10 Sources of Inspiration For Your Photography | Learn Digital Photography

Every one of us needs to be inspired to shoot photos at some time in our photographic journeys. Sometimes inspiration comes naturally while on other occasions it’s just like writer’s block. So how can you get inspired? Can you create inspiration or must you just wait? Let’s take a look at some sources of inspiration.

Before we look at the sources of inspiration you need to understand that inspiration can be created if you do not take the time and allow it to develop. The idea of shooting away until something happens just does not work. You have to create the atmosphere.

1. Read your camera manual
   Learning how to use your camera creatively is essential to the process so get to know its features and settings. Features like aperture and how it affects depth of field as well how to use shutter speed. When to use ISO is very important in digital photography.

2. Read a newspaper
   The weekend newspapers are best for great photography especially in the lifestyle and travel sections. I’m always inspired by great travel images.

3. Visit a flea market
   There is just so much activity at a flea market if you are after people and things. Look at the tables and you’ll see items that have history. There are lots of patterns, textures and large amounts of clutter and things. Plenty here to inspire.

4. Visit Google images online
   Here you’ll find millions of images that will inspire. Do a search on your favourite subjects or things and see how others have photographed them. You can pick up ideas and great ways to compose photos. Do not copy them but be inspired to shoot similar images.

5. Change your angles
   Get down lower or higher. Lie down on your back and just observe from that viewpoint. All of a sudden you’ll start seeing things you have never seen before.

6. Read photo blogs
   The other beneficial subject pertaining to this topic area. I’ve seen the most amazing photos on blogs dedicated to photography. There are some amazingly talented photographers on these sites. They write about how to create the images they’ve taken and give a host of tips to improve your photos.

1. Buy a photography book or magazine
   These are 2 really great sources of inspiration especially in the reader’s galleries where people submit their images for review and criticism. By reading the sections on technique and doing the tutorials you can’t avoid being inspired.

2. Make photography friends
   Make sure that you look to make friends with other photographers. You can do this by joining a photographic club in your area. Here you will see the work of others and also be able to submit your own work. We feed off each other’s energy and inspiration is a natural by product.

3. Play with your settings
   By experimenting and just playing around with your settings you’ll find yourself shooting images that you just want to try again and again. The old adage says that nothing breeds success like success. The same goes for inspiration.

4. Take a photography course or workshop