To pivot in content creation means to fundamentally change your content strategy, format, niche or platform to reach a new audience, re-engage an existing one or adapt to industry changes. And for me it’s definitely time to pivot.
Not a single blogpost in months
I haven’t shared a single blog post since July. Not many videos or images either. I can hardly call myself a content creator at this point, and to say that I have a strategy would be exaggerating. More days than not I don’t feel like bringing my camera out and about. Not because I don’t like photography or videography anymore, but simply because I think I’ve been a bit burnt out. Creatively and generally.
The funny thing is that my main way of relaxing, resetting if you will, is through being creative with my camera. It’s no doubt the best way for me to avoid feeling burnt out. When I feel like there’s too many things I have to do, too many responsibilities and “should haves”, I know better than to let my camera rest. But that’s what I’ve done.
Buddha is a lifechanger
After a year of building a new house, we moved in and decided to get a puppy. It’s been great. Buddha and I have gone out in nature every day after work. Even though this blog or my social media doesn’t show it, I’ve been in the forest (or in the mountains) every day since the 1st of May. And I’ve loved it. I know it’s investing in the future, and it’s an investment that I’m more than willing to make.
All the small things
Moving in to a new house while raising a puppy, a neurospicy preteen and a very active little brother is challenging though. And I’m not going to lie, doing it all while my physical health has been getting a bit worse, has made it even more challenging. Don’t even get me started on how my work situation has affected it all. By the time I have carved out some time to get out with the camera to shoot, all I feel like doing is resting in front of a screen. So I have.
The thing is; this year it’s been like this with all the small things I like to do. All the life giving things.
I’m a very visual person, so I like to decorate our house and read magazines about interior design. I love gardening and bringing plants to life. Drawing and doodling gives me inspiration. I love decorating for Halloween and Christmas and all that stuff. But after work, family, working out and doing the things I have to do, I’ve just been too tired at the end of the day. So I haven’t done any of it. Meaning I haven’t prioritized any of the things that give me inspiration to shoot. It’s stupid, and it’s time to pivot.
What I have been doing – and what I’m pivoting towards
One thing I have been spending a lot of time on is Pokémon cards. Not collecting, but playing the game, getting my professor certifications and hosting the local league. Twenty something kids and adults that show up every Thursday to have fun together. Another thing I absolutely love, and that is equally exhausting. It’s an activity that has brought our family together and because of it we’ve got a bigger network now than a year ago. So it’s no doubt a keeper.
Nothing I’ve spent my time on while not being able to shoot as much has been a waste of time. However it has taken time and energy from the things that I do just for myself.
Some of you might have noticed that I’ve removed my portfolio from this page. And my contact form as well as all information about how I work with photography clients. It’s a part of my pivot. I just want to keep it simple from here on. My only goal for this pivot is to get back to where I want to, feel up to, choose to, pick up my camera again. I want to get back to feeling inspired, creative and balanced.
So it’s time to pivot – to a state of flow.
All the best,
Tonje
