This is a wonderful article. I've burned myself out with three of those reasons (perfectionism, comparison and not learning new things). Usually taking a break and reminding myself that this hobby is supposed to be fun will get me back into the mood to take pictures. Still, it's hard not to be a perfectionist though :-)
Thanks for reading! Being able to snap out of it is a good skill to have. I wish more people could quickly recognize when they've veered and can course correct.
The times I’ve definitely felt closest to burnout is when I start thinking about it from a content creator mindset. At those times, I’ve have to take a step away for a little to realign my own purpose behind toy photography. Lately I’ve been thinking about going back to solely using Flickr because it lacks all of the content shoving and “handy” bells and whistles that Instagram and Tumblr have even with all the notifications and likes turned off.
I feel you there. I think maybe if I wasn't involved with BrickCentral, I might do the same and just share on Flickr.
I've often said that if BC didn't start and grow on Instagram first (I only took it over in 2019), I would not choose that platform to have the main community. It changes people too much and distracts them from what they were doing.
Mar 4, 2023·edited Mar 4, 2023Liked by Four Bricks Tall
I've been paralyzed by all four at different times. I've come to realize that losing my IG account was actually good for me. It forced a fresh start, and gave me the chance to make more intentional choices. Follower counts and Likes really don't matter, I'm simply shooting for *me*. And when I look back over what I chose to upload when I started over, and compare it to what I've done since, the improvement is obvious to me. And I feel like I now have enough mental bandwidth to really study and learn from the toy photographers that blow my mind.
That's a good point of view: being removed from a toxic environment certainly gives you a better outlook. And being on a platform absent of these nudges to perform also makes for healthier creativity.
Thanks for the article. It opened up another mindset! I still love making pictures of my minifigures, but noticed a small shift in reasons why I was making pictures. I know try to focus on my joy and try to learn in my own pace about lighting and shadows in pictures.
I throttle my hobbies too! As usual, balance and moderation in everything, right?
Off with the likes. I wish I could turn off all numbers, really. I don't need to know how many likes I get. It won't affect my decisions about what I make in the future anyway.
Perfectionism is my enemy! I really suffer when I catch myself thinking that it will be very difficult to surpass my own recent work. I know it's counterproductive, but it's really hard to deal with. Thanks again for great writing. So many things resonate with my own thoughts!
This is a wonderful article. I've burned myself out with three of those reasons (perfectionism, comparison and not learning new things). Usually taking a break and reminding myself that this hobby is supposed to be fun will get me back into the mood to take pictures. Still, it's hard not to be a perfectionist though :-)
*Lynn cloning away every speck of dust* 🤣
Thanks for reading! Being able to snap out of it is a good skill to have. I wish more people could quickly recognize when they've veered and can course correct.
lol.... but I have to remove every speck of dust. My minfigs don't like unflattering photos :-) I can live with unperfect lighting but not dust :-)
They are immaculate! Love them.
The times I’ve definitely felt closest to burnout is when I start thinking about it from a content creator mindset. At those times, I’ve have to take a step away for a little to realign my own purpose behind toy photography. Lately I’ve been thinking about going back to solely using Flickr because it lacks all of the content shoving and “handy” bells and whistles that Instagram and Tumblr have even with all the notifications and likes turned off.
But yeah, great article!
I feel you there. I think maybe if I wasn't involved with BrickCentral, I might do the same and just share on Flickr.
I've often said that if BC didn't start and grow on Instagram first (I only took it over in 2019), I would not choose that platform to have the main community. It changes people too much and distracts them from what they were doing.
Another brilliantly written piece with lots to think about. Thanks for sharing
I've been paralyzed by all four at different times. I've come to realize that losing my IG account was actually good for me. It forced a fresh start, and gave me the chance to make more intentional choices. Follower counts and Likes really don't matter, I'm simply shooting for *me*. And when I look back over what I chose to upload when I started over, and compare it to what I've done since, the improvement is obvious to me. And I feel like I now have enough mental bandwidth to really study and learn from the toy photographers that blow my mind.
Thanks for reading!
That's a good point of view: being removed from a toxic environment certainly gives you a better outlook. And being on a platform absent of these nudges to perform also makes for healthier creativity.
Glad to hear you're leveling up! That's so fun!
Thanks for the article. It opened up another mindset! I still love making pictures of my minifigures, but noticed a small shift in reasons why I was making pictures. I know try to focus on my joy and try to learn in my own pace about lighting and shadows in pictures.
Absolutely agree to go at your own pace. Going too fast, too hard burns people out.
Thanks for reading!
Thanks for sharing....
I know burnout all too well due to work and I've throttled my various hobbies at different points to make sure I avoid burnout.
While I do post to FB, IG, Tumblr, I've definitely shifted to a "its on my schedule, my interests, etc". Though I do still look at likes etc.
I didn't know that those could be turned off...time to dive into my settings. Thanks for that!
I throttle my hobbies too! As usual, balance and moderation in everything, right?
Off with the likes. I wish I could turn off all numbers, really. I don't need to know how many likes I get. It won't affect my decisions about what I make in the future anyway.
Perfectionism is my enemy! I really suffer when I catch myself thinking that it will be very difficult to surpass my own recent work. I know it's counterproductive, but it's really hard to deal with. Thanks again for great writing. So many things resonate with my own thoughts!