Poppy Shoot and Creative Growth: When You Don’t Feel Like Creating

Creativity doesn’t always feel easy—but it’s always worth showing up for.

I’ve noticed lately that I haven’t done any photo shoots—not the creative kind, anyway. I’ve still been photographing life and the everyday moments, but nothing that stretches me. Nothing that feels like real creative work.

The Morning I Almost Stayed In

It’s Friday—and since I don’t work Fridays, I decided this would be the day to do something intentional.

This morning, during Milo’s walk, I noticed a wild patch of poppies in bloom. They were stunning. I knew they wouldn’t last long. And right then, I decided: today’s the day for a shoot.

I’d seen a photo earlier this week on VSCO by A Quiet Journal, and it had really inspired me. I used it as my creative reference for the shoot.

Creativity Over Comfort

Honestly? I didn’t want to go. I was tired from the work week. The weather turned cold again, and staying indoors seemed far more inviting than dragging my camera bag outside.

But I made myself go. And I’m so glad I did.

Because creativity isn’t just about waiting for inspiration—it takes work, even when it’s inconvenient. And I know I’ll never grow as a photographer unless I keep stretching myself.

Momentum, Once It Starts

After the poppy shoot, something clicked. I came home and kept photographing—because I was inspired. One shot led to another. And then another.

It’s 2 p.m. now, and I’ve spent most of the day doing photography—pushing my editing, playing with light, and exploring new approaches.

I even skipped breakfast and lunch (don’t worry—I’m eating now), but I was so focused on creating, I didn’t want to stop. That’s rare and beautiful when it happens.

What I Learned

Today reminded me of something important:

If you don’t feel like doing something, do it anyway—but not from a place of striving.

There’s a fine balance between resting your creativity and giving in to laziness. Sometimes you need to say no to your creativity and rest.

And sometimes… you need to say no to rest and create anyway.

It’s about knowing when to do which—and for me, that’s part of honoring the gifts God has given me.

“Creativity is work. Not constant striving—but a faithful showing up, even when you’d rather stay home.”

Now that I’ve done the work, I’m going to clean the kitchen and then relax with a video game for the rest of the evening.

What have you been putting off creatively—simply because you didn’t feel like it?