Operation Inspiration MINNeSHOP Recap!

This week has been a super busy week at Photogen Inc Studios, and an exciting one as well! I hosted the second MINNeSHOP, which was all about Inspiration! I have to say, I thought this workshop went better than expected! This was a very conversational-based workshop and I couldn't have asked for a better group of photographers!! Everyone was so open and honest about their journey in this industry and I am constantly amazed by the quality of artists we have here in this city! I knew that I really wanted to do a MINNeSHOP about Inspiration after I took my little soul-searching trip to Seattle this spring. Unknown to many people, I was in a big creative rut this winter and was very uninspired by everything around me. I didn't know why I was feeling that way - and I also felt like I couldn't talk about it at all. I mean, would that mean that I was admitting that I had lost my mojo? Was Eliesa really, for the first time, going to be mediocre?!?! How was I going to be GREAT for my clients, staff and industry when I was feeling this way?!?!? AHHHH!

Thankfully, I realized a few things during this process. 1) I've been shooting for 11 years now, and a little burn out is bound to happen. 2) Don't freak out, it's not that big of a deal 3) Deal with it. It is my responsibility to re-inspire myself and - although it doesn't happen overnight - it is necessary to be conscious about it and really dig inside myself to figure out why I was feeling that way and how to fix it! I was going to do whatever it took!

To answer your question, yes! I am totally and completely out of my 'creative rut' now, but I couldn't help but think about how many other artists may have felt this way and also felt like they couldn't talk/admit this to anyone! Hence, this MINNeSHOP! I wanted people to know that this was normal and OK to feel and that you are not crazy or losing your MOJO. In fact, if we are going to be doing this for years and years, it is simply a very natural part of the creative process! We also then turned the tables and dove into what really inspires us?

Who are the people you surround yourself with? Do they inspire you? Do they push you?

What kind of music, movies, or other creative outlets just get you PUMPED with ideas?

What kind of equipment are you using while shooting? Are you using a medium that is inspiring for you to create amazing images or are you just using set-ups that you know are safe?

Are you taking RISKS?

Are you seeking out new locations? Are you looking at your clients differently every shoot or are you just going through the motions?

Are you trying something unexpected?

Are you collaborating with other artists to push that creative energy?

What are YOU doing to inspire yourself?

IMG_6075sm.jpg IMG_6084sm.jpg Right now, there has never been a better time to be a photographer.

Embrace the change.

Thank you to all of the MINNeSHOPPERS who attended this workshop! I am truly SO happy you were all there! And for the rest of you, I hope this post inspires you a little bit too!

LOVEe