Location:
You've probably seen the challenges on youtube where the photographer shoots in crappy locations. Often time's, you'll hear photographers talk about how location doesn't matter. I'm one of those people, but I didn't use to be. Starting out, I prioritized finding good locations to balance out my lack of skill as a photographer, but now I've learned what to look for in any location.
This photoshoot took place in the back parking lot of an Ace Hardware store. Doesn't exactly sound like the ideal place to shoot. To make it work, I looked for everything I could use to create an interesting image. In this case, it was mostly leading lines. The roofs of the buildings, lines of the parking spots, and trees in the planters all were things I can utilize to frame my subject. I also used Photoshop to tweak the photo to the left, but my skills in Photoshop are lacking. If you look closely at the photo to the left, you can clearly see my half-done replacement of a lamp post.
Time:
Another significant factor that might stop someone from having a photoshoot or going out to take pictures in general is time. Even now, I often struggle with juggling my day job, photography, family, and my relationship. I usually end up having to sacrifice one over the other, and it sometimes leaves me with a feeling of dissatisfaction. However, if there is something you love to do, you have to make the time to do it because no one else will prioritize it for you. A good example is the model of this photoshoot. He did this photoshoot with me during his lunch break, which is why we chose the location we did. His ability to create time to model inspires me to prioritize my photography more.
I saw a video on youtube that said, "There's no such thing as not enough time" and that there are priority levels to everything you do. If you don't have time for something, it isn't important enough to you because if it were, you would make time for it. It's a little harsh, but I believe that it's true to an extent.
Effort:
What it comes down to, at least for myself, is how much effort I put into it. How willing am I to find those interesting lines, architecture, and supporting elements? How willing am I to create the time to shoot or find a location? It's a struggle to have 100% effort in every photoshoot but I think it's necessary. For myself, that means less sporadic shoots and more thoughtful shoots. For you, it could mean whatever it needs to in order to push yourself.