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3 Simple Ways To Stay Inspired

Sometimes we just a need a little inspiration to keep us going in these hot summer days. Honestly, it takes some real determination to make me even think about getting out in that 100+ temperature that plagues us here in West Texas.

As we all know, the more often you get out there with your camera, the better you’re work will be.

What to do?

Cupboard Doors

Cupboard Doors

1. Take pictures of things in your home. Things that you may not necessarily think of as “photographic material”. Perhaps it’s a doorknob or an old shoe. Whatever it is, explore it from many angles and distances. Plus it’s a good opportunity to work on different camera settings you may not quite be comfortable with. Here’s an easy one. Shoot your food.

Kyle and Book

Kyle and Book

2. Read a book on photography or look at some great photobooks. Of course there are a ton of books we’ve reviewed in the Photography Book Club so poke around for a review that suits your fancy. You could hit Barnes and Nobles and peruse the photography section or see what your local Library has in stock about photography. Magazines are great here as well. The point is to get some inspiration from your reading material. Then maybe you’ll be able to talk yourself out of your house with camera in hand.

FireCorn

FireCorn

3. Watch a movie about a photographer. Yeah, there’s nothing like a great Sunday afternoon sitting on the couch, eating popcorn, and watching a good movie. Might as well make it something to inspire. Once again, we’re going for a little push to get you back on track. Last year we posted an article on 10 movies about photographers. It’s in need of an update, but still a great place to start. I think I can already smell the popcorn!

These are just a few things to keep you thinking about photography when you’re in a drought. Hopefully they’ll help get you inspired enough to grab your camera and shoot something.

What do you do to stay inspired?

Photographs:
Cupboard Doors by ted @ndes
Kyle and Book by mark.mortensen – visit his website Mark Mortensen Photography for more fantastic work.
FireCorn by Nate Watters


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Filed Under: Photography Tips

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About the Author: Damien Franco is a contemporary art photographer living in the deserts of West Texas. He likes long walks on the beach and thinks art is groovy.

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  1. Beautiful pictures. I prefer the Fire Corn one myself, it is awesome! I can’t wait for the update to the 10 Movies About Photographers post. That should really be something else!

  2. Puna says:

    I change my environment in order to stay inspired. And I take my camera when I do. I’m sure it is hard to be inspired in that heat.

  3. J. Davis says:

    Great Pics! Good Idea’s! It’s always good to have a list of these inspiring ideas a bay. Helps when your in a photo project block. Thanks!

  4. Good point of view. These are simple and effective ways. Thanks for good information & unique ideas.

  5. There are so many inspiring things all over the world that I think many things could be inspiring. The nature itself, great view from the window, deep movie, cool music, your family and friends. I prefer to listen to some music (soundtracks or some world music, sometimes something more electronic) or to watch some interesting pictures purchased in nearby shop or borrowed from a friend. Lately I have watched few interesting movies but none of them was a blockbuster (it is – sadly – truth that the most popular films are generally crap).

  6. Ted A. says:

    Funny that I’ve been lacking inspiration lately… and what do I see but my cupboard door photo in an article about finding inspiration. Oh, the irony…. Only additional suggestion I have is meeting up with other local photographers. Inspiration doesn’t have to happen in a vacuum. I’ve gone on ‘photo-walks’ with photogs I’ve met through flickr and other local photo groups, especially when I’ve been uninspired. Every time I’ve gotten ideas for photos that I would never have thought about going out to shoot.

  7. used tires says:

    Wow its hot over there! I don’t think we have even hit 90 over here… Its always fun to shot your food, you can take it to remember how much you ate ;) If I want to get inspired, I remove all distractions and just do some pondering about what’s next!

    Till then,

    Jean

  8. Cool pictures. Thanks for sharing this inspiring ideas.

  9. Buy PSP Go says:

    I find that just taking pictures of anything and everything can cause something to catch your eye.

    BTW – love the firecorn photo!

  10. There are so many inspiring things all over the world that I think many things could be inspiring. The nature itself, great view from the window, deep movie, cool music, your family and friends. I prefer to listen to some music (soundtracks or some world music, sometimes something more electronic) or to watch some interesting pictures purchased in nearby shop or borrowed from a friend. Lately I have watched few interesting movies but none of them was a blockbuster (it is – sadly – truth that the most popular films are generally crap).

  11. resimleri says:

    interesting topic. thank you for the post.

  12. resimleri says:

    interesting topic. thank you for the post.

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