How to find inspiration for your photography

In this blog, I want to discuss how to find inspiration for photography during times when you feel creatively drained. My creative process often operates in cycles; I might be in a productive phase, capturing images daily for a month, but then I hit a wall and find myself waiting for that spark of excitement to return. If you ever feel like your inspiration has stalled, let’s explore some ways to reignite it when you’re not in the mood to take photos.

Shoot different lenses

Sometimes, when I’m having a tough time with my photography and feel uninspired, I try to shake things up by changing how I shoot. What does that mean? I usually stick to my 24-70mm lens, and it rarely leaves my camera. But when I need a boost of creativity, I’ll switch to a different lens—something completely different from what I usually use. For instance, an ultra-wide lens can really change my perspective. It encourages me to look for new angles, like shooting up at tall buildings or exploring scenes that work well with a wide view.On the flip side, I might grab a long lens with a 300mm focal length and find a high spot in the city. Suddenly, distant buildings feel much closer together, creating a whole new scene. I also like to experiment with older manual lenses that are more affordable, letting me try out new styles without spending a fortune. When I’m not enjoying my usual gear, I often turn to film photography. The slower process of focusing and shooting on film makes me take my time and really notice what’s happening around me.

Photo books

While Instagram and other social media platforms can be great sources of inspiration, I've realized that the more time I spend scrolling through them, the more it transforms from inspiration into mindless browsing of whatever the algorithm throws my way. My primary source of inspiration, however, comes from books, especially those focused on street photography. I have a particular fondness for the 1950s and 60s in New York. I love immersing myself in these photographs, experiencing the environments they capture, and examining how the photographers approached their craft. Analyzing these images can provide invaluable insights for my own work. I remember a moment when I was photographing anything and everything, believing I was being creative. I came across a thought in a book that resonated with me: to create photos that someone might appreciate even 50 years down the line, retaining their meaning and value. Since then, I’ve begun to focus on working with colors or experimenting with light and shadows—elements that stand the test of time. 

Paitings

I remember once being gifted a ticket to an exhibition featuring Baroque paintings, and to be honest, I wasn't thrilled about it at all. I approached the gift with a negative mindset, thinking about the long journey across the city and spending time on something that didn’t interest me. However, once I arrived at the exhibition, I began to notice something intriguing: photography and painting share many common elements. After all, the term 'photography' literally means 'painting with light.'As I explored the exhibition, I became increasingly captivated by how the artists worked with colors, particularly their use of light. I was fascinated by how they could depict an entire scene based on the light source. Since that experience, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for paintings from this period, as I can incorporate their techniques of working with light into my own photography.

Experiment with abstract photography

Diving into abstract photography has opened up a whole new world of creativity for me. I love experimenting with slow shutter speeds to create dreamy images that blur movement and evoke emotion. This technique allows me to capture the flow of light and form, giving a sense of motion that can transform ordinary scenes into something magical. I also focus on the details—small textures, patterns, and shapes that might go unnoticed in a typical photograph. By isolating these elements, I can create compositions that challenge the viewer's perception of reality. This attention to detail invites exploration and encourages others to find their interpretations within my work. Ultimately, abstract photography allows me to break free from conventional storytelling. It’s a space where I can express my inner thoughts and emotions through visual language, making each shot a unique exploration of creativity.

Reflect on your journey

Reflecting on my photography journey has been a powerful way to reignite my passion. I often revisit some of my favorite photos and think about what drew me to those particular moments. I remember the emotions I felt while capturing those images and the stories they tell. This reflection reminds me of my unique perspective and the joy I find in creating. I also consider how I’ve evolved as a photographer over time; recognizing my growth inspires me to take on new challenges. Ultimately, reflecting on my journey helps rekindle my excitement and motivates me to explore new ideas in my work.

Photo exhibitions

Photo exhibitions serve as another excellent source of inspiration. The fact that someone showcases their work in an exhibition is never random; it reflects years of dedication and effort from each photographer. These exhibitions can spark ideas for concepts that you might want to explore in your own work. I remember attending one exhibition where the artist had spent two decades documenting the changes in his environment—the evolving architecture, the development of new places, the disappearance of old ones, and the lives of the people who inhabit these spaces.That experience prompted me to reflect on potential long-term projects I could pursue and the concepts I wanted to explore. Since then, I have embarked on several long-term projects for my archive. My recent project has evolved into a zin book called 'Chapter Closed.' In this project, I document the process of graffiti artists painting trains, capturing the journey they undertake to overcome security systems and other challenges along the way.

Take a break

Taking a break from photography can really help boost your creativity. When I'm feeling overwhelmed or just not inspired, stepping back for a bit makes a big difference. I usually fill that time with things I love, like rollerblading or taking my motorcycle out for a ride, and just hanging out with friends. Those moments away from the camera let me recharge and come back with new ideas.

And that’s everything for today’s blog! If I inspired you even a little to go out and shoot, tag me on Instagram so I can check out the photos you take!