Inspiration

<p>Can you put a name or face on what, if anything, inspires your photos?<br /> <br /> Is it something specific, something more general and less focused, or nothing in particular? Maybe something inspired one photo and something else inspires others. Has there been inspiration for a particular project or series or toward a stylistic approach to a project or series?<br /> <br /> Have you ever searched for inspiration when feeling uninspired or does inspiration seem to flow consistently for you? Is it something you can search for or even cause to happen?<br /> <br /> Is inspiration important to you personally or significant in the scheme of things? Is the process itself of photographing or the photo that results from it inspiring? Do you get inspired more specifically by the particular subjects you're photographing? These things likely overlap and can't necessarily be separated.<br /> <br /> Can you be motivated without being inspired? Would getting paid, for instance, be motivation but not terribly inspiring for you? What, if anything, gets added to motivation when you feel inspired?<br /> <br /> I looked at definitions of <em>motivate</em> and <em>inspire</em>. <em>Motivation</em> was about incentive and a move toward action. <em>Inspiration</em> often prominently added an element of arousal and animation, even divination.<br /> <br /> Does something arouse you to make photos? Is it animating or life-affirming for you?<br /> <br /> Can you tell from looking at their photos, and do you care, whether other photographers seem inspired and what might be inspiring them?<br /> <br /> I'm inspired by my peers, my community, and the aging process. It's emotional and visual.<br /> <br /> Please feel free to share a photo if that helps to communicate your thoughts or feelings.<br /> <br /> Not all my photos seem inspired, even among those I love. Here's one that does, to me.</p><div></div>

<p>Feeling the atmosphere, see(k)ing the moment, meeting new friends...</p><div></div>

<p>Fred:</p>

<p>I lose myself when I'm shooting photographs. Although I'm not sure this comes under the heading of inspiration, the feeling I get at least occasionally is almost beyond description. I suspect it has to do with participating in a creative activity. </p>

<p> Perhaps I'll have some more thoughts about this. </p>

<p>Sorry, Fred, to give your OP such little attention. I have more time now, and I've given more thought to answering your questions.</p>

<p><strong>Is the process itself of photographing or the photo that results from it inspiring? </strong>I think I addressed this in my initial response. To elaborate, though, I find the entire process - shooting, post processing, discussing images with friends (both PN and otherwise) - inspiring. I am happy when an image turns out well, but I don't find this as impactful as what I feel just by engaging in the various phases of the photographic process. </p>

<p>I don't think I feel inspired in degrees; I either feel it or I don't. There are, and have been, dark times in my life when I feel no inspiration at all. During such times, I also feel little joy, happiness, or well being in general.</p>

<p><strong>Can you be motivated without being inspired? </strong>Money has never motivated me. I think, in general, I am motivated by what I consider to be important. There have been plenty of occasions on which I was motivated by not inspired. Most of these have occurred in connection with my work. Then the motivation I felt was to satisfy my basic needs and those of my family - to keep a roof over pour heads, to have enough food to eat, and to maintain at least a semblance of financial security. Bottom line - with the exception of my first career choice (teaching philosophy), work has never been a source of inspiration for me.</p>

<p><strong>Does something arouse you to make photos? Is it animating or life-affirming for you?</strong> Making photographs has added immeasurable value and worth to my life. It certainly has enhanced my self esteem, the lack of which was a serious issue early on. I feel that there is a deep, primitive, urge in me to create, such that I am in a much better place when I do so. </p>

<p><strong>Can you tell from looking at their photos, and do you care, whether other photographers seem inspired and what might be inspiring them? </strong>The most obvious answer that comes to mind is that the subject matter of a photographer's images is one of the best clues when it comes to identifying sources of inspiration. I think I would have higher regard for the quality of a photographer's work knowing that he/she is inspired and that his/her photographs are the result.</p>

<p>In general, I am inspired by a variety of sources - good music, good films, good food, good beer and whiskey, my friends, my wife, my son, my brothers, and two amazing cousins. I am inspired when I witness occurrences in the world that I consider to represent humanity at its best.</p>

<p> </p>

<p>And I also am continually inspired by nature!</p>

<p>I've come to mistrust inspiration. Persistence and discipline are more secure wellsprings for photographic productivity that aspires to generous excellence.<br>

I specialise in subjects carrying metaphoric value (or so I think) shot on 8x10 black and white film and finished as hand-made gelatin-silver contacts. The process is not work, neither is it play, but it is certainly effortful. If I just waited for inspiration before hefting the big camera into the landscape there would be a lot of lazy days on which it would be tempting to do something easier. But if I go out anyway and things go right, when the subject and the light coalesce elegantly, inspiration takes care of itself.</p>

 

