The winter months can be grim in Scotland. For every day of clear blue skies and frost nipped air, there another three or four dour, grey days in which both the lights and heating are on all day. It’s a month where we need our dose of creative inspiration more than ever but it can be hard to find the motivation.

This month I decided to challenge myself to head out with my camera every day. Here’s what I’ve found:

1. Shooting every day (or almost every day) with no constraints or expectations has pushed me. I feel inspired and have come up with shooting ideas that I wouldn’t have considered otherwise. For example, night-time shooting - I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the results from something that I wouldn’t have considered without setting myself this challenge (and running out of daylight).

2. I’m seeking out alternative forms of inspiration as a result of this creative energy. New music, films, books, podcasts and art gallery visits. All of which is percolating away and my notebook is filling up with ideas.

3. Like having a dog, it’s forced me to get outside every day in all types of weathers. I always feel better for being outside although some days it’s definitely hard to summon motivation.

4. Just setting this project has made me protect time for my photography. I’ve realised that if I want to continue to improve, I need to schedule time for photography every week.

5. It’s becoming a habit and I look forward to this space to create every day.

How do you keep motivated to create through the dark months, particularly before the snow arrives? (I always find a sprinkling of snow reinvigorates me. The transformation of the landscape makes me want to get out and shoot). Have you tried shooting through it or carrying out your own daily project?