I hear you and I think you're right except for one thing. I'm thinking you’ve not lost that part of yourself. I think it just got buried under being seen.

What you described is something really real -- the shift from creating because something moves you, to wondering how it will be received. That changed everything. It doesn’t mean the joy is gone... just that it got crowded out.

The way you talked about your camera, tells me that part of you is still very much alive. People don’t miss something like that, unless it’s still in them somewhere.

Maybe it doesn’t come back by trying to be like you used to be, but by quietly picking it up again, with no audience in mind. No sharing, no pressure -- just you and what you notice.

You don’t need something new, perfect, or compelling to express. The fact that it’s yours, is what made it meaningful in the first place.

I think that part of you is still there. It’s just waiting for you to stop performing and start noticing again. ♥🫂 Keep doing what you love and let others enjoy it, too. There will always be those people who prefer other things and that's okay, but don't let it affect you or stifle you to where you give up your beautiful creativity. I love looking at photography. I love art - period! Keep up the good work! It really does mean something important. Not only to you but to others who appreciate things like what you do. I even love black and white photos. Art, and also the expression of Art in many different forms, is so special and precious. I find myself moved by all of it and especially what you said here and it needed to be heard.

And I would gently like to say,

You didn’t lose your heart.
You didn’t lose your desire.
And you definitely haven't lost your wonderful skill or message.

Lost freedoms
Lost rights
Lost keys
Lost money
Lost Pets
Lost family (deaths)
Lost screws
Lost nuts
Lost tools
Lost vehicles (impounded)
Lost camera pictures (back of camera opened an exposed the film)
Lost data
Lost clothes
Lost toys
Lost hair
Lost shoes
Lost plaints
Lost friends (deaths)
Lost my way

I can't relate at all. I've been taking photos since I was 14 and every year I take too many, often of the same places and same objects again and again. Sometimes I look at them and even if it's the same object or the scene, it's not the same photo. I don't care one bit that it is nothing new, it's about tracking time and bringing back memories of me being at that place and how good I felt.

It has been STOLEN from all of us.
Unfortunately...I 4 one

know exacly what u mean🤐🤧🤮😕🧐😵🥴🫨