Rediscovering My Passion: Returning to Photography After a Few Years Away
Life has a way of taking unexpected turns. For the past few years, I focused on earning my degrees and navigating some of the most significant changes I’ve experienced. These milestones brought immense growth, but they also meant stepping away from one of my greatest passions: photography. Now, with renewed energy and perspective, I’m ready to pick up my camera again and dive back into a world of creativity, connection, and storytelling. If you’re like me—returning to photography after time away—you might be wondering how to ease back in, refresh your skills, and rebuild your confidence. Whether you’ve been away for months or years, this guide is for you. Let’s explore the journey of rediscovering photography and making it an integral part of life again.
Why I Stepped Away From Photography
Like many, I didn’t intentionally stop pursuing photography. As I worked on earning my degrees, my schedule filled with exams, research papers, internships, and the work of student life while working multiple jobs. Big life changes, such as moving to a new city or adjusting to new responsibilities, also played a role. Before I knew it, my camera collected dust, and creative shoots became fond memories rather than active pursuits. However, I am happy to say while stepping away, I earned my Bachelors degree and I will be finished with my Masters degree this spring!
It wasn’t a lack of love for photography—it was simply a shift in priorities. And that’s okay. If you’ve found yourself in a similar position, know that stepping away doesn’t diminish your passion or talent. Life ebbs and flows, and the time away might even offer a fresh perspective when you return.
The First Steps Back: Rekindling My Creativity
Returning to photography after a hiatus isn’t just about picking up your camera—it’s about rediscovering why you loved it in the first place. Here’s how I navigated returning to photography and reignited my passion:
Reflect on Your “Why”
Before jumping into technical details or planning sessions, I took time to reflect. Why did I fall in love with photography? What moments brought me the most joy? For me, it’s capturing genuine emotion and preserving memories that people can cherish forever. By reconnecting with my “why,” I felt excited to start creating again.
Rediscover Old Work
Looking through past projects was surprisingly emotional. It reminded me of how much I’ve grown, the stories I’ve told, and the moments I’ve frozen in time. Revisiting old albums reignited my confidence and helped me identify what aspects of photography still resonate with me today.
Start Small
Rather than diving into a full schedule, I gave myself permission to start slow. I began by photographing for family and close friends. While doing this I also took pictures with my significant other to re-familiarize myself with posing 1st hand and perfecting a trendy editing style!
Updating My Tools and Skills
Photography is always changing, and stepping away for a couples of years means there’s always something new to learn. From updated technology to trending styles, here’s how I caught up:
1. Reassess My Gear
When I first returned to photography, I took stock of my equipment. While my trusty d850 still worked perfectly, I noticed some issues that was easily solved by a lens calibration (d850 lens calibration guide here)! I researched upgrades and invested in a new mirrorless camera that suited my preferred shooting style. If you’re not ready to splurge, consider renting gear or experimenting with what you already have.
2. Brush Up on Techniques
The technical side of photography can feel daunting after a break. To refresh my skills, I revisited online courses, watched YouTube tutorials, and experimented with manual settings. Practice made all the difference, and soon my muscle memory kicked back in.
3. Explore New Trends
Photography trends have shifted since I first started. Warm tones, natural lighting, and candid storytelling—styles I already love—are more popular than ever. Exploring these trends gave me new inspiration and helped me envision how to evolve my work.
P.s. I have been obsessed for the “purposely blurry” photos!
Finding My Niche Again
As I returned to photography, I realized my passions have slightly shifted. I still adore capturing engagement sessions, family portraits, and high school seniors, but now I want to focus even more on creating relaxed, candid experiences that celebrate connection and storytelling.
To refine my niche, I:
- Analyzed Past Work: What types of sessions brought me joy? Which ones resonated most with clients?
- Talked to Clients: Hearing feedback from past clients helped me understand what they valued in my work.
- Visualized Dream Sessions: I imagined what my ideal photography day would look like—from the type of client to the location and style.
By narrowing my focus, I feel more aligned with the type of work I want to create.
Rebuilding Confidence
One of the hardest parts about returning to photography was overcoming self-doubt. After years away, I wondered: Will I still be good at this? Will clients trust me again?
Here’s what helped:
- Celebrate Small Wins: Every successful session, kind word from a client, or beautifully captured moment reminded me I still have what it takes.
- Build a Supportive Network: Reconnecting with fellow photographers provided encouragement and practical advice.
- Focus on Growth, Not Perfection: I approached each session as an opportunity to learn, rather than striving for perfection.
Balancing Life and Photography
I will start by saying I am a hypocrite when it comes to a good life balance; however, life changes taught me to prioritize my well-being and set boundaries to avoid burnout. Here’s how I’m integrating photography into my life again:
Set Realistic Goals: I plan sessions and projects in a way that aligns with my schedule and energy levels.
Stay Inspired: I make time to explore other forms of art, like music and paintings, to keep my creativity flowing.
Practice Gratitude: Every time I pick up my camera, I remind myself how lucky I am to create and connect through photography.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next?
As I step back into photography, I’m excited to focus on what matters most: connection, authenticity, and storytelling. I’ve found myself drawn even more to working with couples, capturing the joy and intimacy of engagements. Additionally, I’ve recently ventured into wedding photography—a new chapter in my journey. I’m thrilled to share that my first-ever second shooting opportunity is coming up on December 14 in Pittsburgh!
My goal is to create images that make clients feel joyful and loving, preserving their memories in a way that reflects who they are.
If you’re also getting back into photography, know that the journey is worth it. Give yourself grace, take small steps, and remember why you fell in love with this art form. Whether you’re capturing everyday beauty or working with clients again, your unique perspective adds value to the world.
Photography has a magical way of connecting us to others and ourselves. It’s more than just an art—it’s a way of seeing and celebrating life. Here’s to rediscovering the joy of capturing moments and creating memories.
Are you also getting back into photography or considering it? I’d love to hear your story! Share your thoughts and let’s inspire each other on this creative journey.
Follow my journey returning to photography!
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