How I Use My Notebook for Planning

This is my favorite way to use my notebook for planning the week and setting goals — it’s the perfect balance of creativity and motivation!

I used to use daily calendar planners and special scheduling notebooks to help me make sure my to list was ready and my week was set — let’s be real, half the reason I got those was because they are SO freakin’ cute and the designs would get me every time!

Anyways, I realized that I love a good, blank page, notebook for creating my weekly plan and setting goals. Having a whole blank notebook gives me the space to be creative, to design unique structures that fit each week differently (life of a photog), and it gives me flexibility to use each page as I see fit. Overall, I feel so much more motivated when I get to fully design my plan layout and to do list.

So, I want to share with you HOW I use my notebook for planning — and hopefully you’ll get some creative ideas too!

My step by step layout —

I. DAYS OF THE WEEK — begin by mapping out the days of the week you’re working. This is nice because you can customize it. For example, I used to take Wednesday-Thursday off to match my husband’s schedule, so I would just skip those days in the designing process to save space.

II. MAIN GOALS — start by filling in your main goals for each day. Like — Monday: Editing, Tuesday: website work, Wednesday: photo shoot, etc. Those are the main pillars of your days, and there can be multiple for each day, but if gives you freedom and flexibility to focus on a few things at a time while still giving space for the other things.

III. DAILY TASKS — now add in the other things that are smaller and less time consuming “must do’s” for each of the days. Mine are typically: emails, social media, etc. You can even write in a time allocation so that on the day you set a timer and don’t get carried away.

IV. IMPORTANT DEADLINES — If that week I need to deliver a gallery, check in with a client, or prep a blog post I’ll make sure to put that in the specific day it needs to be done (i.e. “DUE: send x their gallery”). These help me make sure I don’t forget anything important that NEEDS to get done.

V. A TO DO LIST — on the side, I’ll usually create a separate “to do list” that is more of a space to make brain dumps throughout the week. If something last minute pops up or I have an idea I don’t want to forget, I’ll just quickly jot it down there. I use this space SO. MUCH. These to do items can find their way into your week as time allows throughout your days.

A few other things I love —

KEEPING IT VISUAL — I love combining the goal setting side of myself with the creative side of myself. I’ll typically create the design either Sunday evening or Monday morning. But, it’s a fun creative thing to do while watching a movie or listening to a podcast. Doodle. Design. Add stickers. Add colors. It’s a therapeutic, fun way for me to get in the flow of the week!

CREATING OTHER PAGES — I don’t just create weekly planning pages, I also use the blank pages to design brain dumps, processing business ideas, drawing out design concepts for guides and my website.

FLEXIBILITY — As a photographer, my weeks always look different, and this kind of planning really gives me the space to structure my days the way I need to!

I love my planning notebook! I always keep it right by my side at my desk. I definitely recommend giving it a try if you are finding that cookie cutter day planners aren’t working the best for you!

If you start this fun, creative way of planning, I would LOVE to see it!! Share your work and tag me on Instagram @corriemahrphoto so I can follow along! :)

This is the notebook I always order and re-order (it’s my favorite) if you want to check it out:

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My 5 Tips for Working While Traveling

A FEW TIPS AND TRICKS FOR WORKING WHILE TRAVELING

Whether you’re constantly on the road, travel just a couple times a year, or have one big trip coming up that’s stressing you out - my hope is that these tools will give you the steps to having a healthy work life while on the go!

As a travel wedding photographer, I find myself on the go quite a bit! My “office” sometimes has to be flexible to wherever I am! So, I’ve tried to condense a few of my tips into 5 main categories of creating a better travel and work balance.

MY 5 TIPS FOR YOU —

I. PREP WELL.

Sometimes before a trip, it means the heavy lifting should be done before you go! Get the “big” things out of the way before you even leave - because we all know that traveling usually = less work time available. Or, sometimes there are things that are just really hard to do while away from home. For example, I hate editing photos on my laptop (I would WAY rather edit on a big screen aka my desktop at home)! So, I make sure to get all of my editing done before I leave for a trip. Before you leave on any trip, ask yourself if there is any “heavy lifting” that needs to happen beforehand.

