This past Thursday our local APA chapter here in DC had their monthly Brown Bag event. This month’s topic was about change and how we as photographers can, and should, adapt to the economic crisis we are in. One of the last questions asked was about our source of inspiration. Some said looking at other photographer’s work. Others mentioned playing an instrument to clear the mind. I think these are all great ways to find inspiration and to jostle the creative mind. For me it’s many things, but three come to mind right away.
There are certain blogs that I like to read (not consistently, but often). One of the best is Rob Haggart’s A Photo Editor. It’s full of interviews, photos, news and tidbits that other blogs just don’t have.
A web site full of "ideas worth spreading" is TED. This is brilliant site full of inspirational speakers who talk about subjects that help feed the creative mind. Most of the talks last 18-20 minutes and afterwards you feel inspired, motivated, influenced, encouraged and enthused about the future and what it holds. One of my favorites is a talk by JJ Abrams about his "Mystery Box" (see it here). TED’s latest batch of speakers just came online. Elizabeth Gilbert, author of “Eat, Pray, Love”, speaks about the concept of being a “genius” and how we have ruined it (see it here). It’s a fascinating journey through the mind of a creative person and her thoughts on genius - who has it, how we manage it, and how we can connect with our own geniuses.
Finally I love to watch movies, especially the real arty ones. I can watch a good movie over and over again. I get inspired not by the writing or action scenes, but by the use of angles and light and how scenes are composed.
All of these have helped me realize that creating is an evolving exercise - one where we should never be completely satisfied or content. Once I am content then life seems to loose some of its meaning.
Live to Create and Create to Live. Never Be Content
