Inspiration

SnappingShark

Always learning.
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What's yours?

Mine is the simplicity of getting out the house because I don't have a lot of time. Hah!

I've read many a book, magazine or article and watched countless videos (movies, youtube, shows) regarding photography, or the subjects I am interested in - but none really inspire me as much as looking forward to getting out the house with my camera.

I used to be inspired by the liked of Ansel Adams, Jo McNally, Zack Arias, Eric Kim and countless Nat Geo photographers - but now, I just see they're pimping something and move on.

So my next question is - what makes another photographer stand out to you, and do you wish to be them, be inspired by them, or want to avoid what they are doing?

/bored thread
 
When out with my camera I hope that opportunity provides the inspiration.
 
i find someone who is a really passionate about a cause, offer a pro-bono collaboration.
you get a chance to work with another creative and explore ideas.
 
This forum inspires me, gets me to try new things that I never would have tried on my own. there are some terrific folks here and I have already learned quite a bit, and I feel like I have barely scratched the surface. I rarely have a plan, I just kinda fake it unless I'm participating in a challenge here on the group, or if I know a special event is coming up, like a trip to the zoo, or an air show, etc.
 
My primary inspiration now is to shoot better than the last time I shot.

When I was working news, my inspiration was to shoot better than the guy next to me.
 
When out with my camera I hope that opportunity provides the inspiration.

I used to do this, and still do from time to time. I now feel more like this is a good way to get stuck in your comfort zone (aka "rut"). There's a place for this of course, but I don't think it's the best way to challenge yourself, and for me at any rate, a challenge will lead to inspiration (and growth) more often than random chance.

I have found that creating a set of projects is what works best for me. How you define a project is entirely up to you, but it should be defined well enough that it centers you on what you are trying to see, how best to capture it, and how best to convey your vision to an audience. When you go out with the camera, you decide what project you are working on and plan your gear/day accordingly.

I usually have about 5-7 projects in play at any time and I re-evaluate, change, replace every so often based on how much I've progressed through each. These are not meant to be written in stone, but rather dynamic and changeable based on my experiences.

I do still go on my random photo walks, but projects have been a huge factor in my maintaining inspiration.

YMMV
 
New
From being young I was always an active bird watcher. I had a slr in my teens and used to photograph birds but after a few years it was stolen. My life moved on. I went to university, had a family and all the usual things we do. In my early 30s I suffered with very severe depression. One day I saw a close up photo of a blue tit. I was blown away with the detail. It was at the beginning of the digital age of the camera. I wanted to learn more. I immediatly went out and bought my first camera, the Minolta dimage z1. I knew nothing of dslr's at the time. I visited photographic forums and I taught myself the basics. It helped me enormously with my depression as it tapped into my creative side. Eventually i bought more avanced dslr's and became a very good wildlife photographer. From a young age I was always inspired by the late Sir Peter Scott. I loved his paintings and my wildfowl photography began to emulate his style. Then returned the dreaded depression and for a few more years the photography stopped. Then I bought a springer, followed by another and then another. Such wonderful, high energy dogs. I had always specialised in action shots Used to love to photograph birds in flight. Watching my dogs run and jump about I was once again inspired to pick up my camera. I love all action photography. I find it the greatest of challenges.
nightraidersbf.jpg
IMG_9368.jpg
 
What/who inspires me as a Photographer? Well, not to sound cliche, but my Father. At 82 he has a very difficult time getting around now, but when he leaves the house his camera goes with him. It h as been like that for the entire 54 years I have known him. Never sold a single image I don't think, never showed a single image anywhere outside the house as far as I know either. He makes photos for the sheer joy of it. Even though we live 1600 miles apart now, we still talk (through Mom because he can't hear on the phone) on a regular basis about camera bodies, new lenses, techniques, tips, and other equipment. If even moving is a struggle for him, but he can still make/take beautiful photos, there is ZERO reason I can fabricate for not getting out and about with my kit. Everyone else can keep Ansel Adams, I have Duane Gordon (which doesn't mean squat to anyone else.)
 

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