II. COMMUNICATION.

This may sound obvious, but sometimes it’s a good reminder (even for myself). Communicate with your clients that you’ll be traveling - which may mean less wifi availability, strange time zones, etc. Be sure to touch base before you zip out, set clear expectations. This may even mean setting up an email automation that reminds anyone contacting you that you are away from home.

III. SCHEDULING AND GOALS.

We all know travel life requires a “go with the flow” mentality most of the time. So, your normal structure or routine may need to flex a bit. Instead of setting strict block schedules or 9:00-5:00 work times, try giving yourself a list of goals for the day or hours of work you want to get done. Maybe it’s a to-do list of 3 tasks you need to accomplish, or maybe it’s setting a time limit of 4 hours of work for the day. Try switching your working mindset, and give yourself grace.

IV. FINDING OR CREATING A WORK SPACE.

This can be the trickiest thing while traveling! Maybe it’s a struggle to find wifi or a place that has outlets! I feel you. Do your best to find a coffee shop or cafe that has those two things — maybe it’s a bit of research before you even leave (prep well, right?). I think environment is crucial in order to complete step III. YOU create the atmosphere. So, find a space — coffee shop, cafe, lounge, hotel room, etc. — plug in those earphones, put on some focus music, pull out your goal list and laptop, knock out those top priorities, and give yourself a high five when you finish it all! A few other tips to go along with this - when looking for a space, ask yourself these questions: Do I get distracted in busy places? Should I find a table facing the wall? Do I have a hard time working when people are walking behind me? Can I eat and work at the same time? Do I feel more energy in brighter places? Do I even need wifi or an outlet today?

V. GETTING YOUR GEAR READY.

As a photographer, traveling with a lot of expensive gear can feel stressful! I make sure all my gear is packed safely and securely in my travel camera backpack! I always want to make sure it’s a bag I keep with my at all times, and one that my other work gear (laptop, hard drive, chords, etc.) can fit into as well. In addition to packing well, I also like to make sure all of my gear is ready to use! Aka - clearing SD + CF cards, charging all batteries, cleaning lenses… all the good things!

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A FEW WORK TRAVEL MUST-HAVES —

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A FEW OTHER TIPS

• Coffee shops: Check out these apps to help you find local coffee shops for working.

• Where you stay: check out Airbnb places before hotels - sometimes having a more “home” space helps with workflow and getting things done.

What's in My Bag + My Favorite Gear

HERE ARE A FEW THINGS THAT HAVE MADE THEIR WAY ONTO MY LIST OF FAVORITE GEAR! I WANT TO GIVE YOU A PEAK INTO MY BAG AND SEE WHAT’S ON MY DESK!

I get a lot of questions about what camera I use, what my favorite lenses are, and overall what gear I would recommend for different things! So, I figured I would compile a list of my faves and share it with you all! Here is a peak into what I keep in my camera bag as well as some must-have desk items!

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WHAT I KEEP IN MY CAMERA BAG… THE ESSENTIALS —

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I. CAMERA BODIES

I have two Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Camera Bodies. I LOVE these cameras! The quality and tones have been my favorite of any camera I’ve owned. Fun bonus, they even have a cool touch screen to make navigating around easier! I get asked what other cameras I would recommend if you’re just getting started - I would say these are two levels of camera bodies that are also equally great for starting out: 1. the Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera Bundle (comes with a lot of extra goodies) and 2. the Canon EOS 60D is also a great camera to start with!

II. LENSES

These are my favorite lenses in order of what I use most:

• Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II - The wide angle on this is AMAZING for epic landscape locations!

• Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II - I could shoot a WHOLE wedding on the 35! It’s so versatile!

