
Written by Katya Rowny
For the last few months, I have found my love for film photography waning. At first, I told myself it was due to the seasons changing or feeling burnout from managing my year-long film project. And while those may be true, the more time that passed, the more vanilla and boring I felt.
I realized I was in a creative rut.
A creative rut happens when your routines, habits, or patterns of creative work start to feel stale, uninspired, or uninteresting—and breaking free feels like an uphill climb. This is different from a creative block, which is usually short-lived, less overwhelming, and easier to overcome. Being in a rut is something every creative person goes through at some point.
It’s hard when your motivation feels drained, your creativity is lackluster, and your energy is running low. Creative ruts can make us question the who, what, and the why of our passion. So instead of fighting against it, I have eased myself into this weird place of wanting to create and feeling stuck on how to get to the other side of creativity. These 5 books have helped immensely on this journey, and I hope they light the spark for you.

1. Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
First up is Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert. While this book is not marketed specifically for photographers, there are some gems that are worth uncovering. This is a motivational book about embracing creativity and living a life driven by curiosity rather than fear.
Drawing from her own experiences as a writer, Gilbert explores the nature of creativity and offers practical advice on how to unlock one’s creative potential.
The book is divided into six key sections: Courage, Enchantment, Permission, Persistence, Trust, and Divinity. Throughout these, Gilbert emphasizes the importance of living creatively, regardless of external validation or success, and challenges the reader to let go of the fear of failure that often stifles creativity.
Gilbert encourages readers to approach creative endeavors with curiosity and a sense of playfulness, rather than striving for perfection. She asserts that creativity is a force that wants to be expressed, and it’s available to everyone—if we’re open to it.
The book is filled with inspiring stories, personal anecdotes, and gentle wisdom that help readers reframe how they view their own creative potential, urging them to take risks, pursue their passions, and trust in the process. Ultimately, Big Magic is a celebration of the joy of creative expression and the freedom that comes from pursuing art with a fearless, open heart.
Find Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert on Amazon.


2. A Lesser Photographer by CJ Chilvers
Next up is a rather small and skinny book by CJ Chilvers called A Lesser Photographer. This is a thought-provoking manifesto that encourages photographers to move beyond GAS (gear acquisition syndrome) and technical perfection, instead focusing on creativity, vision, and simplicity.
In the book, Chilvers explores the idea that less is often more when it comes to creating meaningful images. He advocates for using what you already have, allowing ideas and personal vision to guide the creative process, rather than relying on technical gadgets or expensive tools.
The book inspires photographers to experiment, make mistakes, and find their own unique style. Through practical advice and philosophical insights, Chilvers encourages readers to focus on the purpose of their work—why they take photos—and to align their creative pursuits with their passions and storytelling goals.
This book is an easy read and can be read in one sitting. I love the short, practical advice and the no nonsense attitude. The author recommends letting go of the constraints of perfection and embracing the joy of photography, reminding us that creativity thrives when we remove distractions and let our imagination lead the way.
Find A Lesser Photographer by CJ Chilvers on Amazon.


Related: 5 Tips to Get Out of a Creative Rut
3. Zen Camera: Creative Awakening with a Daily Practice in Photography by David Ulrich
David Ulrich is a professor and co-director of Pacific New Media Foundation in Honolulu and the author of Zen Camera: Creative Awakening with a Daily Practice in Photography. This book is a transformative guide that blends photography with mindfulness to inspire creativity and self-discovery.
Drawing on principles of Zen philosophy, Ulrich teaches readers how to approach photography as a meditative and reflective practice, encouraging them to see the world with greater clarity and intention.
After losing his right eye at 33, Ulrich feared the impact on his photography. He stated,
“Fearing the loss of my capacity to see and photograph, and with all hope to the contrary, this blow helped to awaken my own awareness. Losing an eye and facing the resulting need to learn to see again, this time as an adult, assisted the growth and development of my perceptual capacities—and helped me better understand the function and process of sight. Above all, I learned to not take vision for granted. It was a profound learning experience, one that continues to this day. The experience was traumatic and painful—like nothing else I have ever experienced—and a great privilege.”
Zen Camera provides a structured six-part program that integrates photographic techniques with exercises designed to deepen awareness and foster personal growth. Ulrich emphasizes the importance of being fully present in the moment, using the camera as a tool to explore the connection between inner perception and outer reality.
Through practical advice, artistic challenges, and philosophical insights, Zen Camera helps readers develop not only technical skills but also a profound understanding of themselves and their creative potential. Ultimately, Zen Camera inspires photographers of all levels to cultivate mindfulness, embrace imperfection, and rediscover the beauty and wonder in everyday life through the lens of a camera.
Find Zen Camera: Creative Awakening with a Daily Practice in Photography by David Ulrich on Amazon.



