One of the hardest parts of being a professional photographer is making sure to stay fresh and inspired. Its easy to get bogged down, doing the same thing, shooting at the same venues. When your work becomes uninspired, your business struggles. Brides and clients can tell which photographers are doing new and innovative things. They can tell who is inspired.
When you need a little push for inspiration here are a few ideas that might help you.
ps: become my fan on facebook! It would make me happy and would inspire me (show some love)
1. Take a drive-I love just hopping in the car and cruising around town…I’ll see an old building with amazing textures, or a field that’s begging for someone to lie down in, or an old church that needs a little TLC.
2. Watch a Movie- New, old, CGI, animated. Look at the compositions and lighting. Some of the best and brightest are in Hollywood. I recently had a friend teach herself to photoshop people into Avatars…incredible!
3. Go to the City- Head into the nearest City. Take pictures of lines, and structure and texture. I love to people watch…take pictures of the interesting characters lurking around the city (be safe, of course).
4. Go to the Zoo- Get some pictures of the animals. Look at natures patterns and textures. It can be difficult to get a great shot at the Zoo because of the enclosures. Thinking outside the box will be rewarded.
5. Go to the Race Track or Running Track- Whether its dirt bikes or nascar, baseball game or soccer match. Take your camera. Maybe rent a longer lens. Practice shooting something fast. If you have never tried panning this could be a great time.
6. Go to Photo.net, iheartfaces.com, ilovephotography.com, istockphoto.com, etc.- Get an account head to the galleries. Browse the galleries or forums. Make sure to look in different categories than you usually shoot.
7. Take a trip to Barnes and Noble- Get a coffee (or hot chocolate in my case), check out a few magazines–and not just the fashion ones! Then head over and look at some of the books–whether it’s about photography or gardening…find something with pictures that interests you. (Yes, I’m telling you to only pick up a book with pictures! Remember the days when you had to choose one with only words!?!) Pick up something like a book on composition or lighting. Buy it.
8. Browse iTunes or head to the video/music section in Barnes & Noble- Looking at CD/DVD packaging is sure to inspire you. Look at the lighting, the branding, the story that is being told. How can you use this with your clients? Listen to the music, let the music itself inspire you (see previous post about the saxophonist!)
9. Watch the top 10 or 20 countdowns on MTV or VH1- Music Videos are on the cutting edge. The lighting, the outfits, the angles and locations. Watch the story and how its presented to each market.
10. Compete in a photograph Contest or Competition- You will have to examine your work. Make it better and present it. This is a great way for self discovery. Check out what Google’s found here.
11. Different Lens- Shoot with a lens you barely use or have never used. If you mainly shoot prime, choose a zoom (and vice versa). I’ve even rented lenses to gain inspiration (and to test them out for future purchase).
12. Different Camera- If you are digital shoot something analog. If you are analog shoot something digital. Poloroids, Holgas, Lomo, are a great place to start.
13. Help someone- As a photographer you have a wonderful gift. Find a non-profit, an organization you believe in and donate your vision.
14. Play with Textures- Find interesting things with varying textures. Peeling paint, Rust, Concrete, the list is endless. Many of these can be considered a work of art.
15. Use the Textures- Use the textures as overlays in Photoshop. You can change your photography into something different and unique. Totally Rad actions and Jesh de Rox have some great textures.
16. Go Macro- Shoot something small. Look at the little things you pass by and ignore and forget about–from the caterpillar you smashed on the way inside to mastering the art of perfect eye focus (can you separate their eyelashes?) . Open your eyes you will be amazed.
17. Play with Colors- Go out and shoot anything colorful. Bring them into Photoshop and saturate them some more–recommend Kevin Kubota’s Fuji Color action.
18. No Color- Shoot anything as long as its not color. Be mindful of what makes a great B/W. I like contrast…some don’t. Try it out and see what you prefer.
19. Take a Photography Class- Get some instruction, learn how others see. Great places for instruction are Local Community Colleges or Professional Workshops. For the Athenians reading this, try the Lyndon House Arts Center or UGA.
20. Go to an Art Museum- Everything in the Art Museum will inspire you. Learn how painters think, it will help your photography in ways you can’t imagine. Better yet….
21. …Paint something yourself- Let loose with the paintbrush. Let out your emotions and feelings on canvas. You will feel invigorated and inspired.
22. Get a Model- Make it worth their while–give them something in return for their time and beauty. Play with clothing, props and locations.
23. Shoot self-portaits- Thinking of all the unique angles and ways of shooting with expand your mind.
24. Make some Photography Friends- I am always inspired by others work. Search on facebook or google to find other local photographers to meet up with over coffee. Talk about what inspires you rather than business. (But don’t get caught in the “he/she’s better than me” trap! Let it inspire you, not discourage you).
25. Join a photography Organization- Join an organization for support and friendship.
26. Read the Manual- It’s not just Photoshop that can do all sorts of things that you don’t know about. Your camera probably has more settings and functions than you know… or know what to do with. You might find a lot of new ideas in the middle of your camera manual.
27. Shop at a Farmer’s Market- You never know what you might find at a flea market. At a farmer’s market, you know you can find colors, spheres, people and displays. And dinner too…oh, and Stephanie and Jeni.
28. Do Something Totally Outrageous- Ever told yourself “That would never work?” Well, here’s a “what if…” What if it did work? Go ahead, surprise yourself. Shoot someone jumping on a trampoline. Snap the bottoms of your feet or your toes (ewwww…). Do something outrageously silly… and see if it works.
29. Tell a Story- Good pictures always tell a story. So try thinking of a story then go out and create the images that illustrate it. That could be the story of your family, a narrative describing a community or even the birth of a child. Find where your story begins then use your camera to follow it through to the end.
30. Change your Angle- Try shooting while laying on the ground or hanging off a ledge (safety first, of course).
How can this face not inspire you!?!
There are so many ways to be inspired–whether you are a professional photographer or just a parent taking pictures of your children! Have fun with it! These are memories you’ll keep a lifetime!
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