• Sigma 85mm f/1.4 - this is a beautiful lens for ceremonies and toasts, it allows you to get that soft up close focus without “feeling in the way.” I love it!

III. FLASHES

I have two flashes -

MAIN: Canon Speedlite 430EX II

BACK-UP: ESDDI Camera Flash for Canon (so affordable and still AMAZING)

IV. CAMERA BAG

I LOVE my camera bag! I got it here on Amazon, and have had it now for 3+ years - it has adjustable cushioned spaces, a laptop slot for travel, and lots of fun pockets! It comes in Olive Green and Black. It also comes with a waterproof cover!

V. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

• CAMERA BATTERIES - I always try to get name brand, knock-off ones are risky! Be sure to get the right type for your camera (this one is for Canon EOS 5D Mark IV / 5D Mark III / 5DS / 5DS R / 5D Mark II / 6D / 7D Mark II / 7D / 80D / 70D / 60D / 60Da and BG-E16, BG-E14, BG-E13, BG-E11, BG-E9, BG-E7, BG-E6 Grips)

• LEATHER HARNESS STRAP - for when I shoot with two camera bodies

• WRIST STRAP - I get asked about this ANY time I post a pic of my camera. This wrist strap gives me so much movement and flexibility when I’m shooting with one body! 10000000 % recommend! Even though it says for Sony, it works perfectly with my Canon.

• CF CARDS + SD CARDS - These are my favorite brand and size, I stock up on them!

• DURABLE CARD HOLDER - I have 3 of these, it helps me stay organized and protect back ups!

• CHARGER - I always keep 2 extra battery chargers in my bag jussssst in case.

• PORTABLE PHONE CHARGER - I like keeping one of these in my bag just incase I need one during a long wedding day.

• MY FAVE MUST-HAVE SNACK - Peanut Butter protein bars… YUM. Freakin’ yum. I always try to keep a pack of these in the house to grab one and put in my bag for any shoot!

• WATER BOTTLE - Hydrate up!!! I take my Camelbak water bottle with me always, it’s easy to grab a quick sip at a shoot and not to clunky to carry around with me.

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CHECK OUT THE GEAR…

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MY DESK GEAR MUST HAVES —

I. HARD DRIVES

WD HARD DRIVES - These have been my FAVORITE hard drives I’ve ever used! I have never (knock on wood) had a problem with them! They run so well and are incredibly affordable! I get a new 2 TB one each year and label them with masking tape and sharpies for organization.

II. CARD READER

MULTI-CARD-TYPE READER - If you use CF cards or any other type of card than an SD card, then you know the struggle of downloading your images. This reader has been a life saver! It can read all of these: CF, CFI, TF, SDXC, SDHC, SD, MMC, Micro SDXC, Micro SD, Micro SDHC, MS, UHS-I.

III. PHONE STAND

BAMBOO PHONE HOLDER - No, this isn’t technically gear, but it has to do with gear - my phone! I get WAY too distracted if my phone is just laying on the table next to me. This holder, as dumb as it may sound, allows me to put my phone in it and set it aside - physically and mentally! It’s been helpful for me, maybe it’ll help you too…??? Haha!

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HOPEFULLY THESE WERE SOME HELPFUL IDEAS TO START BUILDING YOUR OWN “FAVES” LIST!

Some Favorite Listens + Reads // A Season of COVID-19

THESE ARE A FEW OF MY FAVORITE HEART AND MIND “TO-DO’S” IN THIS STRANGE SEASON OF ISOLATION. HOPING SOME OF THESE READS AND LISTENS WILL RESONATE WITH YOU TOO!

I. PODCASTS

I’ve ALWAYS loved podcasts! Whether they’re my company on a long drive or background education while I sit at my desk - I so appreciate what I’ve soaked up from each one! During social distancing and COVID quarantining, podcasts have been even more valuable to me! It’s an endless amount of learning, challenging topics, and thought provoking conversations. So, if you need a break from whatever else has become a part of your COVID routine, check out a few of these, just some current faves…

// Brené Brown’s “Unlocking us” - so so so applicable for right now and has given me so many resources to internally process life at the moment!

