Sources of Inspiration for Photographers

Photography Tips

Inspiration is pivotal in any form of art, and photography is no exception. Art forms evolve over time and so it becomes essential for an artist to actively adapt to it. And looking at the works of other contemporary artists is a great way to get some inspiration. There can be days when you feel sort of empty; like you’re going through a creative block. Again, inspiration can help you overcome such hurdles and keep the creative juices flowing. Photographer Adam Gibbs talks about some of his favorite photographers and books that he looks to for inspiration:

Here’s a quick rundown of the books and photographers that Gibbs talks about in the video:

• The International Landscape Photographer of the Year: This book is a good read in the sense that it covers the best work of various photographers and not just one.
• Peter Dombrovskis: An Australian photographer with a fantastic taste for colors and composition.
• Charles Cramer: His work features excellent composition and attention to detail.
• John Sexton: Having worked as an assistant to Ansel Adams at one point in time, his print style is quite similar to that of Adam’s. His black and white prints are exquisite and the images just pop.
• Phil Borges: A brilliant travel portrait photographer.
• Nature’s Chaos by Eliot Porter: The book features images from the early and mid seventies that’s composed in a way which is second to none.
• Intimations of Paradise by Christopher Burkett: A great read if you want to go through images that excel in colors, vibrance, and sharpness. You’ll also admire the print quality of the book if you get to go through a copy.
• Joshep Holmes: An incredible photographer with great attention to color.
• Jack Dykinga: A large format photographer with excellent choice of colors and composition.
• Graham Osborne: Exquisite photographer who specializes in large format photography.
• William Neill: A landscape photographer who beautifully captures the deep spiritual beauty he sees and feels in nature.
• John Fielder: An exquisite mountain photographer with great attention to details.
• Once Upon an Island by Michael Orton: If you’ve heard the term “Orton effect” in photography, it was coined after Michael Orton himself. The book features some of his first painterly impressionistic images which you will absolutely adore.

How do you like to keep yourself inspired? Even in the digital age, you’ll realize that prints have great value. Being able to hold a physical copy of an image is very satisfying. If you’re thinking of getting some photo books for yourself but have no idea where to start, this list serves as a good reference of books to consider. Keep yourself inspired, keep making meaningful images.