A Touch of Inspiration

I often get stuck for inspiration when it comes to my photography projects. I don't know whether it's because I don't work well under pressure to come up with a new and innovative idea or whether my passion is severely lacking because I don't feel I can do what I would like to do most of the time.

Most people would say to look for inspiration in other photographers' works - but, for me, this doesn't really help. Okay, yes, their works are pretty inspiring and amazing, but do I think I could pull anything to that standard off? No. In which case, looking at other photographers' works hits at my confidence.

So what I've found I'm doing of late is sifting through my own previous projects, from the past four years, that I was and am happy with. Most of the time I'm happy with these projects because their content surrounds my interests - fantasy, stories, and beautiful lighting.

But what do you do when you're given a brief that is way out of your comfort zone? The answer to that one is tough. You could try and make it relate to an interest of yours. For instance, I had a project on a specific photographer in my second year - Eugene Atget - and we had to do a figurative 'collaboration' with them. His style is so different to mine I didn't know where to begin. But by going on walks with my dad and learning a bit about him and London, I was able to sink my teeth into the project. And for the final product I created a photobook which was exciting and useful.

There are always ways around a project you don't particularly like - you may even enjoy them by the end!

My project at the moment is a year long one as it's my final year and looking through my past works has given me a bit of a kick up the bum and I am throwing myself into it.

Here are some of my favourite series that I have done. Funnily enough they were all from my first year at University.


Brief 4 - Seeing What You Say

We were each given a poem to recreate through film photography. I was given: 

“Right?” by Paul Sands, 2012 -

I can see a day where I’d throw a brick

run headlong  and aim a kick

at the flashing blue

and the line of shields.

I’d resist and fight

the way they wield

their batons and

their heavy boots

but I can’t see a way

I would ever loot.

Of course that’s so easy

for me to say

while I can still

feed myself each day

Brief 5 - Photo-Cinema Project

I focused on a film noir vibe, taking inspiration from Sin City.

Brief 6 - Contemporary Photography

I linked the old favourite of Alice in Wonderland with contemporary issues of todays society.

What do you do for inspiration?

:)