<p>Nothing inspires me more that a brand new camera.</p>

<p><strong>Leslie</strong>, love the idea of "feeling the atmosphere." I wonder if you'd share a few more thoughts about that. It's funny, I immediately thought of atmosphere literally. Living in San Francisco, our atmosphere is often thick with fog, which quite distinctly impacts making photographs here. It's like living in a big soft box on many days. But atmosphere can also be used more metaphorically, to convey ambiance, the general feeling of a scene or situation. I can see it seeping inside and inspiring.</p>

<p><strong>Michael</strong>, thanks for such great thoughts. You mention losing yourself in the process. It's interesting that it can also be put in the opposite way. I often think photographing helps me <em>find</em> myself. In a sense, they're the same thing, depending on how you look at it.</p>

<p>I do think money can be an important motivator, though I rarely find it inspiring. Though you say you aren't motivated by it, you do mention being motivated to maintain a semblance of financial security. I can understand that seeming contradiction, though. It's wanting enough money to satisfy our needs but not necessarily continuing to want more money to satiate more and more desires. Those motivated by money are rarely satisfied by what they get so the motivation seems to keep breeding more desire and more and more need. (That's a generalization, of course.)</p>

<p>Self esteem . . . a nice way to put what you get out of photographing. I always got self esteem from things I did, like academics, running a successful business, having good friends and a supportive family. I feel lucky to have been given self esteem by parents who really did think the world of me and instilled confidence in me. Photographing put me more in touch with a different side of myself, a side that has been willing to risk less firm ground than what I'd been used to. Self esteem always kept me kind of grounded and secure. Photography is making me less secure in a lot of ways (because it brings up so many questions and unknowns and uncertainties), good ways, and that's been more of a thrill.</p>

<p>You mention nature, which is tricky for me, though I understand it. I am incredibly inspired by nature but it doesn't much inspire me to photograph. I love being in nature and do it as often as possible, which is pretty easy living in California. And I am incredibly moved by my experiences in the mountains, at the beach, by the rivers and forests. But I'm much more inspired by people and city life, to be honest, in terms of photography. Maybe it's having grown up in New York City, I don't know. It's that buzz of the city I find incredible. In terms of photographing, the red neon of a tavern light at night turns me on much more than sunsets, even though I've spent many an evening marveling at the way the ocean water looks at dusk. For me, it boils down to finding photographing inspiration in people, their faces and their spirit.</p>

<p><strong>Maris</strong>, thanks for that perspective. You make some salient points. When talking about inspiration, I didn't mean to give a back seat to other values and qualities one has to develop in order to photograph, such as practice, patience, discipline, etc. I was just wanting to focus on inspiration, but agree with you that in the absence of other things it won't necessarily get you all that far. I do agree with you that doing is very important and waiting for inspiration can be a fool's errand at times. For me, inspiration doesn't always take care of itself. There are times when I actively do things to make it happen. That can be putting on music, talking to a friend, reading something meaningful. Quite often, a change of pace inspires me, shaking things up. Discipline is tricky for me, because it reminds me a little too much of school and rigidity. I tend to put it more in terms of practice (which is its own kind of discipline). Maybe it's that the craft seems to require a kind of discipline but, for me, the art seems to suggest a lack of it, at least in certain ways. Messy, unruly: these can be important at times.</p>

<p><strong>Sanford</strong>, it seems a not-uncommon thing to be so inspired. Thanks for adding that. I think it's probably not just a matter of gear, either. It's the excitement of a new tool, a new extension of oneself and the possibilities that affords.</p>

<p>Fred:</p>

<p>I think that, if I'm fortunate enough, moments of "losing myself" in photography are like what Maslow called peak experiences. If so, then these moments are among the best opportunities for discovering the best parts or aspects of myself. This perhaps is what you meant by saying that losing oneself and finding oneself can be one and the same.</p>

<p>Money: Clearly you are correct in stating that it can be an important motivator. Although I'd be dishonest if I said that I don't like reaping the rewards of what money can buy, I've never had any sort of entrepreneurial spirit or any real drive to make myself wealthy. Besides, to me, there are other sorts of wealth that are far more valuable.</p>

<p>Self-esteem: In the last 15 years of my life, I have felt more comfortable than earlier on in taking risks. 13 years ago, after earning a comfortable niche in a job, I moved on to another one, knowing that my only real source of job security was my ability to do well. I really don't think I would have been capable of such a move if I hadn't attained a level of self-esteem that previously didn't exist.</p>

<p>Nature: Don't get me wrong. I love shooting photographs of buildings, of people, and of other subjects that urban settings have to offer. I also believe that every person has a very private and privileged sort of knowing regarding a setting that carries a very special sort of magic. I discovered that walking a trail in the mountains of northeast Georgia. So, my special place is being in the woods, preferably in the mountains.</p>

<p><em>" . . . then these moments are among the best opportunities for discovering the best parts or aspects of myself."</em></p>

