Mastering photography is not just about technical skills but also about cultivating a creative vision. Drawing inspiration from a variety of sources is important for developing a unique style and staying motivated. This insight explores how you can harness your creativity and inspiration to enhance your photography.
Coming to you from Alex Kilbee with Photographic eye, this engaging video emphasizes the importance of being a “visual magpie.” Kilbee discusses how legendary photographers like Joel Meyerowitz and Dan Winters continually find inspiration and turn it into compelling images. He suggests that you don’t rely solely on expensive photo books or aimless internet searches, but instead gather visual ideas from a variety of sources around you.
Kilbee illustrates his point with personal anecdotes, such as discovering Pink Floyd’s “The Wall” during his school days, which significantly influenced his musical and artistic interests that. He emphasizes that inspiration often comes from unexpected places and that asking questions and seeking advice from colleagues is essential. This proactive approach can help you find new photographers and artists who can spark new ideas.
Kilbee also addresses the misconception that inspiration should only come from the field of photography. He argues that looking beyond photography to other visual arts such as painting and film can prevent creative stagnation. By analyzing the techniques of classical portrait painters or paying attention to cinematography in movies, you can bring a broader perspective to your work. This helps avoid the echo chamber effect often seen on platforms like Instagram, where trends and styles are often repeated.
Expanding on this concept, Kilbee recommends maintaining a library of visual ideas. He shares his habit of carrying a notebook to record thoughts and inspirations as they appear. This practice allows you to build a repertoire of creative ideas that can be drawn upon during filming. Kilbee recounts his appreciation for the musical “Jesus Christ Superstar” and the visual elements he observed in it that subtly influenced his photographic style such as how. He encourages you to reflect on your interests and experiences to determine what resonates with you visually.
Putting these ideas into practice, Kilbee discusses how studying the work of photographers such as Robert Mapplethorpe and Bob Carlos Clarke helped him develop his style. By combining elements from a variety of sources, he creates unique works that reflect his influences while maintaining originality. He gives an example of combining Mapplethorpe’s intense style with Clarke’s distinctive props to create a memorable image. This mix of inspiration illustrates how to integrate diverse influences into your work.
Kilbee’s insights emphasize the value of continually seeking and integrating inspiration from a variety of sources. Whether it’s through music, art, movies, or the work of other photographers, expanding your range of influence can lead to more unique and dynamic photos. He also emphasizes the importance of practical steps, such as keeping a notebook and actively engaging with various visual media, to cultivate a well-rounded creative approach. Watch the video above for the full rundown of Kilbee.
