There are times when we all feel blighted and unable to take a picture. Why is this, where does this lack of motivation materialize from ?

Motivation to take pictures generally come from and external source, money, recognition that compel you to get out of your bed in the morning and go and do what you have to do, but, motivation is, in my opinion is not the most important part of this process.

Inspiration, stimulation or arousal of the mind, feelings, etc, to special or unusual activity or creativity without inspiration we have no motivation.

Inspiration comes about because of change or seeing the possibility of change.  If you always do the same things, this will be either minimal or non-existent.  You must search out and have new experiences in order to find inspiration.  This works by seeing new places or people who can inspire you.  There are many ways to find and the inspiring moments and things will different for everyone.

Look at :

Blogs, books and magazines, listen and look at people and things in the world around you, movies and forums, art go to the museum and seek it in the pictures, nature, history,travel and even religion and definitely BREAK your routines, do things differently, look at thing in a different way, think differently, challenge your way of looking at the world.

Look at :

Other people’s work, and other places, ask questions not only of the photographers concerned but of yourself, could I do that or how did he/she make that image. Challenge yourself, challenge ”the rules” and even break them to see what happens.

Play around with images not only in camera but on the computer. Try monochrome, try filters, try introducing movement into an image during taking or later in Photoshop, anything that will help get the creative juices going again.

Trying setting yourself some projects that are unusual to you, make them challenging, challenge your skills, use your skills, develop your skills.

Get involved. http://kyddmiller.wordpress.com/2011/03/13/lilys-village-a-walk-around/ . Find interesting things and worthwhile things to photograph. Give your services to projects you have an interest in it keeps you ”on the ball”.

Ian Kydd’Miller © 2011