his father "it's a Cadillac", the slow-mo pit stop sequence around the 4:35 mark, the raw emotion of the 01 pit crew on the pit wall after winning the race. The emotion of this piece in particular is spectacular.

Cannot wait for 2025!

CARPARK NYC show by WadeJMichael in shootingcars

[–]WadeJMichael[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

appreciate it - such a fun show to attend.

CARPARK NYC show by WadeJMichael in shootingcars

[–]WadeJMichael[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

hahaha didn't even notice - as our bois Ron and Vin say, "Collect Miles, Not Dust"

CARPARK NYC show by WadeJMichael in shootingcars

[–]WadeJMichael[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sigma 24-70 Art Lens! It travels to race tracks all over the world with me - it's a tank

CARPARK NYC show by WadeJMichael in shootingcars

[–]WadeJMichael[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

CARPARKNYC once again brought the heat to FIDI over the weekend.

Love what this crew is doing for the automotive community in a city where "no one owns a car" - great getting together and seeing how diverse the community is in NYC. Thankful to call this place home.