<p>Michael, yes. And it may be that one only loses oneself in the moment but finds themselves in a more holistic sense. Personally, I have trouble letting go, if I even want to do that. So I tend to stay in touch with myself . . . the dialog doesn't stop so easily for me. I know this about myself and don't try to fight it, so the wheels seem to keep spinning and I make the most of it. There are times when I'd describe what's happening as losing myself, but they are pretty rare, to be honest. It may be that I spent enough years running from myself (which is not what I think others are doing when they describe losing themselves) and so now I'm more keen on being and staying in touch with myself, plus it seems to come somewhat naturally to me. Then again, maybe some of the risk taking I try to do is a way of losing myself, or at least losing my well-honed sense of security, and that I seem more willing to do. I wonder if my ego is too big to take a back seat. Might get us back to the whole New York thing. :-)</p>

<blockquote>

<p>I wonder if you'd share a few more thoughts about that.</p>

</blockquote>

<p>Fred, I just meant ambience of the place, and not the often foggy atmosphere of the SF bay. The place can be a back alley, a neighborhood, a home, a tourist trap, or what have you. The subtle nuance of being momentarily together with a person/crowd/place/event, yet still peeking with a camera. For me personally, it usually about people exploring/understanding. What, Why, and how they do what they do. And consequently, I learn about myself as well. </p>

<p><em>"yet still peeking with a camera"</em></p>

<p>Leslie, thanks for your entire description and especially this part. It's often how I think about the camera, too, and in a sort of off-hand, even amusing, and very positive light. I've heard many photographers reject the "peeking" characterization, and try to understand that, but I find it quite apt, even provocative.</p>

<p>Interesting post.</p>

<p>Inspiration where does it come from; and why does it need to come from anywhere...perhaps it is just a characteristic of our species...a evolutionary function from a unknown source.</p>

<p>For me it is about having the time...a big thing for me...getting out there.</p>

<p>And then l take some photos....which makes me all sort of happy.</p>

<p>That simple for me.</p><div></div>

<p>My thoughts there are three photographers.</p>

<p>Where are the rest?</p>

<p>Only talkers who are trying to talk a photo....</p>

<p>With words.</p>

<p>Dreamers</p>

<p><br>

</p>

<p >What inspires me basically, and always has, is purely visual stimulation. By that I mean the serendipitous discovery of textures, colors, geometry, contours, shadings, edges, balance/imbalance, of any scene, anywhere. I am constantly making these observations throughout the day, all the time. When I have a camera it intensifies and I begin to edit out the stuff that was just a “passing fancy,” if you know what I mean. I love to photograph people too, and when I am doing that, I am drawn to the face, the lighting, the expression, and I usually wait until the person I am photographing acknowledges me so I get an expression indicating awareness of the camera. I want a "relationship" for at least 1/30 of a second. That, for me is ideal. I'm not after anything particular. I just find faces/expressions beautiful in and of themselves, without getting analytical about it. When all is successful, it is very gratifying and I enjoy my images and prints like they were my creations. I would think a song writer feels this way about his/her songs, or a writer feels about his/her work. Its never been about money or fame or fortune. My regular work is extremely gratifying and it is entirely different, so I think my photography allows me to express my visual and more creative side so that I have balance in my life. </p>

<p>Words and photographs work.</p>

<p>Words are just for words.</p>

<p>"I think my photography allows me to express my visual and more creative side so that I have balance in my life."</p>

<p>And a creative interest away from the daily grind.</p>

<p>You inspire yourself by getting out there doing it.</p>

<p>You get a really nice photo and you....hey, can it be any better.</p>

<p>Deep satisfaction and the world becomes a happy place.</p>

<p> </p>

<p>Just looking at my photo...</p>

<p>Real deal not a pretty picture...best turn our backs on this sort of photo.</p>

<p>Wish I could be modest and join the mediocre.</p>

<p>I try hard. Really hard .</p>

<p> </p>

<p>:)</p>

<p>Steve, you said a couple of things that ring true. You mentioned "serendipitous discovery". On occasion I've had the feeling of serendipity, but on closer inspection I'm not sure that's exactly what it was. The same ordinary thing that I see might be seen (might <em>have</em> to be seen) by hundreds or thousands of other people, yet it's likely I'm the only one who stopped to take a picture. I think about what Pasteur said: "Chance favors the prepared mind". The difference between me and the others is that part of my brain is often occupied with being on the lookout for photographic subjects. Just like you said you are always looking for textures, color, geometry, etc.<br>

But what specifically arrests me and makes me take a picture? The source of inspiration is hard to get at; I can name influences more easily than inspirations. Emotions, music, whimsy, trying to see beyond human vision, irony, satire, and the idea of time are all very satisfying things for me, and my guess is that these things inspire my better photos.</p>

