Ever find yourself in muddy waters? I mean photographically speaking…All your photos look alike and leave you unsatisfied, you no longer feel like going out and getting that extra shot, or you simply feel like you just don’t have it anymore.

Several photographers I’ve talked to have come across a dry-spell at one point or another. There are really no magic tricks or one-size-fit-all solutions to your plight. Some people go out more, some drop their camera gear for a while. Whenever I find myself unable to go out and shoot landscapes, or if I am feeling a bit unmotivated, I try and go out of my comfort zone and try something different.

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It doesn’t have to be complicated or very involved. A simple trick is to use common household items and try and have fun with them (this sentence just sounds wrong…). I like to try different lighting set ups, play with reflections. I also look for patterns, curves or strong lines, basically strong graphic elements. I use my entire lens arsenal and try to come up with a different angle or take on mundane objects. Exercises like these have two major advantages: 1- they can bring the fun back in photography, 2- they can help you see your world differently and help improve your style. So, next time your mojo goes on vacation, get back to your liquor cabinet, pull out your best Port and pour yourself some of your finest (see Image 1; and please do not waste any )