On Inspiration and Photography

First, let me just state that I usually find inspiration from other photographers and artists, but more recently I’ve found inspiration in my own work. Inspiration is what drives us many times to do what we enjoy. Usually, it’s hard for me to lose inspiration - I count myself lucky to be able to do what I enjoy doing. I consider myself fortunate to be able to afford a camera, to have the dexterity to operate it, to be able to see and experience my surroundings in my own unique way producing work I and others can appreciate. That is a blessing in itself - if I get more than I bargain for - that’s a bonus.

So, back to inspiration. It’s interesting how other artists whose work we admire influence our own, regardless of how subtle it might be. I always consider that my work is a culmination of all the art (styles) I admire mixed together with my own artistic expression, creating a unique blend that pays homage to those who have given us a glimpse of their world. Tonight, I was reminded of one of my first inspirations in photography: Sebastiao Salgado. I remember watching an entire Youtube documentary on his work, and then ordering his books on Amazon to get a fuller appreciation of his work. The images he produced were exemplar of what I wished I could do. His story and sacrifices were astonishing. His images reflected a man dedicated to his craft - dedicated with a passion, a passion that evolved into a movement that has influenced thousands of people, and brought great benefit to the environment. One man’s love for his craft has done all that.

Inspiration.

I’ve tried to emulate the sacrifice and hard work to a degree that is not yet satisfactory to me, but I’m trying. Finding inspiration in my own work is easy, especially considering the difficulties i’ve managed to overcome in reaching locations around Guyana to document our remote landscapes and wildlife, and the evolution of my own work throughout the few years I’ve been learning to be a photographer. There are a few goals I wish to achieve through photography of Guyana, but that will be a topic for another day.

I always look out for artists I’ve never heard of before, whether they be photographers, painters, sculptors, and even musicians (old and new). There’s much to learn from each, and as our minds are expanded to appreciate more the more options our minds have while creating.