// Armchair Expert - Dax Shepherd is always entertaining with his different interviews on this podcast. You get the “laugh” AND the “serious” on this one haha!

// NPR Up first - I try to start each day listening to this. It’s a quick way to get a very brief update on a few current events, usually no more than 15 minutes an episode. I like it because it doesn’t overload me with news to begin the day, but keeps me in the loop!

// The Daily NTY - Another good “not-too-long” daily news source!

// Chatty Broads - Ahhh man, I’m full #broadsquad from day 1! Listening to this podcast makes me feel like I’m grabbing a glass a wine and chillin’ with girlfriends! They cover everything from body image, sexuality, spirituality, and of course… reality tv (aka guilty pleasure hehe).

// How I Built This - This podcast always inspires me! I love hearing about other entrepreneurs who chased a dream and made it happen!

// Other People’s Problems - Talk about heart health and vulnerability. Not to mention, I love Hillary McBride who hosts this podcast. Her bio says it best, “Real people. Real problems. Real talk. Normally, therapy sessions are totally confidential — but this podcast opens the doors.”

// TED Radio Hour - Always a good go to! Every time I listen I walk away with new insight on an interesting topic!

// NPR Code Switch - Can you tell I love NPR? This one has such good food for thought! “What's CODE SWITCH? It's the fearless conversations about race that you've been waiting for! Hosted by journalists of color, our podcast tackles the subject of race head-on. We explore how it impacts every part of society — from politics and pop culture to history, sports and everything in between. This podcast makes ALL OF US part of the conversation — because we're all part of the story.”

// On Being with Krista Tippett - A good podcast if you want to have some heart to heart with yourself.

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II. READS

Friends, I’m a SLOW reader! I’m also a “I’m-reading-3-books-at-the-same-time” kind of person! So, here are a few wonderful wordy things that come in different forms and have been life giving and thought provoking for me during this time with many days of rest.

// FIRST…

This is one specific article that had me saying “wow, yes” for most of the read through. “Why You Should Ignore All That Coronavirus-Inspired Productivity Pressure” - an important conversation we should be having. I highly recommend reading this and listening to the Unlocking Us podcast episode “On Comparative Suffering…” right after reading the article. SUCH a good pairing!

// SECOND…

I started reading the book “Heart Talk” by Cleo Wade a bit before the pandemic started. I made it my nightly ritual to read just a few pages. And now, it’s so fitting for the processing I’m going through. A mix of poetry and journal-esque thoughts, Cleo is so good at word-walking us through a heart’s journey to becoming it’s best self. I love ending the day with her words.

// THIRD…

Another read that I just recently finished, is the book “A Road Back to You” by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile. If you’re into the enneagram (or not yet), this book is SO good to give a foundation to that self-discovery. I’ve been learning about the enneagram for the past 4 years now, and have LOVED the lens it's given me to see myself and others through!

// FOURTH…

My “Feeling Forward” Pinterest collection. Over the years I’ve put together a board of poems, stories, and encouraging words for days when I just need to read some truths. So, if you need a little affirmation today, go save one of these that resonates with you - make it your background or print it out and tape it on the wall. We all need little reminders of truth during this weird season of life!

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III. MUSIC

Oh man, music is huge for me. There are evenings where my “calming thing” to do is just make playlists and go down Spotify rabbit holes of finding new music. SO, I wanted to share some of my current playlists and listenings.

I build my Playlists off of two things - I have a folder full of “Vibe” playlists for different feelings, and a folder full of “seasons” where I’ve made a playlist for different phases of life from 2012 until now.

