How does photography inspire you

Cameras have remained pretty much the same since they were invented — they are a light proof box that lets you control how the light enters and hits your photo taking medium through a small hole. No matter how expensive — or inexpensive — your camera is, this basic fact remains the same. It is possible to take truly inspired photographs with a basic camera set on automatic. You just have to find what inspires you and use some basic tools to get the best possible image while exploring your creative process — a process that is unique to every photographer.

Becoming a creative, inspired photographer is about letting go of the technical aspects and exploring the creative, art side of photography. Looking at the world in a unique way, figuring out how to see and capture life through your lens, noticing what you are passionate about photographing — those aspects are what influence the creative decisions behind your best photos.

Start by sitting down with the photographs you have taken that are absolutely your favorite. Take a few moments to really study each photograph and see what it is that you love about them. Is it the subject? The light?

My Instagram feed photos are from people who have taken a workshop with us and photographers who inspire me. I have been greatly inspired by the work of Irving Penn. Especially his use of a natural light outdoor studio. I love the work of Irving Penn and have some of his books. You can find his images on Instagram, even though he passed away in I never get tired of looking at the way he exposed and composed his images. Documentaries on photographers can also provide insight.

Seeing how they work and hearing them speak about it can be very motivational. The historic Iron Bridge in Chiang Mai. Photographed from three different positions and compiled into a photo montage. Shortly after buying my first camera I watched a documentary about David Hockney.

I loved the process and results. Because of this one short video I was inspired and have been creating my own photo collages for over 30 years. Many photographers are also teaching online. They will help keep you inspired and educate you at the same time. Look at the work of other photographers who inspire you. Your style and your passion will be positively affected. Great artists steal. Read More. More like this. Most Recent Articles. November 1, October 31, So, What Exactly is a Real Leader?

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It registers the log-in information. The cookie is used to remember the user consent for the cookies under the category "Analytics". Why do they wake up every morning ready to take photographs, to edit them, to publish them?

Why is photography important to them and, by extension, to all of us? Photographs are the universal language of our era. Everyone has hundreds, maybe thousands in their pocket. Weightless, they turn the scale when the argument is: What happened here?

It is for this reason that we need photographers. They are the ones who sort all the chaos of the world into images that bring clarity to the free-for-all of life. They are the witnesses and artists who can distill the mayhem and beauty that surrounds us. They call our attention to the things we miss in our everyday lives and they call our attention to events and people at a great distance from our own patch of the universe.

When they direct our eyes and hearts with precision and honesty, we know what we know differently and better. Photographers teach us to look again, look harder. Look through their eyes. I shoot because I see. Activism is seen as a dirty word. I shoot because I find peace in being especially active, and being a vigorous advocate for a cause. I wish that every image I photograph reexamines and redefines the image of the black man, the black woman, and the black child.

My photography is first and foremost a catalyst or reason to motive human action. It is my way of saying this is another way of seeing me. I have spent my entire professional life creating, editing, critiquing or teaching photography and working with photographers. It has been the way that I have experienced much of the world. Images can keep the memory of a loved one alive, hold a moment in history for future generations, be a witness to tragedy or joy.

They can also change behavior, stimulate understanding and create a sense of urgency that will move people to action. Photography is the universal language that speaks to the heart. Photographers are the dedicated, passionate and sometimes half-crazy individuals who are willing to give their lives, too often quite literally, to show us what needs to be seen, what needs to be known. I can think of no greater honor nor privilege than to have lived a life surrounded by images and the amazing individuals who create them and share them with us.