September 02, 2025

Creativity Through Pain - TDS Photography Podcast

28 minutes

This is The Digital Story Podcast 1,015, Sept. 2, 2025. Today's theme is, "Creativity Through Pain." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

At one time or another, we all have to endure a physical setback - sometimes for a week, maybe a month, hopefully not longer. Pain is a motivation killer. So how do we make the best use of our downtime when things aren't going our way. We'll explore those options in the first segment of today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.

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Creativity Through Pain

I don't know about you, but I don't feel like doing much when I'm hurting. I just want the pain to go away.

But the reality is, if we can find a way to navigate the discomfort, we have time to work on our projects that isn't normally available to us. It's not like you're expected to go out and mow the lawn with a broken arm.

But lighting that creative spark is easier said than done. Another nap is the path of least resistance. I'm hoping these tips, based on my own experiences and research, will help you the next time you find yourself wincing on the sidelines.

Get Treatment - I know this seems obvious, but I'm amazed at how the healthcare system is not optimally designed for our fast recovery. Many primary care doctors are under pressure to keep costs down and limit tests and treatments that could help us get back in action faster. This is where we need to do our research, advocate for advanced care, and apply persistence. Don't settle for Advil and rest. Once you get the proper treatment plan, it's amazing at how much better you'll feel, and faster you'll recover.

Hold Up Your End of the Bargain - Almost every effective treatment plan involves your participation. Sometimes you're asked to walk when you don't feel like it, endure physical therapy when it's the last thing you want to do, or curtail activities that will slow your healing. Once you're lucky enough to get a treatment plan, follow it. It makes a big difference.

Make a Projects List that's Within Your Grasp - If you can't mow the lawn, then you certainly shouldn't be out on the trail with your camera. But you probably can edit images on your laptop, organize archives, and improve workflows that you've been procrastinating about. This could be a golden opportunity to check a few things off the bottom of your todo list.

Pace Yourself - Intermix a little bit of work with a lot of rest and rehab. There's no pressure to move quickly, especially if you're laid up for a couple weeks. Develop a rhythm that becomes your temporary normal. An hour of productivity in the morning, another hour in the afternoon, really breaks up the day and makes downtime more tolerable.

Set Goals and Share Them with Your Caregivers - When your doctor, physical therapist, spouse, and family know what you're working for, they will help you achieve it. Share with your doctor a realistic timeframe for your recovery, and you'll be surprised at what they come up with to help your reach it.

Of course it's initially demoralizing to accept that you're in the shop for a while. But don't let discouragement set in. Diplomatically push for the care you need, do your part, and find productive uses for the downtime.

And don't forget to thank everyone who helped you along the way.

Camera Industry News

5 Times Shooting JPEG Photos Is the Smarter Play - You can read the entire article on FStoppers.com.

Is Rollei teasing something new and analog? - You can read the entire article on DPReview.com.

I'm sick of AI "photos", so I've switched to this search engine that filters them out - You can read the entire article on DigitalCameraWorld.com.

Virtual Camera Club News

TDS Photography Workshops! Reserve your spot now. We have an exciting slate of online and in-person events. If you have any questions, use the Nimble Photographer Contact Form. I will get back to you ASAP.

Route 66 Photography Workshop - Oct. 14-17, 2025 - Join photographer and Route 66 explorer Rob Knight to explore the "mother road" this October 14-17. The stretch of Route 66 through northern Arizona contains many of the most iconic spots that still exist from the heyday of American car culture. We will visit towns along Route 66 like Seligman, Oatman, and Williams, Arizona. Along the way we will explore and photograph the roadside attractions that made Route 66 so legendary, like motels, gas stations, and more.

The workshop will combine field work and exploration with lab sessions to make sure you come home with some iconic shots. Rob has been exploring and photographing Route 66 for 13 years, and he will make sure you are in the right place at the right time for the best light and photographic opportunities. Meet the group in Las Vegas, then head south where your days will be filled with exploration, learning, and great photography.

Sonoma County Autumn Adventure Workshop, led by Derrick Story, starting on Nov. 4, 2025.

You can reserve your place of each of these events by visiting our Workshops Page.

Costa Rica! June 2026 - Complete information and registration here. This will be a once in a lifetime photography event. I hope you can join us.

Inner Circle Bold. Sign up for the Annual Membership that's only $75.60 a year, you will receive all of the regular Inner Circle benefits, plus a coupon for your choice of a 2026 Online workshop hosted by me.

The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.

Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.

Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.

If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at [email protected].

The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.

Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.

Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.

See you next week!

You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.

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By Derrick Story

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