What inspires you?

When you go to a park, a city, a tropical beach, or any  place at all, what do you photograph? Digital photography has opened the floodgates to new photographers, amateur and otherwise. Flickr provides a hefty sampling of new photos every day, many from people just trying to be different, to make their photos stand out from the rest. That's a good thing! Your photos must be technically excellent, but they must also be different to get noticed.

Recently a fad on Flickr was to upload photos captured while tossing the camera into the air. A dangerous way to try and be different! Some of the photos were interesting, but I do NOT recommend tossing your camera about like an old pillow.

Suppose you go on a long hike, seeking some mighty vista to photograph. You arrive, all sweaty and tired. Its late. Do you settle down to take a break? Or seize the moment to photograph the amazing scene before you?

Sometimes it takes a bit of craziness to produce photographs that really stand out. After all, you are showing people a part of your personality. Your photos need to express your own style, as some textbooks say. Whether your passion lies in photographing mountains, or people, or toilets, or whatever, do it! Photography is not a spectator sport.

If the scene looks mediocre, or like a hundred other photos you've seen, why bother taking the photo? Find something that inspires you!

In his later years, Ansel Adams was asked, "Have you taken the perfect picture yet?" He answered, "No, the best picture is around the corner."

Copyright © 2013 Philip N. Wheeler. All Rights Reserved.

Philip Wheeler Photography

Order a Limited Edition Print of This Photograph

Trey Ratcliff's Landscape Tutorial (use code SIC-6683 for 10% off!)