Photography Masterclass Magazine
Inspiration
Top Ways To Inspire & Spark New Ideas In Your Photography Work
Aa portrait photographer working in Paris since 2012, I can attest to burnout. I was shooting weddings, couples, engagements, and private parties all over the city. Sometimes up to six photoshoots a day.
What started as a dream job was soon becoming monotonous. You can only photograph a man proposing in front of the Eiffel Tower so many times before you start to question what you are doing anymore.
I still love my job and appreciate every offer that comes my way, but I had to develop some new ways to inspire myself and spark new ideas so my work became joyful again. Here is a list of the top ways to keep your work fresh and innovative in any genre of photography.
JOIN A PHOTOGRAPHY COMMUNITY
I love searching Facebook for photography groups. I am part of many - including Paris Photographers, Wedding Photographers and Creatives - in Paris. These groups range in offerings but are full of people sharing their work and fresh ideas. It’s easy to fall into a treadmill with producing the same work for clients every time.
The same poses, the same locations, and the same lighting. But these groups helped me learn that there are other ways to shoot the same things over and over. I like to glance weekly at the groups and learn what the latest trends are. Instagram is another key platform for connecting with photographers in my area. We private message each other and even meet up for coffee sometimes to discuss what’s working and what’s not. Seeing how other people work really helps to inspire my work and keep it fresh.
ENTER A COMPETITION
When you enter a photography competition it forces you outside your comfort zone. Try to enter competitions that are not what you usually shoot such as landscape, travel, or abstract photography. By exploring a different genre of photography you are sure to discover new hidden talents and likes in your photography work.
It also gives you the chance to review your peer’s work on a grander scale. Everyone is putting their best work forward in a competition and it can only help you feel inspired to be a photographer. You might even win some extra cash and bragging rights!
RENT OR BORROW DIFFERENT GEAR
When we shoot with the same lenses and camera body every time it may seem difficult to change our way of shooting and find excitement. Whenever I feel myself becoming bored with my shoots, I try to rent or borrow a new lens.
Many of my photographer friends are willing to make a lens exchange for the exact same reason. If you normally shoot all the time with a 50mm try shooting with an 85mm. The change in distance and apertures will force you to change your perspective and where you position yourself. The goal is to constantly challenge your skills and mind.
TRY AN ONLINE CLASS
Developing news skills in photography is a sure way to help you feel energized again. There are a variety of websites offering affordable courses including CreativeLive, Skillshare, and Udemy. Classes range from $20 up to $100s so there is something for everyone. If you have ever wanted to learn a new niche such as newborn photography or macro photography, online is where it’s at! Most of the creators of the classes are experts in their genre and it’s like finding a mentor that you may not usually have access to.
REMEMBER WHY YOU STARTED
I would never believe when I first started in this business that one day I would not love it. My passion for photography was on fire and there was nothing that was going to stop me from pursuing that dream job. Whenever I am feeling overwhelmed or burnout I take time to reflect on those beginning years and why I started shooting in the first place. It’s important to remember why you wanted to be a photographer and what you loved shooting in the beginning. If you are no longer shooting those things, take time to return to them and shoot for fun, not for money.
CREATE A PERSONAL PROJECT
There’s no better way to feel inspired about photography again than to start shooting something simply for fun or to bring awareness to the public.
Think about something that is important to you in your everyday life or charities you donate to. Ask how you can donate your photography to those causes.
When you are shooting something that relates to your morals and helping others at the same time, you can’t help but feel sparks of energy.
SELF PORTRAITS
Generally, photographers are always shooting everything but themselves. Try spending some time shooting some artsy portraits of yourself. You can play with motion, light, and new editing techniques. You will also have to learn a new setup without yourself being directly behind the camera. It’s also fun to get on the other side of the camera so you can understand how your clients feel when you are shooting them.
TAKE A PHOTO TRIP
Consider taking a trip or a local walk where the sole purpose is to shoot the scenery. Exploring a park in your neighborhood even works. Walking is a fantastic way to get your creative energies flowing but also taking that walk with the purpose of shooting something different and focusing on being in the moment is valuable to your inspiration. Our minds crave change, so make sure to give them the food they need to survive by exploring different locations and perspectives when shooting.
READ PHOTOGRAPHER MEMOIRS
Reading about the lives of famous photographers and looking at their work on paper is a great way to inspire your own photography work. I love reading about Ansel Adams, Martha Gelhorn, and Cindy Sherman. It’s fun to follow their journeys and read about where their inspirations grew from. I especially enjoy reading about their personal struggles and how their work was an outlet to help them get through tough times.
Think of your photography as a form of therapy and learn from the greats. You could even take it a step further by reaching out to your favorite photographer and asking to interview them. Most people love talking about themselves and would be honored at the opportunity to share their life lessons in photography.
IN CONCLUSION
Give at least one of these a try today! You will be surprised on it changes the way you shoot and see the world. Creativity and inspiration are everywhere and there is no need to lose the joy you once had for your photography. The key is to keep moving and trying new things.