As humans, I believe we are creative beings. And yet, I don’t think we can be creating all the time. This past month I had family visiting from out of state, my son graduated from high school, and work was at an all time busy season.

So what does this mean for me as a creative?

It means it’s time to slow down my own expectations for photographic and creative output. There are many artists who write about how they create their best work from their personal sorrows and life challenges but that’s never been what I’ve personally leaned into. For me, my creative inspirations are more likely to flourish during times of calm and contentment in my life. It’s hard for me to make space to be creative in the chaotic, never ending busy seasons.

This is going to be different for all us and I would never want to insinuate that there is one best way. I think we all have to find this out for ourselves. And then we have to give ourselves grace when we aren’t creating because we have full areas of obligations in other parts of our lives.

To me this is part of the ebb & flow of being a creative but also being a human with all kinds of varying responsibilities and things that compete with my desire to just go out and wander with my camera.

There is this resounding outside pressure to always be creating something new, posting new work on social media, and coming up with clever ideas. What I really want to embrace are the natural seasons and rhythms of life which mean that sometimes I rest. Sometimes I read or watch TV or doing something besides photography. And I think that after those times of rest, I can come back with a renewed motivation and new ideas for the next right thing.

I hope that you are taking time to relax and rest this summer season if that is what you need. And if it is a season of inspiration and energy, then I hope you embrace that too.

If you are looking to listen in on a conversation about photography & creativity, then tune in to this episode of The Creative Frame podcast. I’m chatting with Jennifer Carr & it’s a good one about letting go of perfect and learning to be in the moment.