<p>Wow. Good topic. I have just been thinking about this lately.<br>

It's hard to say what<em> inspires</em> me to take a photo. It's a <em>knowing.</em> It may be the light, a little cosmic joke, something I think is particularly beautiful, and very often, something that I just want to keep on seeing. Many times I can't figure it out for myself, much less articulate it. The large majority of these instances go un-shot. (This is something I'm working on: getting better about actually taking the shot and not just seeing it). <br>

What <em>motivates </em>me is a couple things. One is seeing the result and truly liking what I see, wanting to keep looking at it more. The other often times starts with words/critiques/appreciation of the work from others. I thought about this last part more, and I think it doesn't stop with the words; but the words represent a kind of connection with like-minded people. I'm not one who takes many "flowers and seashore" photos. I have a few (even took some of those on a visit to the beach a couple weeks ago). but I find they bore me. That's not to say that there aren't great flower and seashore shots, but for whatever reason, those just don't turn me on. The point is, when someone responds to my work, I feel like there has a been a connection, a like-mindedness that is very gratifying and motivating to me.<br>

I have discovered what does NOT motivate me in photography, and that is doing an assignment or job. It's nice to be asked, and that folks trust your skills. There are times I'm happy to do a shot of something requested of me, but I find it only minimally gratifying. I was happy to come to that realization. It changes my focus of where to concentrate my efforts. Working full time in another field, time is limited. So, getting the most out of my leisure/photo time is important to me. This allows me to better direct my photographic efforts.</p>

<p> </p>

<p>Amy, I am like you in that when I see something I am stimulated by, I photograph it to see it again. I also don't like doing "assignments" but I will do an occasional wedding or portrait for a friend. I love photographing people at backyard get togethers. People are at ease, and the lighting in the early evening is really nice too.</p>

<p><em>"What inspires me basically, and always has, is purely visual stimulation."</em> <strong>--Steve</strong></p>

<p><em>"The difference between me and the others is that part of my brain is often occupied with being on the lookout for photographic subjects. . . . Chance favors the prepared mind."</em> <strong>--Mark and Pasteur</strong></p>

<p><em>"Many times I can't figure it out for myself, much less articulate it. . . . The other often times starts with words/critiques/appreciation of the work from others. I thought about this last part more, and I think it doesn't stop with the words; but the words represent a kind of connection with like-minded people."</em> <strong>--Amy</strong></p>

<p>Great stuff to ponder. Mark's thoughts (and Pasteur's) lead me to consider that there may be no such thing as purely visual stimulation, which is not to dismiss Steve's idea, since what you say, Steve, makes sense to me. Though I don't think purity is a workable concept because I think nothing is ever pure, many photographers are sure to be very much visually stimulated. That stimulation is triggered by a host of things, including past experience, our own biology and pre-dispositions, etc. The visual will have an immediate and accompanying emotional response, even though we may not think about it at the time. And our emotional response will be based on so many different factors. As Mark suggests, over time, we begin to look with a photographer's eye, which seems to mean for many of us seeing through to the photo and not just seeing the scene. Kind of seeing what will be instead of only what is. Possibility. The possibility of a photo, among many other things like subject matter, can be inspiring.</p>

<p>Amy, I love your thoughts about words and articulation, because they're so important to me. And it's sometimes not just about the words by and to others in the form of critiques and sharing, though that's such an important observation. It can also help to articulate things to myself, about my photos, about my subjects, about what I want and where I want to go. That will all fade into the background in the moments I'm captivated by a scene, event, or subject, but it all <em>influences</em> me, to use an important word from Mark. (By the way, Mark, I wonder if there's a difference in tense between inspiration and influence, in that an inspiration seems to lead me forward whereas an influence seems to represent the experiences that have led me here.)</p>

<p>Amy, you mention how many situations go un-shot. I think the self-articulation of goals and what it is I may be looking for helps me with that. There's always going to be sudden recognition of something worth shooting, and I certainly can't predict everything, but I take Pasteur to be suggesting some amount of thoughtfulness in terms of priorities, desires, likes and dislikes, what works and what doesn't, so that when those moments arise, the recognition of them will start to come as second nature. I look at my own photos, especially when I think I missed something, and often try to articulate what it is I missed. It helps me not to miss it the next time. I try to be specific and concrete, even though it's hard to do that.</p>

<p><em>" . . . when I see something I am stimulated by, I photograph it to see it again."</em></p>

<p>The only thing I'd add to this is that I also photograph it to see it anew. As something different. As a photo. Making a photo of something often changes it significantly.</p>

<p>I just wanted to add that, when I talk about having missed something, it's not necessarily taking the shot that I missed. I sometimes missed the most effective <em>way</em> of taking the shot, a more interesting or creative perspective or angle, etc. Articulating those things can help me to see and photograph more descriptively and compellingly.</p>