As photographers, we can be obsessive about the perfect lens, the best camera, or the ideal conditions. We can strive towards that perfect shot. And as we do so, we hesitate. Sometimes that hesitation extends so long that it doesn’t happen at all.

I’ve always considered myself a frequent traveller and a travel photographer, though the term can be a bit misleading. I don’t make a living directly from the images. Still, those photographs, the ones I share on social media or here on my site, play a quiet but meaningful role in connecting people to my work, sparking conversations, and occasionally leading to income in unexpected ways.

It’s 2026, and a new year is upon us. So first, let me say, Happy New Year to all. I hope the year ahead for you is filled with all the great things you deserve, and that you reach your goals in everything you are working towards. As photographers, we have plans for our art and goals for our adventures.

As I look out of my home office window and see the first signs of snowfall on the ground, I realize that the long winter is ahead; it’s just getting started. For me, this is a challenging time to stay motivated with my photography. A significant factor for me is where I live.

I started this post at the end of May at home in Nova Scotia, but I’m posting this from Spain, a few days into my stay in Seville. The weather has been awful in Nova Scotia. It’s been a mix of wet, gloomy, grey days, rarely reaching over 10 degrees Celsius. I used to say we have three or maybe four good months of weather here in Nova Scotia; I’m starting to think that may be the case.

In January, I discussed inspiring photography books. That post highlighted three books that focus on street photography. In addition, those three books are widely available and are easily sourced online if you cannot find them in local bookstores. I highly recommend that you check out those three books and consider adding them to your bookshelf, especially if you are interested in street photography.

Digital photos dominate our screens, and the amount of inspiration available to anyone interested in photography is endless. With an abundance of content available, unfortunately, much of it is quickly forgotten. Any online content has a chance of being removed, and that’s especially true of a photographer’s online portfolio as they revise and pivot during their career.

It’s late December, the day after Christmas. My last post of 2024. Our first significant snowfall occurred this week, which was perfect timing for that picture-perfect holiday. It’s cold, too. It’s not extreme, but enough to be uncomfortable. I’m not a fan of the cold; I prefer a temperature bordering on too hot for many.

I’ve been thinking about a previous post discussing how taking a break is good for your photography. It’s still on my mind, even more so as we move into the winter months. I find it very challenging to feel motivated to take photos when it’s cold and dark. And this period lasts for months. We’ve all been there: where you were once excited about the prospect of photography, now seems more of a task and maybe even a hassle.

I started photography long ago when the YouTube photography community was in its infancy, and finding helpful information wasn’t as instantaneous as it is today. At that time, the Photoshop experience was more experimental, and Lightroom didn’t even exist. Today, there is essentially an endless supply of photography content.

It is a 20-minute drive from where I live to the airport. I’ve done that drive often, to and from, dropping off and picking up. The route there isn’t exclusive to the airport, as it’s the main route from Nova Scotia to the neighbouring provinces. But those first 20 minutes always remind me of travelling. Passing the airport, the cargo planes are visible from the road, and if I’m lucky, some arriving or departing flights.

Sometimes, I feel motivated to photograph with every chance I have. Other times, and this is especially true in the winter, my motivation declines as the bad weather, sometimes bitter wind chill, and overall inconvenience of going out to shoot take over, and nothing is captured. Taking each opportunity to photograph is essential as it will help with the progression and improvement of photography and the enjoyment of doing so.