You might feel like everything has already been photographed, leaving little room for originality. That feeling can be frustrating, making it seem impossible to create something fresh when so many great images already exist. The key isn't to chase originality but to change how you think about creativity and inspiration.
Coming to you from Alex Kilbee with The Photographic Eye, this thoughtful video challenges the way you approach creativity. Kilbee breaks down the idea of “visual diet”—the images and influences you consume that shape your work. If you only look at other photographers’ work, you’re drawing from the same pool as everyone else. That pool gets murky, filled with recycled ideas. The solution is to expand your sources of inspiration. Paintings, films, album covers, graphic design—anything visual can serve as creative fuel. A diverse mix of influences leads to fresher ideas and more personal work.
Photography isn’t just about what you see but how you think. If you only talk to other photographers, your ideas stay in a loop. Kilbee compares this to picking up an accent—if you’re surrounded by the same voices, you unconsciously start speaking the same way. The Impressionists transformed painting by taking inspiration from photography. You can do the same by pulling ideas from outside photography, letting them mix with your experiences and emotions. Instead of chasing originality, you build a perspective that makes your work unique.
The next step is doing nothing—at least for a while. Let your influences sit and marinate, just like a meal tastes better the next day after the flavors have blended. Kilbee suggests disconnecting from screens and taking time alone to process ideas. Walking, thinking, or even just sitting in silence allows creativity to bubble up naturally. Trying to force original ideas only makes them slip away. Writing ideas down in a small notebook helps, giving you a list of creative prompts when you feel stuck.
Personal experiences add another layer to your work. Kilbee shares how visiting his childhood hometown revealed why he’s always been drawn to strong architectural shapes. Your interests, hobbies, and background influence how you see the world. Lean into those connections. If you love music, sports, or history, bring those elements into your work. Your emotions and personality shape your images in ways that no one else can replicate. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Kilbee.
