Dress in Window – © John Neel
As photographers, we look for new ways to see the world with hopes of making images that will show the world in a new light. Inspiration is something we all need.
Personally, I do not believe it is enough to simply look at the works of other photographers for inspiration. As image-makers, we fall in line with many disciplines that we can use to inspire our own ways of thinking and creativity.
A spark can come from almost anything we do, but perhaps one of the best ways to enhance creativity is by seeing what others create. As an artist, I look to many art forms for inspiration. Books, movies, paintings, museums, plays, music, art history and toys are among things that I use to enhance my vision.
To be inspired is not to copy what others create. However, it is possible to use what we learn from their works to stimulate our own innovation. When we look at works of art and music we begin to understand the communication and spirit of other minds.
Swath – © John Neel
As practitioners of the arts, we usually require some sort of stimulation as a source for our creative energy. Listening to what others have to say with their creations and understanding how they use their voices can provide a grounding for our own creative impulses and show us ways to better articulate our own works.
Inspiration doesn’t always come easily. We need to be open to the things around us.
Inspiration requires an open mind. It requires a mind that understands what art is capable of showing. It requires an acceptance of the world, as it exists. It requires looking through the obvious. It requires a heightened awareness of your world. The goal is to elevate the things being articulated in a way that can inspire others to think about what you are presenting to them. The goal of artistic work is to elevate the ideas expressed – first or the maker and then for those who might confront the work.
One of the secrets is to recognize the creative potential of a given stimulus. It is almost always right in front of our eyes. Nearly anything can become inspirational. You simply need to be open to its presence. If we can’t see it, it’s because we aren’t yet open to what is already there.
Inspiration yields creativity, which generates inspiration.
Great art inspires because it is great. Understanding great art is inspiration. Becoming inspired is part of the creative act.
I cover many photographic topics and techniques in my book. – Great Photography book for any creative Photographer.
Please have a look at some of my other posts here.
NOTICE of Copyright: THIS POSTING AS WELL AS ALL PHOTOGRAPHS, GALLERY IMAGES, AND ILLUSTRATIONS ARE COPYRIGHT © JOHN NEEL AND ARE NOT TO BE USED FOR ANY PURPOSE WITHOUT WRITTEN CONSENT FROM THE WRITER, THE PHOTOGRAPHER AND/OR lensgarden.com. THE IDEAS EXPRESSED ARE THE PROPERTY OF THE PHOTOGRAPHER AND THE AUTHOR.