My latest playlist that I add to regularly is called “New Season / vol. 3” and is full of songs that resonate with me in this time of life. Check it out and see if you find any new songs you love! Share them on your Insta story if you do and tag me, I’d LOVE to see which ones you’re drawn to most!

These are a few playlists I’ve made AND follow that are peaceful and relaxing - consider them a good listen if you need to take some deep breathes and recenter.

I. To be still

II. Anxiety

III. Ambient Relaxation

IV. Peaceful Meditation

BONUS: For any white noise lovers (sometimes I need it to help me fall asleep if my thoughts are too busy), check out “Flight to Amsterdam” - it’s so soothing to me!

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IV. SOME OTHER FAVES

A few other things that have been helpful to me are these mindfulness practices. I think one thing we can be grateful for during this time, is the ability to shape new routines and healthy mind and heart choices. Here are a few things I’ve been trying to be better at implementing…

// YOGA

This doesn’t need to be a long commitment - it can be anything you want! I started with trying to do a short 5-10 minute stretching and breathing routine when I wake up and right before I get in bed. It’s simple and easy to add to your routine! Check out “Yoga with Adriene” for a bunch of different type of sessions you can check out!

// MEDITATING

Don’t be intimidated by this! Meditating is so so so good and helps so much with anxiety or stress (which we all are experiencing in different ways during COVID)! I do my best to spend a little bit each day just closing my eyes and trying to bring my mind and heart into the right place. These are my two favorite guided meditations at the moment, they make it simple and easy…

I. The Liturgist Meditation Series

II. Meditation Oasis (super helpful with falling asleep ones)

// A FEW EXTRAS

Another thing I love to do is look up different nature sounds on Spotify. It’s soothing to find a “spacial” sound that’s familiar and calming. It’s nice to just lay on the couch and close my eyes to one of these playlists…

I. Nature Sounds

II. Night Storms

III. Sounds of the Ocean

IV. Crickets, Cicadas, & Frogs

V. Birds in the Forest

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I hope all these things can be something that give you peace and refreshment in your new routine! I would LOVE to hear about what stuck with you most or what you’ve tried that you now can’t get enough of! So, if you listen, read, or try any of these faves, let me know!! xx

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How to Block Schedule Your Days for Productivity

BEING YOUR OWN BOSS IS GREAT, BUT FIGURING OUT A GOOD SYSTEM AND BALANCE FOR PRODUCTIVITY CAN BE TRICKY. MY HOPE IS THAT LEARNING TO BLOCK SCHEDULE YOUR DAYS MIGHT BE THAT GAME CHANGER.

Since I run most of my photography business from home, I’ve definitely dealt with the rollercoaster of managing my own schedule. Don’t get me wrong, it’s wonderful having the flexibility of being your own boss, but it also comes with pressures like “you get out what you put in” and “things won’t get done if you don’t do them.” It can be tough to find the balance of not overworking yourself and not slacking off, ya feel?

So, if you’ve been in a place where the lists feel 10 miles long and you have no idea how you’ll tackle it all, then hopefully block scheduling just might be that saving implementation. I know I touched on this very briefly in my “3 Productive Habits For Working at Home” blog post, but I felt like it’s so important and deserved its own space for further discussion. I want to show you that you have the ability to take control and organize your priorities in a non-overwhelming way!

It’s ok for this to take time - try it for one day. Give yourself grace as you adjust to a new systems. We all need time to figure out and process new ways of working.

Ok, I want to give you essentially a “guide” or step by step to block scheduling - so, let’s go over some things that might help with healthy productivity.

(image - office space with journal? + quote?)

WHAT EVEN IS BLOCK SCHEDULING?

Batching is basically breaking your work up into categories. For example, mine might look like - editing, website upkeep, client communication and workflow, social media posting and scheduling, blogging, photo shoots, brain dump time, etc. You build these categories off of whatever the key components of your own business are. Then, you build a schedule that allows for each to have their own time and space.

WHY IS “BLOCKING” GOOD?