4. The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin
Our next book was a New York Times bestseller and was released a year ago. The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin. I bought this book on a whim at the airport for a long trip last year, unaware of who Rick Rubin was. I saw this book all over social media and interview clips with Rick, piquing my interest.
If you are also unaware of who he is, Rick Rubin, a nine-time GRAMMY-winning producer, has been recognized as one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People in the World, and hailed by Rolling Stone as the most successful producer across all genres. This book is a game changer, it is packed with wisdom in an easy to read manner.
Rubin presents creativity not as a talent possessed by a few, but as an inherent and accessible part of all human beings. He discusses how to cultivate the right mindset for creativity, pointing out that inspiration can come from unexpected places and that the process of creation often involves embracing vulnerability and imperfection.
Throughout the book, he shares stories, reflections, and practical advice that challenge conventional ideas about the creative process. Rather than focusing solely on achieving success, Rubin encourages readers to reconnect with the joy of creation, to trust their instincts, and to let go of the fear of failure. The Creative Act is not just a guide to making art, but a guide to living more creatively in all aspects of life.
Find The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin on Amazon.


5. The Photographer’s Playbook by Aperture books
Last but not least is probably one of my favorite books, The Photographer’s Playbook by Aperture books. Again, thanks to social media, this book came across my radar and has helped me immensely when I’m feeling stuck.
Whether I want to sit and read the stories sprinkled throughout or a random assignment to do, this book will light you up. This is a dynamic and inspiring guide for photographers of all levels, offering over 300 assignments, ideas, and insights from some of the most renowned photographers and photography professionals.
The collection is a treasure trove of creative exercises designed to help readers explore new ways of thinking, shooting, and approaching the art of photography. The book also includes anecdotes and reflections from legendary photographers such as Stephen Shore, Alec Soth, Susan Meiselas, Tina Barney, and many more, providing a glimpse into their practices and philosophies.
With a playful Polaroid alphabet by Mike Slack dividing the chapters and a handy subject guide for quick reference, The Photographer’s Playbook serves as both a practical workbook and a source of inspiration. It is ideal for educators, students, and anyone passionate about photography, offering fresh ways to engage with the medium and deepen their creative process. I highly recommend this book; even if it sits on your shelf and you only pick it up once in a while. It is worth it.
Find The Photographer’s Playbook by Aperture books on Amazon.


I am hopeful that some of these books will inspire you to pick up your camera and shoot; if not that, then explore a different avenue of creativity until you feel ready to use your camera again.
During these times of burnout and winter blues, be kind to yourself, know that the sun will rise again, and remember that inspiration can strike at the most random times in our lives.


Thank you so much, Katya! Katya is a regular contributor for Shoot It With Film, and you can check out her other articles here, such as the Kodak Brownie Hawkeye Vintage Camera Review and 5 Ways to Showcase Your Photography Work.
You can also find more of Katya’s work on her website and Instagram.
Leave your questions or share your favorite photography books below in the comments, and you can find the books mentioned in this article here: Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert, A Lesser Photographer by CJ Chilvers, Zen Camera: Creative Awakening with a Daily Practice in Photography by David Ulrich, The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin, The Photographer’s Playbook by Aperture books

Blog Comments
Michael Moore
December 20, 2024 at 7:43 pm
Great suggestions! The Rubin book especially is a gem, one you will want to read, re-read, and underline.
Katya
December 21, 2024 at 8:45 pm
Hi!
Thanks so much for your comment! Yes, I agree that book has some gems in it – everytime I read it – I find something new to ponder : )