There’s something sacred about the first time you pick up the camera again after a creative break.

It’s quiet at first. No pressure, no checklist—just the sound of your boots crunching fresh snow and the familiar weight of your gear pressing gently against your shoulder. That’s how it started for me. A cool winter morning, clouds hanging heavy over the San Juans, and a frame in my mind before I even raised the viewfinder.

That moment of stillness was the spark I’d been waiting for.

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From Rest to Resolution: The Power of an Intentional Return

When I stepped away from blogging and the regular rhythm of shooting in April 2024, I didn’t expect it to stretch into months. But creativity, like a mountain trail after snowfall, sometimes needs time to become passable again.

Getting back behind the lens wasn’t about chasing content or filling a gallery—it was about rediscovering why I shoot in the first place. And this time, it wasn’t just about the act of photography—it was about shooting with intention.

Not every shot needs to be a portfolio piece. But every outing can serve a purpose: to connect, to notice, to tell a story.

The Shift: From “Capture Everything” to “Create with Clarity”

In the early days of my career, I’d fire off frame after frame hoping one would feel “right.” Now, I spend more time studying the light, the weather, the feeling of the place. Don’t get me wrong, I did do all of that before, but back then it was getting to the location at the right time and shoot what I thought I wanted. The difference isn’t just technical—it’s emotional.

What Changed for Me:

• Revisiting Old Photos – I went back and looked through older photos, some I laughed at and others I reedited them. I found that I did have a good “eye” for composition during the early days.
• Slower shooting – I’m more willing to wait out the clouds or return to a scene with better light.
• Deeper connection to location – I research history, geology, and wildlife patterns before I go.
• More thoughtful editing – I’m not trying to make a photo into something it isn’t. I’m letting it speak with authenticity.

Each frame now feels like a conversation rather than a conquest.

Field Notes: How I’m Preparing for Meaningful Shoots

Getting back into the field after time away can feel overwhelming. But having a system—even a simple one—can help rebuild confidence and joy.

Here’s what my current pre-shoot ritual looks like:

🧭 Research & Location Scouting:

• Topo Maps, AllTrails, and Google Earth for terrain and perspective
• SunsetWx and Windy.com for weather and light prediction
• Historical references or local guides for added storytelling context

📷 Gear Setup:

• Camera: Pentax K1 Mark II
• Lenses: 28–105mm for sweeping landscapes and 70–300mm for detail shots
  • I use Pentax and Tamron brand lenses
• Tripod: A must-have again—especially for intentional framing and long exposures
  • My go to tripod is a Manfrotto 055 Aluminum three leg tripod with an Acratech Pano Head and Leveling Base
• Filters: Circular polarizer + ND filters for water and creative exposures
  • My filters are from K&F Concepts both Square Slide Filters, and Magnetic Round Filters

🧠 Mindset:

• Leave with one goal: connect with the landscape.
• Stay open to surprises—sometimes the best shots aren’t the ones you planned.

📝 [COMING SOON: Download my “Field Guide to Intentional Photography” – a printable checklist you can toss in your camera bag.]

A Recent Example: Buckskin Pass, Revisited

Last month, I returned to Buckskin Pass—one of the first places I photographed when I was just learning to use a DSLR. Not physically but through my photos.

I remember that day back then was chaotic. I remember battling harsh sunlight and fumbling with camera settings, capturing dozens of images that never quite felt “finished.”

But as look forward to the next time, I want to arrive before sunrise. I hiked with intention, scouted compositions in silence, and will capture just the six images I need in total—all of which I know are going to be great. Not because they were “perfect,” but because they were honest.

The difference wasn’t the gear. It was me.

Want to Reframe Your Own Focus? Try This.

If you’re navigating your own creative reset, here are a few reflection prompts to guide you:

Creative Comeback Reflection Prompts:

• What kind of scenes am I most drawn to—and why?
• What do I want my photography to say about the world?
• Where do I feel most connected to the land?
• What one small win would make my next outing feel successful?
• Am I shooting for myself, or for an audience I haven’t even met yet?

Take a moment to write your answers. Keep them tucked in your camera bag as a creative compass.

The Road Ahead

This return to photography has been more than a revival—it’s been a realignment. I’m no longer just collecting images. I’m building a visual journal of place, mood, and memory. The lens has become both a window and a mirror.

And as I move forward, I want to bring you along. Through the quiet foggy mornings, the alpine sunrises, the canyon shadows. The comeback isn’t about picking up where I left off. It’s about shooting with heart, again and again.

✅ Your Turn: Get Involved!

Tell me in the comments below:
What has helped YOU stay inspired after a creative break?

📩 Want more tools for intentional photography? Subscribe to my email list for early access to my printable field guide and digital challenges.

🖼️ Explore the gallery: Visit Colorful Colorado Photography to see where this creative comeback has taken me.