It’s freeing. It gives you more space to FOCUS fully on ONE thing at a time. You’re not constantly bouncing between tasks as things pop into mind. You’re able to give one thing your full attention and mindfulness. You will feel a MILLION times less scattered!

HOW DO I START?

Ok, here are the steps to starting your batch scheduling…

• BUILD THE LIST - Build a list of your topics / categories of work that I mentioned above

• BREAK IT DOWN - begin breaking it down into daily and hourly segments. Ask yourself, “how long do I need for this one thing?”

• FILL THE CALENDAR - Begin filling out your calendar by the hours in a work day.

  • I use Google Calendar (image below), but you can use any type of planner or even a notebook to make these kind of schedules

• DESIGNATE TIMES - Give each task a designated time in your day, and honor that time JUST for that one thing. Add the nonnegotiable items first (aka the booked photo session or client meeting). Those are the “rocks” in your schedule that you will need to plan around.

• RECOGNIZE URGENCY - Are there tasks that are more urgent? Practice assigning those more valuable time slots (i.e. mornings or early on in the week).

• SCHEDULE REST - It’s important to build breaks into your schedule. Add that 20 minutes of yoga you need and a lunch break where you can actually step away from work!

• OUT OF MIND - Once you’ve made the list and then used it to fill out your calendar, take a deep breath. These tasks should now be out of mind, they have their space and WILL get done. Don’t stress about needed to multitask to fit everything in, they all will get done.

For block scheduling, I typically will try to do 5 days out. But, sometimes I just do one day at a time, and that’s ok! See what works best for you, just give it a try and see if the stress goes away a bit!

RATHER WATCH SOMETHING?

My husband, Josiah (who is a pro at block scheduling), and I made a short IGTV talking all about block scheduling and how to do it. So, if you’re a more visual and auditory listener, go check that out!

My hope is that this new system gives you a way to relieve some stress and manage your time a bit better! I also put together a list of a few apps for time blocking if you want to try any of them:

• Plan

• HourStack

• TimeBlocks

• SkedPal

• DigiCal

• Google Calendar - my fave ;)

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Tips to Getting Out of a Creative Rut

THESE ARE MY TIPS AND IDEAS FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS AND OTHER CREATIVES TO GET OUT OF A CREATIVE RUT AND BEAT THE BURN OUT BUG — CHEERS TO LIVING A MOTIVATED BIZ’ LIFE!

“YOUR SUCCESSES DO NOT DEFINE YOU… AND NEITHER DO YOUR FAILURES.”

- MORGAN HARPER NICHOLS

To start, if you’re ever feeling in a funk or unmotivated… just go read any of Morgan Harper Nichols’ work and you will feel instantly seen and encouraged!

So, I think we all can relate to this, at least I’m guessing you resonate since you clicked this blog post. We’ve all been there — call it a creative rut or maybe even burn out — a point of discouragement and lack of motivation to keep doing what you’re doing.

Well, these are just a few ways I’ve tackled the burn-out-monster and found ways to spark new creativity and excitement with my business. I hope they can give you a place to land if you’re in that season right now, a few ways to start feeling motivated again!

HERE ARE MY TIPS…

I. CHANGE YOUR ROUTINE —

This may seem straight forward, but sometimes stagnation is the issue. Switch up the “normal” to get things stirring! For example, I love taking my laptop and setting up “camp” at a local coffee shop or bakery and working for the day somewhere new. It’s AMAZING how much work I get done when I go to a new space, put in headphones, and plug away! Here are some other things to try…

• A regular social media scroller? Take a break. Yep, put your phone away or delete the app that sucks your time and energy. Sometimes just being overloaded with what everyone else is doing can be an energy and creativity sucker! It doesn’t give your brain a chance to come up with your OWN things. Give yourself a break from it, step away from the comparison.

