Yours truly posing for a silhouette against a dramatic sky by the Santa Ana river. Photo by Ana Heranadez.

The biggest hurdle for most photographers or artists, in general, is not the equipment or location.

It is finding the inspiration.

Inspiration to use that new toy, that sexy-looking-high-megapixel digital camera can come from the most unlikely of places. 

You don't need to travel far. Nor do you need lots of specialized equipment.

If you live in the Inland Empire area you just have to look around preferably at the right time of the day.

 So, it is fair to say a lack of imagination is usually the biggest stumbling block for most photographers.

Having access to the nicest, latest and most expensive equipment will not fill that viewfinder with great imagery.

To get your creative juices flowing try:

Walking around

Most Southern Californians spend too much time driving. When we drive so much, we tend to miss a lot of details. Every city has a downtown area of a few blocks. It's a good exercise to take one or two lenses and see what you can find. The key is to go by in the early morning or late evening.

Taking notes when driving around

Anytime you're on the road, have a notepad ready. If you see something that catches your eye especially when you're driving, that's is a picture possibility. If you are actually driving, pull over. Don’t have a notepad? Grab a picture with your cellphone. Also try and grab a shot of a street sign like the nearest intersection. That way you can retrace where you were when you saw that awesome Kodak moment.

Overcoming Inertia

Laziness is inherent in us all but the key is to develop a mindset that you need to use that camera daily. It doesn't matter if you're snapping pictures of your kids or your pets. As long as you are using that new toy, you will be rewarded with a gem. There really is no excuse. Unlike film, there's no waste unless the kind who prints a lot. Needless to say having that camera by your side 24/7 will help.

Showing or sharing your pictures

When you take all the trouble to take good pictures, sharing them is important because it will motivate you. That kind of motivation over time will help you overcome laziness.

A word about feedback. Take what is said with a grain of salt and graciously even if the person offering it isn't tactful. Never take it personally. It is, after all, an opinion. 

Mary Stover captures her classmate Maria on the verge of catching a frisbee at Carlson Park