"I'm just not seeing anything to shoot."
Has this ever happened to you? I'd be shocked if it hasn't. I don't know any landscape photographer who hasn't gotten stuck in a creative rut. I suppose it's our version of writers' block.
When it comes to working your way out of a slump, there are a variety of tactics you can try.
First, make sure you're getting enough rest. It's quite difficult to be creative when you're overtired. Especially during the summer months when the nights are very, very short, try to build some downtime into your schedule during the day. Running on fumes isn't a strategy for success.
Beyond that, these are a few things that have worked for me:
Let Go of Expectations
Preconceived ideas often impede our vision and keep us from noticing things. The blinders tend to fall away from our eyes when we allow ourselves to go with the flow. Try letting the photographs come to you instead of the other way around.
There's nothing wrong with having a general idea about you'd like to accomplish. I often approach a shoot with something in mind. For example, this time of year I look for ways to tell the story of what I refer to as "green season." What that's going to mean in the way of subject matter, I have no idea. I'll know it when I see it if I see it. There's a very good chance I'll notice interesting subject matter that doesn't fit that "green season" narrative at all - which is okay with me.
Letting go of expectations also means accepting whatever conditions Mother Nature has served up. Admittedly, a wildly inaccurate forecast isn't optimal - but you can either wave the white flag in frustration and pack up your camera, or choose to ride the wave.
There's almost always something to photograph. Adopting a flexible mindset opens our eyes to notice all the subject matter that surrounds us.
Loosen Up
Take the pressure off; not every photograph you make has to be an award winner. Allow yourself the freedom to play and to experiment. There's plenty of room on the memory card. In relaxing your attitude, you might be surprised to find yourself seeing more creatively. The images that result might be more unique than what you would have otherwise captured.
Sometimes we create our best work when we least expect to.
Try Something Different
For example: if you don't often do closeup work, challenge yourself to look for small scenes. Try changing lenses. Shift your perspective. Experiment with long exposures or intentional camera movement. If you normally work with a tripod, shake off the cobwebs and do some handheld shooting.
Breaking out of your comfort zone might expand your thinking.
Go Your Own Way
Just because "everybody" seems to be working in one general area doesn't mean it's the right place for you. You may not see anything there. Don't be afraid to forge your own path.
Go for a Hike Without the Camera
Whether or not you're struggling with a creative block, this is an excellent way to connect with a location. Go on a camera-less walkabout. Take your time. Pay attention. Use all of your senses.
Temporarily removing the camera from the equation is sometimes all it takes to get your head back into the game.
This too shall pass. Don't despair. A creative rut is just a bump in the road.
In Local News
It's been nearly one year to the day (June 8) since a landslide washed away part of the Teton Pass, the roadway connecting Jackson, Wyoming to Victor, Idaho. WYDOT constructed a temporary detour and reopened the pass in record time (by the end of that month).
Now, crews have resumed work on a permanent solution. Slope stabilization is currently underway, with tentative plans to begin paving the new road surface by the beginning of July.
As of Memorial Day, all roads inside and into Yellowstone National Park are open. Beartooth Highway always follows up the rear, but it's now open all the way through.