I am not a professional photographer, so the question isn’t addressed to me. But as an amateur cook and former professional chef, I think I can draw similarities.

During my training, I learned techniques. During my years behind the stove, I applied those techniques repeatedly. I build a “muscle+mind memory” of these techniques.

I don’t think I’ve ever got bored or blasé about cooking. Certainly, I got relaxed about what I did. After your 100th steak grilled in one evening, you know it’ll be fine and you just don’t worry about it.

Now, I cook steaks and people think I’m matter-of-fact about it. I’m not, not really. But there are only so many ways you can cook a steak. The exploratory work has been done. I did learn new things and new ways to cook steak along the lines. i did experiment, and I did fail as well.

I think the switch happens when a particular technique “clicks” in your mind. When you aren’t dependent on thinking so much about what you’re doing, but can just apply your ideas without having to worry about the technique.

hope that made sense.