PixelatedImage Blog

Gavin Gough and I are trading posts today. You can find my post HERE on Gavin’s blog and his post below. Please extend a warm Pixelated Image welcome to Gavin Gough.

Inspiration – A Beginner’s Guide

“Photographic technique is no secret and, provided the interest is there, easily assimilated. But inspiration comes from the soul and when the muse isn’t around even the best exposure meter is very little help. In the biographies, artists like Michaelangelo, Da Vinci and Bach said that their most valuable technique was their ability to inspire themselves, This is true of all artists, the moment there is something to say there becomes a way to say it.” Ralph Gibson

You know when you’re feeling inspired. Whether or not we’re photographers, we’ve probably all enjoyed that feeling of having a definite purpose combined with the energy to pursue it. It’s a great feeling, the mind is cleared of distractions, obstacles shrink to nothing, the path ahead becomes obvious and, very quickly, there’s nothing easier than taking steps towards achieving your goal, your vision. We are inspired! (More after the jump.)

Read the rest of this entry »

Travel Photographer Gavin Gough and I are switch hitting today. We’ve chosen a topic - Inspiration: Standing on the Shoulders of Giants - and are exchanging blogs for today. You can read my take on this subject on Gavin’s blog HERE. But before you head off there, take some time to read Gavin’s take on the subject.

Standing on the shoulders of giants

Photographers! We’re a lucky bunch. Not only do we have a rewarding occupation or satisfying pastime, we’re able to learn from those who have gone before us for free.

Other photographers’ work is readily available and close examination of it allows us to stand on the shoulders of those photographers we admire and to see much further than we would from ground-level. It’s a tricky balancing act, no doubt, but if you are willing to put in the effort, you’ll be rewarded.

And if you’re prepared to stand on a giant’s shoulders then the view will amaze, engage and inspire you. I want to tell you about one or two giants whose shoulders I have hitched a ride on in the past.

Read the rest of this entry »