Really, the fact that you have no ideas for photos and feel empty can happen to anyone at any stage of their journey, whether it is photography or any other form of art.

Of course, sometimes it's worth taking a break to get some fresh air and start again - sometimes even from scratch.

However, the important thing is not to get stuck. The longer you stay in stagnation, the harder it is to get out of it.
That's why I want to share with you my go-to methods for when I lack inspiration (and motivation).

These simple tricks not only helped me break free from stagnation but also led me to a creative flow where ideas poured out effortlessly. From those small sparks, bigger, long-term projects emerged - ones I continue to this day.

Short-Term Self-Assignments

You can pick any color, subject, or visual pattern as the main theme of your photo walk. You can also challenge yourself by taking a picture a day for a week or a month.

After a few days, you’ll start seeing things differently - your unconscious mind will begin searching for these subjects and patterns everywhere, turning them into new opportunities for great photos.

It’s not only a great way to sharpen your eye, but it’s also fun. You still have the freedom to explore, but having a purpose will give you the motivation to go out and shoot.

And that’s the only thing you need - going out and shooting.

2. Long-Term Self-Assignments

It’s basically like doing client work, but… for free. And for yourself. What starts as a simple, fun challenge - finding a purpose in creating - can eventually turn into something unexpected, like a full body of work on a specific topic.

You choose the topic. I’d say don’t overcomplicate it, pick something accessible. Simply start documenting the life around you.

Do you live on the coast? Try coastal photography.
Do you live in a big city? Maybe street portraits (not my thing, but many enjoy it).
Do you love animals? Work on a series of pet portraits.

Think about what excites you the most and where you feel most comfortable.

That’s how lifelong projects begin.

3. Consume Other Photographers' Work - But Offline

I wrote a separate article about this, but let me repeat it loud and clear: check out other photographers’ work, but do it offline.

Especially when you feel lost or unmotivated, it’s important to seek out great work without letting yourself sink into self-doubt.
That’s exactly what happens when mindlessly scrolling Instagram.

On an unconscious level, we associate books with expertise. They carry a sense of authority, offering inspiration and education rather than comparison.

You can still question an artist’s skill or approach, but you’re far less likely to question your own.

4. Network with Other Photographers

I’m no expert in this - I’m an introvert who likes to do things solo. But if you enjoy gathering and sharing your passion with others, you definitely should - especially when you’re lacking motivation and inspiration.

You can exchange ideas, or even steal from each other - just make sure they know about it and get credit where it’s due.

Networking is especially important if you’re aiming to make money from photography.

5. Experiment with Different Genres

Even if you don’t want to commit to anything beyond what you usually shoot.

Try. New. Things.

Not only will you learn new skills, but more importantly, it will broaden your perspective and put your mind into an open state, making it easier to attract fresh ideas. And those ideas? You can bring them back into your usual work.

Plus, trying new things is fun - especially when there’s no pressure or high expectations involved.

And fun is the reason you’re doing this in the first place, right?