12 Professional Photographers Share Exactly What Inspires Them
Since its creation in the 1800s, photography has evolved from a simple tool to capture people and places to a full blown artistic medium. Today, photography captures the most breathtaking, abstract, and unique moments. It is a medium that can be exact and definite, but also can be warped and whimsical.
Photographers are artists, as their eye for a shot can invoke a feeling and mood in the viewer. As an art form, photography is both emotionally provoking and visually stimulating. A photographer invites its viewers to connect to their work as they tell a story or work to elicit a certain response. In the world of photography, each photographer has their own unique inspiration and is captivated by their own extraordinary muse. Read on to find out what inspires these 12 professional photographers.
1. “As a photographer, I am inspired by bold color. I like colors that pop when I look at them. If they stand out to me, I know they will stand out in my photographs.”
— Dave, 34
2. “I’m always inspired by unique styles. For so long I kind of got into my own niche of editing and I guess that kept evolving into something that it is right now. It’s always going to keep evolving and changing so it’s definitely a lot of fun.”
3. “For me, the interplay of light and shadows is my muse. I love how something looks under a tree as the light of the sun interplays with the shadows of the leaves. It adds a stunning texture to the photograph.”
— Remi, 27
4. “I am inspired by simplicity and novelties that are often overlooked. As a photographer I feel it is my responsibility to capture some of the simple beauty that most people don’t seem to recognize.”
— Ethan, 38
5. “Photography can defeat time. Images can keep the memory of a loved one alive, hold a moment in history for future generations, be a witness to tragedy or joy. They can also change behavior, stimulate understanding and create a sense of urgency that will move people to action. Photography is the universal language that speaks to the heart.”
6. “My photography is inspired by unconventional designs. I like playing with objects and ideas that are nonsensical. Recently I have been playing with the mirrors and glass, as they offer a unique and exciting visual product.”
— Lucy, 29
7. “My biggest inspiration is street life and human nature. I love photographing people in their natural environment and observing their behavior. There is something grungy about this rawness that I simply keep coming back to.”
— Charles, 27
8. “What inspires me in Photography: Telling a story by freezing time.”
9. “I am inspired by the human form. There is something about the human body that I find to be the most beautiful thing in the universe. This is what brings my photography to life.”
— Chelsea, 23
10. “Photography was such a savior in my life. I want to use my photography to save others. For me, I am inspired by the city. I love the buzz of life and how it’s something that can bring us together. I want to celebrate the beauty of the city and make it as real and as transparent as possible.”
— Gerald, 41
11. “I shoot because I see. I shoot because if I don’t, I don’t know who will. Activism is seen as a dirty word. I shoot because I find peace in being especially active, and being a vigorous advocate for a cause.”
12. “My muse is nature. As cliche as it is, I love how stunning the world looks. Honestly, I find it a privilege to capture the world on camera. I am captivated by beauty; from the biggest mountain to the smallest bit of dew on a blade of grass.”
— Olivia, 26
