Diamond Double S Photography - Finding Inspiration

So here we are in Texas in July and go figure...ITS HOT. Its way to early in the year to start spending multiple days hiding from the excessive three-digit temperatures. Today's temp; 111 Fahrenheit. It feels like an oven outside. It will surely be a month of early morning sessions. Not necessarily a bad thing; but there will be the rush to get the best shots produced before the photographer (me) melts. But of course; the rush must be silent because I know the subject will simply not care about my own comfort.

So, this week's topic is finding inspiration. It is incredibly hard to do when conditions are a little on the brutal side. But I often turn to searching images on the internet; just like most of us do. I look for inspiration in the work of others; not so I can recreate or copy their images; but so that I can keep my eyes fresh and allow myself to experiment; either with images I already have or use them to inspire me to find fresh compositions and try new techniques. I've been looking at light and finding ways to represent it on a two-dimensional plane for most of my life. But as in all aspects of life, there is always room for growth. I firmly believe in finding other artists/photographers to study. Find good art and good photography work to immerse yourself in and look at what works. Find bad art and photography work and look at what doesn't work. Ask yourself "Why does it work or not work?". Look at the work that you enjoy looking at especially when you first start out. You will develop a style of your own as you go; but it's so helpful to find what works for so many others and then implement the "why" into your own work and style. Most importantly, find inspiration around you. No matter where you are in this big world we call home; there is always something interesting if you just look for it. Take a picture from a different perspective; one that you've never tried. Take a wild walk on your creative side. If your image doesn't work out or you're just not happy with it; ask the "why". If it does come out amazing; ask the "why". Every image should inspire you and teach you. Remember that in this day and age of digital, the images are "free" to produce, and you can produce an amazing number of them. The days of a limited number of shots on a roll of film are mostly gone. Don't be afraid to try something new. The worst that can happen is you end up deleting it.

So until next week, just get out there! -- Karen Shayler