Whether you are a seasoned professional, or you have just discovered your love for photography as a new hobby, finding inspiration will always keep you motivated to create great photographs. Inspiration can come in many forms. Sometimes it will come to you naturally, yet often times you can be oblivious to it when it is right in front of you. Making a commitment to force yourself to be more aware of your surroundings, in any situation, can help you overcome staying within boundaries that you unknowingly create for yourself.
I recently read an article about a world-renowned violinist (Joshua Bell) who walked into a Washington DC metro station back in 2007. He set his case on the floor, removed his violin worth $3.5 million dollars, and played six intricate Bach pieces for 45 minutes. When he was done, he received no applause. A total of $32 dollars was in his violin case from 20 people, who donated, out of roughly 1,100 as they walked by. Two nights earlier, that same violinist sold out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100. That is a perfect example as to how blind we can be when the obvious confronts us. See the video below.
If you want to continue to be inspired by creating inspiring work, you must not convince yourself that you have reached your creative threshold. There have been plenty of times where I have been standing there with a camera in one hand and my other hand scratching my head. That annoying creative block that occasionally sneaks up on us. Everyone will get it at one time or another, and anyone who tells you different is full of bologna. You need to open up your mind and observe your surroundings, including the seemingly mundane. Force yourself. Close your eyes and take a couple of deep breaths. Clear your thoughts of playing it safe. Clear your thoughts of what you think you already know. Then open your eyes for a clear perspective.
Push your creative boundaries. If you think you are close enough to your subject, get closer -- unless you’re photographing bears in the wild, or a Martial Artist swinging swords around and stuff, of course. That can get you dead in a hurry, so just change lenses. Even the mere act of changing lenses can crack your creative block. Experiment with different angles to your subject. Add props to your scenario. If you’re using strobes, the possibilities are endless. Experiment and pay closer attention to your surroundings (insert violin music here), and you will see that you can find your way back into an inspired groove.
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