Finding Photographic Inspiration in Unconventional Places

Finding inspiration in photography can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a creative block. This is a common issue for both amateur and professional photographers, as maintaining a consistent flow of creativity is crucial for producing compelling images.

Coming to you from The Photographic Eye, this insightful video takes a look at the challenges photographers face when lacking motivation and inspiration. The speaker discusses a critical quote by artist Chuck Close, which essentially states that waiting for inspiration to spontaneously appear is futile. Instead, inspiration often comes from the process of working and creating. This perspective is particularly valuable for photographers who may feel stuck in a creative rut. The video suggests looking beyond one's current field of awareness and exploring different genres, styles, and eras of photography to find new sources of inspiration.

The video further highlights the importance of exposing oneself to a wide range of photographic works, particularly those that are not mainstream or overly familiar. By exploring less conventional photography, such as that found in older editions of art books, photographers can discover fresh ideas and perspectives. The video emphasizes the value of these works, noting their unique styles and the absence of overwhelming post-processing, which can be more relatable and less intimidating for photographers trying to find their creative spark.

For photographers searching for ways to reignite their passion and creativity, the suggestions in this video are both practical and encouraging. Check out the video above for the full rundown.

Alex Cooke's picture

Alex Cooke is a Cleveland-based portrait, events, and landscape photographer. He holds an M.S. in Applied Mathematics and a doctorate in Music Composition. He is also an avid equestrian.

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Alex's videos are always insightful; thanks for sharing!