I have been thinking a lot lately about inspiration.
Inspiration is this illusive thing that I think all of us have a love/hate relationship with. When we have it, we’re on top of the world, but when we don’t, we might get grumpy or discouraged. It is something that is essential to us as photographers, but isn’t something that can be controlled.
Or can it?
While I’m not sure the giddy-on-top-of-the-world feeling that comes along with inspiration can be controlled, I’m starting to believe that attaining that feeling more often than we think we can is totally within the realm of possibility. With the cold winter months setting in, a lot of us tend to run out of creative steam this time of year, so now is a good time to check in with ourselves to find out what it is that inspires us to keep shooting.
One thing that has really helped me lately is thinking about, outside of photography, what interests me. I have a journal that is just for photography ideas, and any time I see something I like, or an idea comes to mind, I write it down. Then, I find ways of incorporating what interests me visually/emotionally into my photography.
One thing that always inspires me is a longing for the past, and for times gone by. I love history. I love old buildings, antique books, clothes and cameras. Anything that belonged to someone years ago sparks my imagination.
Anything that has stood the test of time is always interesting to me as a photographer.
And, like so many of my fellow photographers, I’m endlessly inspired by nature. I’m fascinated by how, as humans, our time here is so short, and while we may leave our imprints on nature, nature is constant, and our existence is fleeting.
I’m inspired by the often unpredictable nature of photography. I love the not-knowing that accompanies shooting with film, and embracing the happy accidents, such as accidentally double exposing my film, or not advancing my frame far enough.
So, while these are just a few of my own ideas and interests, they are, without a doubt, what fuels my creativity, and, I think having some idea of what inspires me has really helped me keep my momentum going as of late.
I’m curious to know, what inspires you, and how to you keep your creativity flowing?
Beautiful images, beautiful words, Anna!
I’m one of those struggling a bit with inspiration right now, and I certainly agree that there are things we can do to help – what does the trick for me right now is hard work (however prosaic that may sound!) and thinking deliberately and being aware of what I’m doing and want to do at all times.
Anna, This one is lovely all around — words, images, sentiment. Lately I find inspiration by giving myself regular assignments, kind of like free writing, to keep myself in the creative game and process. I agree, we can from time to time invoke the inspiration high by practice alone. The more we do it, the more it comes…Thanks for the reminder!
The idea to keep a photography journal is fantastic. I often see something that I want to shoot, but don’t have to chance to stop at the moment.
Getting outside- could be in the heart if downtown or along a quiet path- that gets me shooting and creativity flowing.
Thanks for these thoughts and images today!
For me the only thing that does it lately is beautiful light and being near the water
Great post Ana, glad to hear you keep a photography journal as well – so important for personal growth. To touch on your question about how you keep your creativity flowing one must feed it. Feed it by doing other things than photography. Visit museums, garden, cook/bake, other arts, make things, read and look at others books as much as possible. These are just a few ideas, you must feed it. Such a fine post, thank you.
Lovely and inspiring post, Anna. With winter and freezing temperatures coming, the inspiration can get hard to come by, but your post helps!
My inspiration level has been at zero, recently. I do have a book for inspiration, but I haven’t been keeping it up. Thank you for the reminder.
I get stuck around the house, getting things done, feeling like I have to be around for this or that, and mostly sitting at the computer, not even doing interesting things. And it slowly becomes a fear of doing things. I have to push myself to get up and out more. I have a hike planned tomorrow. I’ve been resisting all my urges to get out of it.