How to Reignite Your Passion for Photography

Feeling stuck in your photography? It’s not uncommon to hit a creative wall where the joy of capturing images fades, leaving you unmotivated. If this sounds familiar, there's a photographer whose work might reignite your passion. 

Coming to you from Alex Kilbee with The Photographic Eye, this engaging video dives into the life and work of Obie Oberholzer, a photographer known for his playful and spirited approach. Kilbee shares how Oberholzer’s work stands out because it challenges the notion that photography must always be serious and meaningful. Instead, Oberholzer embraces fun and spontaneity, capturing images with a sense of humor and lightheartedness that’s infectious. His technique, which includes creative uses of light and unusual compositions, serves as a reminder that photography can be as much about enjoyment as it is about artistry.

In the video, Kilbee recounts his own journey with photography, reflecting on how discovering Oberholzer’s work changed his perspective. During a time when he was taking his craft too seriously, Oberholzer’s carefree approach helped him realize that not every shot needs to carry deep significance. Sometimes, it’s enough to simply find something visually interesting and capture it in a unique way. This shift in mindset can be liberating, particularly for those who feel bogged down by the pressure to produce technically perfect or socially impactful images.

Oberholzer’s influence goes beyond just technical aspects. Kilbee describes attending a talk by Oberholzer in the mid-1990s, where the photographer’s stories of adventure and mishaps while capturing images brought a new sense of vitality to the craft. Whether it was falling asleep in graveyards or chasing light trails in the desert, Oberholzer’s enthusiasm for photography was evident. His work, filled with vivid colors and dynamic compositions, is a testament to the idea that photography doesn’t always have to be about perfection—it can be about capturing the moment and having fun while doing it.

Kilbee also touches on the importance of finding your own voice in photography. Drawing from Oberholzer’s example, he encourages you to stick with what you enjoy, even if it doesn’t resonate with everyone else. It’s about pursuing what excites you, whether it’s a particular subject, technique, or style. Oberholzer’s longevity and consistency in his work show that staying true to your creative instincts can lead to a fulfilling and rewarding practice. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Kilbee.