We recently connected with Lauren Archibald and have shared our conversation below.
Lauren, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest trends, techniques, and technologies in photography. Attend workshops, read books, and follow online tutorials to enhance your skills.
Experimentation: Don’t be afraid to try new things. Experiment with different styles, subjects, and editing techniques to discover what resonates with you and your audience.
Personal Projects: Undertake personal photography projects that align with your interests and passions. These projects can provide a creative outlet and allow you to explore subjects that truly inspire you.
Change Perspectives: Literally and figuratively. Change your physical perspective by trying different angles, viewpoints, or even exploring new locations. Additionally, challenge your mental perspective by looking at familiar subjects in a new light.
Collaborate: Work with other photographers, artists, or even clients on collaborative projects. The exchange of ideas and perspectives can spark new creativity.
Limitations Can Inspire: Set constraints for yourself. Sometimes limitations, whether in terms of equipment, time, or subject matter, can lead to innovative and creative solutions.
Nature and Travel: If possible, explore new places and experience different cultures. Nature and travel photography can be particularly inspiring, offering unique landscapes and people.
Feedback and Critique: Seek feedback from peers, mentors, or online communities. Constructive criticism can provide valuable insights and help you see your work from different perspectives.
Take Breaks: Don’t hesitate to step away from photography for a while. Sometimes, taking a break and engaging in other activities can rejuvenate your creativity.
Document Your Inspiration: Keep a visual or written journal of things that inspire you. It could be photographs, quotes, or experiences. Reviewing this content during creative blocks can reignite your passion.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
As I photograph children, pets, seniors and the occasional families, I always get excited when I try to incorporate their dreams and interests into the images. Such as when I work with pets or any animal, I try to bring treats (after finding out what treats they can have due to allergies) or a toy such as a squeak toy and a ball to try to get their attention with their ears perked with that excited look in their eyes that everyone loves to see. For children and seniors, I would bring something silly such as my monkey camera buddy that sits on my camera lens while I am taking their picture while using the monkey as an interaction or a distraction from the sight of the camera. Sometimes I would bring a few props depending on the interest that the child or senior has to help distract them from myself. Most of the time, I have the seniors talk to me about their plans for the future, their favorite memories, or even their boy/girlfriends!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Be prepared to make mistakes! No one is perfect and photography is an ever learning career. I have learned new skills almost right on the spot or I would bug my sisters to assist in practicing these new skills to make it perfect the next time I can use it in a session.
It’s ok to be self taught. Especially through YouTube or TikTok. I use quite a few sources for learning new ways to work on my photography. I go from YouTube or TikTok to even some of my college courses for my Bachelor’s degree in Digital Photography. There is no right or wrong way to learn as long as you do it respectfully.
Always carry backups! Even if you think you’ll never forget that memory card or batteries, you will. I have been in the industry since about 2016 and still will forget one or the other from time to time. It happens, but keeping extras in your camera bag fully charged or formatted empty helps.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
Feeling overwhelmed as a photographer is not uncommon, especially given the multifaceted nature of the profession. Here are some strategies to help you cope with overwhelm:
Prioritize and Plan:
Identify and prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance.
Break down larger projects into smaller, manageable tasks.
Create a daily or weekly schedule to allocate time for different aspects of your work.
Learn to Say No:
Understand your limits and don’t hesitate to decline additional commitments when you’re already overwhelmed.
Focusing on quality over quantity can lead to better results and reduced stress.
Take Breaks:
Step away from your work to clear your mind.
Short breaks can improve focus and prevent burnout.
Delegate When Possible:
If you have a team or collaborators, delegate tasks according to each person’s strengths.
Outsourcing certain non-core tasks can also be a viable option.
Set Realistic Goals:
Be realistic about what you can achieve within a given timeframe.
Break down larger goals into smaller, achievable milestones.
Practice Mindfulness:
Engage in mindfulness or meditation techniques to stay present and reduce stress.
Mindful breathing exercises can be particularly helpful.
Organize Your Workspace:
A clutter-free and organized workspace can contribute to a clearer mind.
Create systems for managing your equipment, files, and paperwork.
Seek Support:
Talk to friends, family, or fellow photographers about your feelings of overwhelm.
Sharing your challenges can provide valuable perspectives and emotional support.
Continuous Learning:
Stay open to learning new techniques and tools that may streamline your workflow.
Attend workshops or online courses to enhance your skills.
Celebrate Achievements:
Acknowledge and celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small.
Positive reinforcement can boost morale and motivation.
Reevaluate Your Goals:
Periodically reassess your long-term and short-term goals.
Adjust goals based on changing circumstances or personal priorities.
Exercise and Self-Care:
Physical activity can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
Ensure you are taking care of your physical and mental health.
Remember that feeling overwhelmed is a common experience, and it’s crucial to address it proactively to maintain a healthy and sustainable photography practice. If the overwhelm persists, consider seeking professional guidance or counseling to explore strategies tailored to your specific situation.
Contact Info:
- Website: archiesviews.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/archies_views/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/archiesviewsphotography
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBWZ0H6caSr32Ih-F6nh7cA
Image Credits
LEAYSA Cheer 2023-3rd Grade, CJ Archibald, Taylor Archibald, Sydney Archibald, The Reyes Children
