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5 Methods To Find Photography Inspiration Online

February 28, 2011
5 Methods To Find Photography Inspiration Online

Finding Photographic Inspiration Online

Many photographers experience moments where creative ideas are difficult to come by. Whether due to a lack of motivation, inclement weather, or simply a desire to explore new avenues, numerous online resources exist to spark inspiration.

These platforms allow photographers to discover new concepts and even recreate iconic images from history. Emulating established works can be a valuable learning experience.

Benefits of Seeking Online Inspiration

Consistent practice is fundamental to improving photographic abilities. Utilizing online resources provides a fun and effective method for honing skills.

This approach can lead to the creation of a photographer’s most compelling work. It’s a pathway to both enjoyment and artistic growth.

Resources Available to Photographers

  • Online Communities: These spaces foster collaboration and the sharing of ideas.
  • Photography Competitions: Participating can expose you to diverse styles and techniques.
  • Tutorials: Learning from experienced photographers can unlock new possibilities.

These resources offer access to images and perspectives that might not otherwise be encountered. They broaden horizons and encourage experimentation.

Ultimately, the internet serves as a vast repository of photographic inspiration, readily available to anyone seeking to enhance their craft.

Finding Photographic Inspiration Online

When seeking creative stimulus for your photography, online communities represent an excellent starting point. The sheer diversity of photographic styles, techniques, and concepts available ensures that inspiration is readily accessible.

Flickr provides multiple avenues for discovering noteworthy images. Users can explore photos that have recently gained prominence within the community by viewing selections from the past seven days. Alternatively, Flickr’s explore section showcases consistently popular photos, sets, and groups.

Exploring Flickr’s Resources

The platform’s explore page offers a curated experience, highlighting images that resonate with a broad audience. This allows photographers to quickly identify trending work and emerging styles.

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DeviantArt also fosters a vibrant photography community. The site offers two primary methods for viewing exceptional work: curated selections chosen by moderators, and a ranking based on user engagement – specifically, comments and favorites.

DeviantArt’s Community Features

Both approaches on DeviantArt provide valuable insights into what resonates with fellow photographers and art enthusiasts.

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Furthermore, stock photography platforms like Stock.Xchng, Shutterstock, and iStockphoto can serve as rich sources of inspiration. These sites showcase a wide range of commercially viable images.

Stock photography often demonstrates current trends and effective visual communication strategies.

  • These platforms can expose you to diverse subject matter.
  • They can also highlight different technical approaches.

By regularly browsing these online communities, photographers can continually refresh their creative perspectives and discover new ideas.

Artistic Inspiration in Entertainment

The entertainment landscape is a rich source of artistic ideas. Inspiration can be found in numerous forms, from the visual impact of movie posters and album artwork to lyrical content and cinematic scenes.

The interplay between different art forms is limitless, with each medium frequently influencing and inspiring others.

Resources for Movie Poster Inspiration

MoviePosterDB stands as a valuable resource for discovering movie poster designs. Users can search the database utilizing criteria such as film title, artist, actor, or specific tags.

Alternatively, the site allows for random browsing, categorized by decade, popularity, or simply a sequential display of posters.

5-methods-find-inspiration-photography-3.jpgFor curated selections of exceptional movie posters, IMP Awards is highly recommended. This database offers browsing options based on actor, director, designer, or release year.

5-methods-find-inspiration-photography-4.jpgAlbum Cover Inspiration

Album covers often present a significant source of artistic motivation, potentially exceeding that of movie posters. Sleavage (though the URL may be broken) showcases a collection of noteworthy album covers spanning several decades.

The site facilitates browsing by cover artist, musical artist, genre, and other relevant categories.

5-methods-find-inspiration-photography-5.jpgAlbum Art (URL may be broken) provides a more extensive selection, enabling searches for preferred artists and exploration of their album covers for inspirational purposes.

5-methods-find-inspiration-photography-6.jpgApplying Inspiration

One effective technique involves replicating existing imagery. This can be achieved by creating photographs that closely resemble album covers or movie posters.

Adding a unique, personal touch to these recreations allows for the development of original artwork inspired by established designs.

Finding Inspiration in Professional and Classic Art

Peers can certainly offer inspiration, but looking to established professional photographers you admire is equally valuable. Staying current with the work of photographers whose style you aspire to emulate can be a powerful creative driver.

Alternatively, exploring photography or art databases provides a broad spectrum of inspiration. These resources allow you to discover new artists and approaches.

Just as film posters and album artwork can spark ideas, you can draw inspiration from the work of professional photographers. Consider recreating their photographic styles or basing new images on renowned paintings.

Utilizing Online Art Databases

art.com stands out as a comprehensive database for photography, fine art, and vintage artwork. Its extensive collection offers limitless possibilities for creative exploration.

The platform’s robust search functionality allows you to filter by style, subject matter, artist, or collection. This makes it easy to pinpoint inspiration aligned with your artistic vision.

Discovering new artistic avenues is simplified through this searchable resource. It provides a constant source of ideas for photographers seeking to refine their craft.

Photography Tutorials

It is a truth universally acknowledged amongst photographers that the learning process never truly ends. Continuous development is key, and there’s consistently something novel to discover within the field. Tutorials serve as a valuable wellspring of inspiration, motivating photographers to explore innovative techniques and approaches.

The internet offers an expansive collection of photography tutorials. Digital Photography School stands out as a leading and widely-used resource, providing guidance on photographic techniques, equipment selection, and post-processing workflows.

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PhotoRadar is another highly-regarded online destination, brimming with helpful tips, practical tricks, and effective techniques for photographers of all levels.

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PixelTango presents a comprehensive compilation of 20 beneficial photography techniques. These are certain to spark new ideas for photographic projects. Furthermore, the site offers a substantial collection of inspirational concepts and stylistic approaches.

Smashing Magazine has also curated an impressive list of 50 photography tips and tutorials. This resource will provide photographers with ample material for learning and inspiration over an extended period.

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While not a source of direct instruction, Lighting Diagrams Creator is an invaluable tool for deepening your understanding of how illumination impacts photographic results. Photographers can share their work alongside diagrams illustrating their lighting setups.

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A straightforward search using Google will reveal the extensive amount of knowledge and inspiration available online. Countless photography tutorials and helpful tips are readily accessible.

Sources of Photographic Inspiration

Exploring online photography contests and publications can be highly beneficial, even for those who aren't actively seeking to participate.

The World Photography Organisation stands out as a valuable resource, offering both competitive opportunities and a vibrant showcase of community-submitted photography.

Discovering new perspectives and techniques is often sparked by observing the work of others in these platforms.

Furthermore, consider reviewing the article, "5 Websites With Free Photo Contests To Improve Your Photography Skills," for additional resources.

We are interested in learning about your own sources of inspiration. Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

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