10 Sources of Inspiration For Your Photography

Posted: 24 Dec 2013 04:19 PM PST

Every one of us needs to be inspired to shoot photos at some time in our photographic journeys. Sometimes inspiration comes naturally while on other occasions it is just like writer’s block. So how can you get inspired? Can you create inspiration or must you just wait? Let’s take a look at some sources of inspiration.

Before we look at the sources of inspiration you need to understand that inspiration can be created if you don’t take the time and allow it to develop. The idea of shooting away until something happens just doesn’t work. You have to create the atmosphere.

“reportage” captured by Justin (Click Image to See More From Justin)

1. Read your camera manual

Learning how to use your camera creatively is essential to the process so get to know its features and settings. Features like aperture and how it affects depth of field as well how to use shutter speed. When to use ISO is very important in digital photography.

2. Read a newspaper

The weekend newspapers are best for great photography especially in the lifestyle and travel sections. I am always inspired by great travel images.

3. Visit a flea market

There is just so much activity at a flea market if you’re after people and things. Look at the tables and you will see items that have history. There are lots of patterns, textures and large amounts of clutter and things. Plenty here to inspire.

4. Visit Google images online

Here you will find millions of images that will inspire. Do a search on your favorite subjects or things and see how others have photographed them. You can pick up ideas and great ways to compose photos. Don’t copy them but be inspired to shoot similar images.

Looking for Inspiration on Google Images

5. Change your angles

Get down lower or higher. Lie down on your back and just observe from that viewpoint. All of a sudden you will start seeing things you have never seen before.

6. Read photo blogs

I have seen the most amazing photos on blogs dedicated to photography. There are some amazingly talented photographers on these sites. They write about how to create the images they have taken and give a host of tips to improve your photos.

7. Buy a photography book or magazine

These are two really great sources of inspiration especially in the reader’s galleries where people submit their images for review and criticism. By reading the sections on technique and doing the tutorials you cannot avoid being inspired.

8. Make photography friends

Make sure that you look to make friends with other photographers. You can do this by joining a photographic club in your area. Here you’ll see the work of others and also be able to submit your own work. We feed off each other’s energy and inspiration is a natural by product.

9. Play with your settings

By experimenting and just playing around with your settings you will find yourself shooting images that you just want to try again and again. The old adage says that nothing breeds success like success. The same goes for inspiration.

10. Take a photography course or workshop

Learning from the experiences of great photographers and teachers will always be an inspiration. A photography class will teach you ways of shooting as well as the fundamentals of great image taking.

“Photographers at Work” captured by Wildung (Click Image to See More From Wildung)

These 10 sources are just some of many. If you want be inspired then look for inspiration and allow yourself time for it to happen. Inspiration cannot be rushed.

About the Author:
Wayne Turner has been teaching photography for 25 years and has written three books on photography. He has produced 21 Steps to Perfect Photos; a program of learner-based training using outcomes based education.

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Article from: PictureCorrect Photography Tips

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Wednesday, 25 December 2013