Inspiration is a fleeting yet crucial element in the creative process for photographers. Understanding how to spark and sustain this inspiration is vital, especially during times when creativity feels stagnant.
Coming to you from Samuel Elkins, this enlightening video shares personal insights into navigating the ebbs and flows of artistic inspiration. Elkins discusses how inspiration is not merely waiting for a muse but is often a product of starting the creative process itself. He emphasizes the importance of stepping away from traditional sources of inspiration, like browsing other artists' work, and instead, finding it in unrelated activities, such as cooking. This approach is significant because it highlights the versatility of inspiration sources, encouraging photographers to broaden their horizons and seek stimulation beyond the confines of their immediate field.
Elkins also shares his journey into photographing personal projects about cooking and restaurants, illustrating how diversifying one's creative interests can rejuvenate one's primary passion. This narrative is crucial for photographers who may feel pigeonholed into a particular style or subject matter. By exploring new areas, like Elkins with food photography, artists can find fresh perspectives and motivations. Moreover, Elkins' practice of building a photo book collection and mood boarding for visual direction serves as a tangible strategy for photographers to curate and refine their inspirations. This methodical approach to inspiration is invaluable, suggesting that even in its absence, creativity can be methodically ignited through disciplined exploration and exposure to varied experiences. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Elkins.
