We’ve been working on a project since October, but a signed NDA (non-disclosure agreement) means we can’t talk about it until February. The silence around this project almost silenced me. Almost!
Yesterday James wrote about finding inspiration to photograph from within the words and photos of books. Today I struggle to find the inspiration to write words based on the photographs I’ve been taking.
When all I’ve been working on is something that I’ve got to keep my silence about, it’s tough. When my weekly blog post generally evolves from, or relates to what I’ve been working on, it’s so freaking tough.
Being able to dedicate some serious weekend time to this project is a luxury afforded me from my wife and kids. To devote time to this project, especially during the busy Christmas build up and the frantic end of the work year wind down is such a blessing. Opening a blank blog draft, knowing that I’ve gathered no fodder to write about during the weekend’s activities is neither a blessing nor a luxury.
When I’m photographing toys I’m also thinking about words that can be drawn from that experience; creating snow, putting tips into practice, shooting someone’s shtick, tackling seasonal changes, lying in the wet sand… All of these posts emerged from the experience of taking photos of toys. Other experiences have lead to other topics to write about. However, the focus on this project keeps my thoughts from wandering.
Turning cogs
I want to treat this project as a whole. I want to throw all at it. Don’t wander off in thought, thinking of other tasks I have to do, like writing my weekly post. Remain focused on the task at hand. That’s not easy for me. As anyone who knows me will tell you, I’m easily distrac…. oh look, a butterfly!
– Brett
Does your toy photography inspire you to do more? Where do you find inspiration to write?
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Secret project eh? Now you’ve piqued my curiosity! Guess I’ll have to wait until February… stupid waiting…
As far as writing is concerned, I do that a lot less than I used to. I have a blog I’ve been writing for over a decade, off and on. For several years there I wrote constantly about my hobby (geocaching at the time), and my adventures, and random thoughts, and even the early days of my photography.
Ever since I switched hobbies (my wife says I can only handle one hobby at a time) to photography I haven’t written nearly enough. I think about it a lot, and even have a dozen ideas waiting to be turned into posts, but rarely do I do so. I always feel I am coming off as self-righteous – “look at that new guy talking about art all of a sudden – what a maroon!:” etc.
I aim to fix that shortly, but I am in a rebranding process at the moment, so that will be a bit to resolve. Soon tho, I’ll start writing again – it is amazingly fun once you get into the groove.
Oh yes, I’m afraid you’ll have to wait. But maybe there’ll be some little clues before February?
I used to write for fun, before the internet was a platform for words. Remember pen and paper? And typewriters?!
It certainly is fun when you’re in the groove. Some days (usually hours before my weekly post is scheduled to launch) fun isn’t a word I’d use. But it’s amazing how the words can pour out once you find that topic or theme that kicks something off in your brain. I can’t count how many times I’ve stared at a blank blog draft sweating that I’ll nothing this week only to save it a few hours later because I’m in danger of over-writing!
I look forward to reading some of your thoughts when they pour out!
Colour me intrigued… secret project… I’m assuming it’s Lego-based which makes me even more excited, and I happily await its reveal.
I’m also working on my own Lego-based project, when I can, hopefully I’ll get it up and running sooner rather than later, but the day job, the camera club committee I’m on, and my other projects get in the way, they have all certainly impeded my flow of Lego photography for pretty much the last twelve months. I need to focus on one thing at at time I think and bang it out, because I think Dave’s wife (above) may be speaking for most of us when she says we can only handle one hobby at a time. 😛
I totally get how you can become stuck for words when you’re focused on something that you’re not allowed to talk about! I can only imagine and look forward to the flood of words and ideas that will come when your embargo has lapsed.
Ah, the act of juggling? I’m terrible at juggling!
I read about your LEGO project idea. Very intriguing and exciting!
I’m very much a ‘tick one job off before starting another’ but with all the balls I’ve got in the air at the moment, that’s just possible. When I can talk about stuff, those tasks generally feed the writing. This one, as well as monopolizing my time, won’t allow that. Although I’ve got a good month’s worth of fodder stored away for when as this secret squirrel business is lifted!
Hang in there Brett… A secret project involving toy photography can’t be too bad! lol…