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Getting started back up, how to find the motivation


9 years 2 months ago #425836 by Carry
What started out as a photography break for my pregnancy turned into a 2 year break.  During this time my D700 hasn't been used at all.  All my photos I have taken have been of my daughter and using only my Sony compact camera.  

Have you ever taken such a long break and find it tough to get motivated to get out?  I want to take photos, but always seem to come up with an excuse as to why I can't get out.  

Also, while asking questions.  If a camera hasn't been used for so long, is there any recommended maintenance needed?  

Carry 
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9 years 2 months ago #425859 by Carlos
Sometimes is best just to get out and start snapping away.  
(2) Canon 7D, Canon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS, 17-55 f/2.8 IS USM, 50mm f/1.4 USM, 85mm f/1.8 USM, Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 HSM, Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6
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9 years 2 months ago #425868 by RobWood
Hi Carry,

I agree with Carlos: Open a window and start shooting. Here's a motivational link:

Great D700 user's guide: http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d700/users-guide/

D700 maintenance: Ordinarily, there's not much maintenance to do on the user end of things. If you take a photo and you're happy with the result, then your camera is fine. The main thing I would want to look at after 2 years is dust. Take a shot of a nice clear blue sky, then zoom in 100% and look at every bit of it in your favorite editing program. Even tiny specks of dust will show up as dark circles against a bright blue sky. Cleaning dust off your sensor can be a tricky enterprise, and even Nikon says "Don't touch it!" That said, here's an excellent article on this:

http://www.bythom.com/cleaning.htm

Good luck!
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9 years 2 months ago - 9 years 2 months ago #425881 by effron
I took nearly a twenty year break. Working to feed the family and a few other things took over.  Both sons educated, working for others became nauseating and this digital thing just pulled me back. New things and good weather motivate me.....and coffee......;)

btw Nikon is crazy, I clean my sensors all the time.....
Why so serious?
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9 years 2 months ago #425900 by Carry
Thank you thank you THANK YOU!!  


So would you all recommend sending in the camera to be professionally cleaned? 
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9 years 2 months ago #425923 by Jakov Barnes
Try being out of the game for 11 years!  
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9 years 2 months ago - 9 years 2 months ago #425945 by RobWood
Give it a good workout first, then look closely at the images. It may be fine.

Carry wrote: Thank you thank you THANK YOU!!  


So would you all recommend sending in the camera to be professionally cleaned? 

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9 years 2 months ago #425975 by Kevin W. E.
I took almost a 3 year break after my K10 died and the economy was so messed up I didn't want to spend the money on new gear or fixing my camera. I simply put everything to the side and weathered the storm only using my old Kodak Z885 PS camera.

You can still be creative with your PS, your just limited for options.

Motivation is where you find it.
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9 years 2 months ago #425980 by Screamin Scott
My problem isn't getting motivated.... It's getting back up once I down...LOL.... Really, once you start shooting, the inspiration will return. As for dust in the sensor, If the camera was stored properly & didn't have dust when it was put away, there won't be any now.... Get yourself a Gittos "Rocket Blower" as it will take care of all but the most obstinate dust on your sensor...
Scott Ditzel Photography

www.flickr.com/photos/screaminscott/
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9 years 2 months ago #426028 by JD Imagery
Just get out there and start snapping away, you'll get back in your grove, but first you need to get on the horse.  
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9 years 2 months ago #426095 by Carry
Now did any of you take a workshop or class of some sort to jump start your photography back up?  
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9 years 2 months ago #426234 by Ian Stone
Might I suggest attending a photography walk or a photography Meetup group.  Surrounding yourself with like minded photo peeps will get you into any grove you might have lost.  Thats what works for me when I'm feeling a bit low on motivation.  Get out with others and start snapping away and chatting with others who love photography.  The photography bug is infectous.  
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9 years 2 months ago #426253 by Alan Nunez
Carry, You need to just push yourself and get back out there. I had a break a few years ago and I found it good to go and shoot something completely different to what I was doing before.
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9 years 2 months ago #426283 by Kevin W. E.

Carry wrote: Now did any of you take a workshop or class of some sort to jump start your photography back up?  


I would just start shooting.
If you like to read, grab a few books on subjects that you may feel need improvement. Shoot, read, and try to enjoy it.

If you already know the basics, you should be fine.
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