This week I was one of the guest speakers at a function hosted by iStock / Getty Images and General Assembly in Melbourne, Australia. The topic being discussed was How to Build a Small Business Brand on a Budget. I was bringing a photographers perspective in relation to producing new stock photography content.

In that presentation I covered ‘my inspirations’ behind being able to produce 1000 new stock images per year. I have summarized those points for this post and called it – what to do when the ideas dry up. Ironically, after more than 7 years of producing stock photography content, I find it easier to find new ideas and generate new content now than I did 7 years ago. The list below is my “go to” sources when the ideas dry up. Each photographer is different, so this list might not suit you. If it helps – great – and if it doesn’t, work on your own list.

Few tourists would know this part of Melbourne. Local photographers produce unique local content

(1) Local Content. My first go to idea is to shoot local content. I love living in Melbourne, and don’t think I will ever get tired of shooting local content from a local’s perspective. My starting point for what to do when the ideas dry up is to shoot local content.

(2) Client Feedback. My second ‘go to’ idea is to seek client feedback and keep shooting what they want, and avoid what they don’t want. In some ways this takes the pressure off having to come up with all the great ideas myself, by asking clients what they need.

I shoot wildlife images as I believe in and support the work of conservation organisations

(3) Interests and Causes. My third ‘go to’ space is to shoot content about things that interest me or causes I believe in. I am an animal lover and believe in the work of conservation organisations. I like shooting wildlife images that will be useful to these organisations, so when the creative juices aren’t flowing, I’ll go and shoot some wildlife images.

Shooting for fun can help you create unique images

(4) Shoot for Fun. This one I am not so good at. The concept is to not be at all concerned about the outcomes and just shoot something fun. This might be something new as well, so it will have an element of learning as well.

I know business and try to shoot business themes

(5) Shoot What You Know. I find ideas come more easily when I focus on a subject I know. Having worked in a corporate environment for 20 years I have a good understanding of what works for business images. When I am struggling for new ideas, I’ll work on concepts for an area I know.

Getting back to nature helps me relax and develop new ideas

(6) Nature. Lucky last! When I’m really stuck for new ideas I’ll take the chance to relax and get back to nature. There is a beauty and simplicity in observing nature, and often it will get me into a more relaxed frame of mind and help the creative ideas flow again.

Thanks for reading ‘What to Do When the Ideas Dry Up’. I hope it has been useful to you.