In the world of photography, there’s an invisible barrier that many of us encounter—the “7 Year Itch.” It’s that feeling of staleness, of déjà vu, that creeps in when shooting familiar events or subjects for the umpteenth time. I’ll admit, I’ve been there. But as I’ve evolved in my craft, I’ve learned to scratch that itch in the most creative and fulfilling ways.
When I first started out, returning to shoot events for the second or third time felt like treading old ground. I found myself trapped in the mindset of “been there, done that.” But then I realized something crucial: the magic of photography lies not only in capturing what’s in front of you but in discovering new perspectives, even in the familiar.
Take, for instance, my experience at the Thredbo MTB Cannonball Festival. This year marked my seventh consecutive attendance, and initially, I found myself wondering how I could breathe fresh life into my shots. It was then that I adopted a new mantra: “How did I shoot this last year, and how can I shoot it differently this time?”
What ensued was a journey of exploration and experimentation. Armed with my trusty Nikon Z8 cameras, I delved into new techniques and angles. From high frame rates to playing with natural light, I challenged myself to push the boundaries of my creativity.
One of the highlights was the introduction of the Dual Slalom event by Thredbo—a refreshing addition that injected a burst of excitement into the festival. Engaging with fellow riders and enthusiasts, I gleaned insights and ideas that fueled my passion for capturing the essence of the event in innovative ways.
But the evolution didn’t stop there. With each click of the shutter, I found myself refining my craft, honing in on the nuances of timing and composition. And while berms shots may not be my favorite, I embraced the challenge, determined to capture the dynamic energy of the riders in motion.
As I reflect on this experience, I’m reminded that growth in photography is not linear. It’s about embracing the journey, embracing the evolution. And as I look ahead to future endeavors—like the upcoming Thredbo Interschools—I’m filled with anticipation, eager to continue pushing the boundaries of my creativity and discovering new perspectives.
So, to my fellow photographers grappling with the “7 Year Itch,” I say this: don’t let familiarity breed complacency. Embrace the challenge, seize the opportunity to see the world through a new lens, and let your creativity soar.
The itch may linger, but with a sprinkle of curiosity and a dash of creativity, it can be transformed into a catalyst for growth and innovation. After all, in the ever-changing landscape of photography, the possibilities are endless.
* If you raced Cannonball, you can find all the images over on my event photography website Outer Image Collective.
