When the Camera Feels Heavy: Creative Burnout, Social Media Fatigue, and Finding Your Way Back

There’s a certain kind of burnout that feels heavier than the rest.

For me, it’s when the camera starts to feel heavy; when even the idea of picking it up or sharing something online feels like a chore. Not because I’ve lost my love for photography, but because somewhere along the way, the pressure to constantly produce, to always be learning, improving, and performing, starts to chip away at the joy.

And it’s not just photography.

I feel it in so many corners of my life: the pressure to be a better friend, daughter, dog mom, freediver, yogi, business owner, content creator… the list goes on. Add to that the need to “show up” on social media, because that’s where work comes from, right? That’s where you stay relevant, tell your story, and prove you’re actually doing something with your business… right?

Whew. I’m exhausted just writing this.

Here’s the truth: I know what I should be doing. I’ve studied digital marketing. I know how powerful social media can be as a free tool. I know the value of sharing behind the scenes, of showing my work, of being consistent. But also? I just… don’t wanna.

And wow, it’s been delicious.

This year, I’ve spent less time on social media than I have in over a decade. My screen time is down to around 2.5 hours a day. And you know what? I’m not spiraling. I’m not falling behind. In fact, I feel more present, more productive, more me.

No more comparison traps. No more performative pressure. Just more time spent living. More creating, more movement, more play, more quiet joy.

And still, I haven’t been carrying my camera much. That’s how deep the creative fatigue has run lately. But I want you to know, if you’re feeling this too: it’s okay. This is part of the process. This is normal.

We all go through creative ruts. Periods of silence. Seasons of resistance.

What’s helped me is slowly coming back to why I became a photographer in the first place. Not to post more. Not to stay relevant. But to tell stories. To capture wonder. To connect with people, with nature, with moments that feel infinite.

As I’ve pulled back from social media and leaned into longer, more fulfilling practices, like reading, writing, deepening my yoga and freedive training, I’ve started to feel myself return to that original why. It’s like a soft tide rolling in. Not with urgency, but with clarity.

And that’s where this month’s quote really struck me:

“Growth rarely occurs when you’re most comfortable.”

– Kendall Rose

That line has been echoing in my head like a gentle truth.

Discomfort, I’ve learned, is not the enemy. It’s the gateway. From ice baths (which I absolutely dread) to trying new video editing software, to editing the photos that once intimidated me… leaning into the hard thing, the uncomfy thing, has changed me.

And not just emotionally, but neurologically.

Through neuroplasticity, our brains adapt and reshape themselves when we push through challenges. By stepping outside of our comfort zones, especially when we don’t feel like it, we rewire our reward systems. Less quick dopamine (scrolling, likes, instant hits). More deep satisfaction (finishing the edit, completing the dive, connecting with something real).

I’ve been trading instant gratification for deeper fulfillment. And while that’s not always easy, it’s been so, so worth it.

So, dear reader, if you’ve been in a rut too, or feeling the camera (or your craft) get heavy, I hope this reminds you:

You’re not alone.

You’re not broken.

And you’re not behind.

Creative burnout happens. Social media fatigue is real. And yet, your why is still there, waiting patiently to be remembered.

I’d love to hear from you. How do you maintain a healthy balance between creativity, business, and real life? Do you feel pressure to constantly show up online? Or have you also felt the deep exhale of stepping away?

My inbox is open, always.

Until next time.

Sending you salty sunshine,

Shirena