Mastering photography is not solely about technical skills but also about cultivating a creative vision. Drawing inspiration from diverse sources is crucial for developing a unique style and staying motivated. This insightful explores how you can harness creativity and inspiration to elevate your photography.
Coming to you from Alex Kilbee with The Photographic Eye, this engaging video emphasizes the importance of being a "visual magpie." Kilbee discusses how legendary photographers like Joel Meyerowitz and Dan Winters continuously find inspiration and turn it into compelling images. He suggests that you should not solely rely on expensive photo books or aimless internet searches but instead collect visual ideas from various sources around you.
Kilbee illustrates his point with personal anecdotes, such as discovering Pink Floyd's "The Wall" during his school days, which significantly influenced his taste in music and art. He highlights that inspiration often comes from unexpected places and that it's essential to ask questions and seek recommendations from peers. This proactive approach can help you find new photographers and artists who can spark fresh ideas.
Kilbee also addresses the misconception that inspiration should only come from within the realm of photography. He argues that looking beyond photography to other visual arts like painting and film can prevent creative stagnation. By analyzing the techniques of classic portrait painters or noticing the cinematic techniques in films, you can bring a broader perspective to your work. This helps avoid the echo chamber effect seen on platforms like Instagram, where trends and styles often become repetitive.
Expanding on this concept, Kilbee recommends maintaining a visual library of ideas. He shares his habit of carrying a notebook to jot down thoughts and inspirations as they come. This practice enables you to build a reservoir of creative concepts that can be drawn upon during shoots. Kilbee recounts how his appreciation for the musical "Jesus Christ Superstar" and the visual elements he observed in it subtly influenced his photographic style. He encourages you to reflect on your interests and experiences to identify what visually resonates with you.
In the practical application of these ideas, Kilbee discusses how studying the works of photographers such as Robert Mapplethorpe and Bob Carlos Clarke helped him develop his style. By merging elements from different sources, he created unique compositions that reflected his influences while maintaining originality. He provides an example of combining Mapplethorpe's intense style with Clarke's distinctive props to produce a memorable image. This blending of inspirations illustrates how diverse influences can be synthesized into your work.
Kilbee's insights underscore the value of continuously seeking and integrating inspiration from various sources. Whether it's through music, art, film, or the works of other photographers, broadening your scope of influence can lead to more dynamic and original photography. He also emphasizes the importance of practical steps, such as keeping a notebook and actively engaging with different visual mediums, to cultivate a well-rounded creative approach. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Kilbee.