• TV watcher / music listener / podcast binger while you work? If you tend to always pair one of those things with working, maybe it’s time to change it up! Try multitasking in a new way, give your brain a rest of the usual added on stimulation. Heck, sometimes I just put white noise on repeat to keep my brain focused! Try “Flight to Amsterdam” for a couple hours and see if you like it!

• Are you a PJ worker too? One of the perks of being your own boss is wearing sweatpants all day long if you want (I’m way too guilty of this)! But, sometimes real clothes can make a difference. If I feel unmotivated or brain dead to face the day — I’ll be sure to do a whole routine of “getting ready” even if I’m staying home the entire day.

These are just a few ways to switch up your routine — that can be a huge way to get the creative juices flowing again!

II. BRAIN DUMP —

This is a HUGE step to getting my brain back into a creative groove! Whether you grab a journal, pull up a blank word doc. or notes on your phone, or even use a piece of scrap paper — do a brain dump! Simply give yourself space to just write down ideas or thoughts. Sometimes our biggest road blocks are because we just don’t give ourselves the time or space to get those thoughts and ideas out of our head and process them.

It may seem like you grab that pen or put your fingers to the keyboard and NOTHING happens, but give it a minute. Just start writing down things you want to do, things your frustrated with, things you love that you’ve been doing, or whatever else flows into your mind.

I think you’ll surprise yourself with what comes out — think limitlessly!

III. SHOOT SOMEWHERE NEW + TRY NEW THINGS—

For all you photographers — shoot somewhere new or in a new setting that challenges you! This might sound obvious, but I know how easy it is to pick the “safer” option: always choosing the same locations you’re used to, planning shoots at the same time of day because it’s easy, or rescheduling shoots because the weather isn’t exactly what you wanted. Yes, sometimes these are valid things you have to roll with — but SOMETIMES, you have the creative (key word) power to choose something that pushes you out of your comfort zone.

For a long time, harsh light TERRIFIED ME! But, one shoot I decided to place my couple in a bright patch of light, something I would normally NEVER do (hello, always looking for those shady spots, amiright?!?!?!). Well, this decision changed the way I shoot forever! I’ve now found a love for the harsh light, it’s a fun and creative thing for me! I enjoy the way I can play with light because I overcame that fear. It’s given me a whole new realm of creative freedom… it made me excited to shoot in new ways!

Some other ideas…

• Add elements to your composition: shoot with prisms, shoot through other objects, do more wide shots or close up shots, etc.

• Try new equipment, shoot with new lenses, challenge yourself in that way. You can RENT gear super cheap to try it out!

• Explore! GO somewhere new! Don’t be afraid to drive a couple extra hours to experience a new landscape or city scape! Shoot indoor and outdoor — whatever is “irregular” for you — do that!

• Try new angles, really thing about the way your shooting and push yourself to do new things

IV. TRY A NEW MEDIUM —

I’ve always considered myself first and foremost an artist, so feeling creative is incredibly important to me! If I ever feel stuck and in an “out of ideas” state of mind, I try and create in a new medium. For me, I’ve always loved to mix words into my making process, so lettering and painting feel rejuvenating for me!

I love grabbing a glass of wine in the evening, playing some moody music, and just make with no intent or expectation on myself. This is a way I creatively feel refreshed.

So, try making in a new way too!

V. PLAN A STYLED SHOOT —

One of the biggest reminders I want to leave you with is: you have the control to change the space you’re! A huge way to take creative control and try something totally new is — a styled shoot! This is a blank slate for you to put a vision into action, no expectation or delivery stress. Collaborating with other creatives is such a fun way to experience something totally different!

So, take charge, reach out to others in your area and start dreaming up something! This will get all your creativity flowing again!

YOU
GOT
THIS

I these few ideas can give you a place to start in getting out of a creative rut! I know they have been life savers for me in creative drought season. Just remember, these feelings are not forever, you are capable of making beautiful and powerful things! Just keep trying and give yourself grace in the process!