I am very much in a period of being a transitional photographer. I’m transitioning from documenting my children to exploring other genres of photography as my creative outlet. As children grow and become less enthusiastic about being photographed, many photographers find themselves at a crossroads. I personally have been at this crossroads and I’m finding myself again on the other side in a brand new genre that I have dived into just for me.

If you are in a similar transition period, this blog post will guide you through the transition, starting from your roots as a family historian and moving towards new ways to use photography to express your art. It’s time to embrace the evolution of your photography journey and find joy in capturing a broader range of subjects.

Starting as a Family Historian

So many of us start as their family’s historian. During this time we are able to capture all the precious early moments of your children’s lives, and all the important milestones as they grow. These moments are fleeting, and preserving them through photography is one of the reasons many of us picked up a camera in the first place.

I learned photography as my children grew up, and in many ways we grew together. Photographing family memories and vacations was a perfect training ground for developing my photography skills. I learned to work with any kind of natural light, compose shots with intention, and capture genuine emotions. The emotional significance of this role is profound; I wasn’t just taking pictures, I was freezing my family memories so they exist in some form forever. This experience fostered my love for photography and personal growth as I became more attuned to the nuances of storytelling through my photos. It helped lay a solid foundation for developing my artistic voice and my evolution as a versatile photographer.

Recognizing the Transition Point

If you started out as a “mom-tog” like I did, there will come a time where you start recognizing the transition point in your photography journey. This often begins when your children become less willing to be photographed. They might shy away from the camera, express discomfort, or simply be too busy with their own activities. For me, each of my children had different transition points and different reasons for not wanting to be photographed. I admit that I’m lucky that my 10 year old still lets me photograph her quite often, but even she is needing more space away from the camera as she grows up.

It’s a hard transition, but it’s inevitable and it’s important to respect their boundaries. This can be an emotional time for us as photographers because it marks the end of an era of easily capturing candid family moments. You go from unlimited inspiration and opportunity, to not knowing what to do with your creative energy. For me, there was a bit of anxiety and a mourning period that came with it. However, it’s important to remember that this transition also presents an opportunity to explore new creative outlets. Acknowledging the need for change allows us to branch out into different photography genres, ensuring our passion for photography continues to grow and evolve. I ended up dive head first into macro and nature photography and I’ve loved the new direction it has taken my art and career.

Exploring New Genres

Exploring new photography genres can reignite your passion and expand your creative opportunities. Maybe you aren’t sure where to start when choosing which direction to take your work. Think about other genres that genuinely interest you—whether it's portraits, landscapes, street, or macro/nature photography. Reflect on what aspects of photography excite you the most and align your choice with those interests. To find inspiration, immerse yourself in the work of photographers you admire. Visit galleries, and explore online platforms like Instagram and Pinterest.

Join a photography community like The Framed Focus to exchange ideas, get inspiration, and gain fresh perspectives. Continuous learning is crucial during this transition period. Find resources, take online courses, and experiment with different techniques and equipment specific to your new focus in photography. Be prepared for victories and failures and embrace challenges you face as opportunities to grow. And don’t hesitate to step out of your comfort zone. Photography is a journey of discovery. There is always something new to learn and as you enhance your skills you will continue to develop your unique artistic voice in your new chosen genre.

Embracing change is essential in your photography journey. Change is hard. And I’m right there with you in the thick of it. Just remember, your interests and subjects will continue to evolve. You aren’t the same photographer today as you were yesterday, or who you will be tomorrow. Remember to reflect on your growth, and how time has changed your interests and perspectives. Transitioning from family photography to other genres is a natural progression. It’s important to see these shifts as opportunities to expand your knowledge and creative skills. The ongoing evolution of your art keeps your work fresh and engaging. By continually learning and adapting, you stay inspired and motivated. Every new genre you explore adds depth to your portfolio and enriches your experience. Embrace each stage of your journey, knowing it contributes to your development as a versatile and accomplished artist.

Are you in a transition period in your photography journey? We all move on to the next step in different ways, and I’d love to hear more about your personal journey! If you would like to blog about your experience, email me at theframedfocus@gmail.com, or reach out to me on Instagram @hollynicoletimekeeper or @hollynicole_nature.