Inspiration, the Absence of...Now I Understand

[dave lackey]

Everybody has their own hot buttons for inspiration. What makes one photographer motivated will make another yawn.

Haven't been on any exotic trips or such in years so that has not helped. Sitting within the four walls of my home office doesn't help. Running errands doesn't help. Snapshots of the grandkids once a week or so or even chasing the crazy dog one a month doesn't help. So, I have been wondering why all the film cameras are sitting there loaded and doing nothing.

Now I understand....I need another project. I started working at age 9 with a paper route, my first project. And since then, I have spent a lifetime in design and planning doing nothing but projects. I completed my last documentary months ago (although I still need to buy a voice recorder for interviews and put together a video).

So, a project it is. One that will not cost a lot just to get the juices flowing again. Well, that rules out a film-based project initially due to processing and scanning costs. One that will not require a lot of transportation costs will be preferable as would a small project.

I have come up with two. The first is a start-over with a double-exposure project using the R4, complete with a story board layout and then ship the roll with leader out to Bobby so he can apply the second layer. I can do this in one day with a short trip to Savannah. Tri-X and Spanish Moss!

The second is a digital-based project which I have not done in awhile. Color only. Portrait based with a twist.

What does it take for YOU folks to get inspired? Are you project based? Or something else?

[jsrockit]

I get inspired by walking the streets of NYC and having an open mind as what can be a photographed. There always seems to be interesting things to photograph... but I know that can change at any moment if one gets bored.

[robklurfield]

with our eyes open wide enough, every time we leave home, we might find ourselves on an exotic trip. you never know what you might out there.

[DRabbit]

Sometimes I can be project based. Lots of times not. Different things can inspire me (like anyone I guess).

I did start a Picture-A-Day Project quite a while back. Yeah, it doesn't yield excellent results every day, but it does make me look at the world different. It's lame, but my husband actually did a "documentary" about it if you want to see:
https://vimeo.com/41321315

I think the reason I like working this way is because I'm an art-director by trade... so I've learned that sometimes being "forced" to be creative-on-demand, even when you don't feel it, can yield excellent results, and can definitely get the juices flowing.

But maybe not for everyone? LOL

[back alley]

i have had an ongoing project for years...whyte avenue in edmontons south side of the city...every saturday for years i head there and just walk around trying to find the essence of our tourist/shopping area.

[Sparrow]

... I've been photographing Corfu now since the mid 80s, it just sort of happened there was no intent or planing involved

[Haigh]

Other photographers do it for me I've just checked out the images of Renato D'Agostin and that has me out taking pictures and again into the darkroom.

[dave lackey]

Originally Posted by back alley

i have had an ongoing project for years...whyte avenue in edmontons south side of the city...every saturday for years i head there and just walk around trying to find the essence of our tourist/shopping area.

Now that, Joe, is my kind of project. Thanks for that!

BTW, got any you would like to share?

[dave lackey]

Originally Posted by Sparrow

... I've been photographing Corfu now since the mid 80s, it just sort of happened there was no intent or planing involved

Stewart, I would like to see some of those photographs! Ever put these in a book for viewing?

[River Dog]

I know the feeling. A project is a good idea so I am planning a portfolio of images and a few words about artisans in my area. I have a watchmaker, a violin maker and a guy who engraves tombstones lined up so far.

I once made a documentary that is still selling well, so I just have to get myself into gear now.

Good luck with your endeavours and report back.

[DominikDUK]

If I need inspiration I take a walk while I am walking I am constantly watching , analysing and thinking about possible ideas. I have to say I always come home with an idea be it great or mediocre. The process of walking helps creativity and the thought process that's a scientific fact. There was a reason why the greek philosophers were walking while expressing their ideas.

Dominik

[Sparrow]

Originally Posted by dave lackey

Stewart, I would like to see some of those photographs! Ever put these in a book for viewing?

I did this a couple of years back ... quite a bit of it's text

[daveleo]

I am a 'walk-around" guy also. Talk myself into walking very slow, sitting if I can and "see" what I normally would pass right by. It takes me time to get tied into how a place "feels" that day. I personally can't rush into that. Usually I'll get one image that will at least send me in a direction for my (ahem ) next really great picture.

[Sejanus.Aelianus]

with our eyes open wide enough, every time we leave home, we might find ourselves on an exotic trip. you never know what you might out there.

A good approach.

[jesse1dog]

How about: 'Doors & Doorways' - plenty of those around and as the light on them changes, and different people go through ....

jesse

[mdarnton]

Speaking as someone dragging myself out of a 30-year "hiatus", yeah, I really needed a project to get me moving. Finding a project I would stay interested in was harder than taking the pictures.

[paulfish4570]

my project is light. in room-sized or smaller places.