Find Creative Ways to Knock Down Roadblocks (D239)

Stuff happens.

More stuff seems to happen when you’re already stressed or the pressure is on… think dead battery, dropped lens, stormy weather all during a photo shoot or wedding.

It doesn’t just happen to photographers though…

writers feel under the gun as deadlines loom and the blank page stares back at them.
teachers feel pressure when parents stop by for a visit on the day her students decide to get wild.
parents feel stressed when their kids decide to throw a fit in the grocery store while an audience watches.

Why is it that roadblocks seem to show up when we’re already experiencing pressure?

Why can’t they show up when we’re calm, relaxed, feeling powerful?

tasra365 roadblocks Find Creative Ways to Knock Down Roadblocks (D239) Today was a day when I accomplished very little of what I set out to do… prepped for meeting that was canceled, designed materials that were changed and now have to be redone, you get the idea.

So I decided to head out late this afternoon to get my shot for the day. I needed some fresh air and thought looking for an image would lighten my mood. Grabbed the 5D and left the house. Of course as I’m pulling out of the garage, it starts to rain. Nice.

I continue on my journey anyway and spotted a road with a fence and some amazing clouds in the sky. Perfect. I hop out quickly, shield the camera from the rain, grab two quick pics and check the back… No CF card.

Are you kidding me?!? I took everything out after Sunday’s shoot and never put it back in. Since I rushed out of the house and wasn’t really thinking, I didn’t remember to grab them. Instead of turning the car around in frustration, I just went back to the car and exchanged my camera for my iPhone. I wasn’t going to be stopped by a little thing like no CF card. Got a couple shots, then headed back to the warm, dry car.

To my happy surprise, I love the shots. Even more, I love that I found a creative way to knock down the roadblock that confronted me.

How are you creatively knocking down the roadblocks that confront you?

Technical Knowledge & Images: Canon 5D manual and Dave Hill images.

11 Comments April 27, 2010

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[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Tasra Dawson, Tasra Dawson. Tasra Dawson said: Why is it that roadblocks seem to show up when we’re already experiencing pressure? http://bit.ly/t365D239 #tasra365 #dailyphoto #potd [...]
http://www.invisibleheartstrings.com Debbie Lattuga

Because we create them, of course! My theory is because we lose touch with our physical bodies. I try to spend a few minutes focused on my breathing. That seems to help me focus on how I'm feeling, physically. And that seems to stem the roadblocks.
http://tasra365.com tasra

Interesting theory and strategy!
Judy Knesel

Ok, I won't say this is funny. Oh what the heck! That's funny. The reason I say that is because I did the exact same thing just a week ago. Got to where I was going and didn't have my CF card in the camera. I was so focused, though, that I didn't think about “The best camera is the one you have with you.” So, I didn't pull out my iPhone. I went back home and set up a shot on the kitchen counter. It still worked out well, just not exactly what I wanted. I'm glad to know I'm not the only one.
http://twitter.com/snaphappee Elli Scrivner

I'm actually glad to hear that I'm not the only experienced photographer that leaves my CF card at home! Just this week I went on a picnic with my little man, took my lovely new camera bag with all of my gear in it…and didn't discover until we had walked the 4 blocks to the park that my CF card wasn't part of that gear. Unfortunately, I left my awesome cell phone at home.

One of my favorite ways to push through roadblocks is to go to Flickr, find a photo I love, and use it as inspiration.
http://twitter.com/scottnickell Scott Nickell

Great post, and a great image! So many “roadblocks” happen in my life seemingly daily. Between family responsibilities, my day-job, (don't get me wrong, I know I'm blessed to have it!), it sometimes seems impossible to make (take) the time to work on my photography. Through this 365 Challenge I am learning about ways of getting things done.
http://tasra365.com tasra

Why is that old Michael Jackson song running through my head… “You are not alone, I am here with you…” Too funny.
http://tasra365.com tasra

At least it seems it mostly happens during non “pro” moments… that's a good thing!
http://tasra365.com tasra

I hear you… it's always a journey and process. Glad you're finding strategies to make it happen… even if it's one small step every day!
http://www.aleeyahargrove.wordpress.com Aleeya

I think, on the days we feel empowered we don't notice the roadblocks because we deal with them and move on like they're nothing. On the days we don't feel so powerful, the roadblocks are more noticeable.
http://tasra365.com tasra

VERY good point… so I guess the key isn't defeating the roadblocks, it's really about staying empowered.