alan frost photography

This is the first post in a short series in which I aim to describe my photographic workflow from the very beginnings to the final print. In this post I will write about how to find inspiration. Future posts will cover image capture, my editing process and lastly making the print.

At the start of this year I made a pledge that I would put more effort into making new work and to immerse myself into this great creative hobby which I and so many people enjoy. However if you lack inspiration or enthusiasm this has to change.

I guess we all go through periods when our desire to be creative wanes, and when this happens we need to find fresh inspiration that encourages us to pick up a camera and seek out new subjects or different ways to make photographs. If you have been making images for many years this can prove problematic. It’s all too easy to fall into a rut and think; ‘I have photographed that scene before’ or ‘I simply can’t be bothered to make the effort to go out – the weather is against me and the light isn’t right.’ All valid reasons but I believe they can be overcome by a fresh dose of inspiration.

I can only speak for myself but I find I am inspired in a number of ways.

I will often begin by going to my collection of photo books, selecting a few from the shelf and from there I start thumbing through the pages with a decent cup of coffee for company. I read about the photographer, their approach, thought process, technique and perhaps most importantly studying their photographs. And when I say study I don’t mean flicking quickly from one page to the next, as we do when scrolling through images on Instagram, but actually taking time to really look into the image. I look at the choice of subject depicted; its composition; how line, texture, form and contrast have been used to enhance the image and how these elements assist the narrative or feel of the picture. In other words ‘what can I learn’ from images made by photographers whose work I admire and which gives me pleasure.

In the past few weeks I have been revisiting the books I have by James Ravilious, Chris Chapman, Chris Tancock, Fay Godwin and Don McCullin (his landscapes). These five photographers all work in monochrome and the first three could be all be described as rural documentary photographers. Their images typically capture a way of life in the countryside and this appeals to me greatly. Their work often includes people which are nearly always absent in my photographs but I like to think I am recording or documenting the countryside around where I live.

Alongside books I find inspiration from watching YouTube videos about these and other like minded photographers. There are of course very many excellent photographers who are making a good living being full time YouTubers, but all too often in my view their formulaic approach to their craft is more about gaining likes and subscribers to boost their channel. I can’t blame them but endless gear reviews, visits to honeypot locations and well worn ‘how to do this, and how to do that’, is fine upto a point but this type of video isn’t for me. I am more interested in films, talks or interviews with and about the photographers that inspire me. They are fewer in number but I find them very interesting and inspiring even when I have watched them before.

A selection of videos which you might find interesting.

I haven’t bought a photo magazine for years but I used to subscribe to Black and White Photography Magazine and still have a pile of them which I will occasionally pick up and read. Much of the imagery isn’t to my liking but some of the articles have a value and are worth re-visiting.

I have yet to discover many podcasts which make me want to listen on a regular basis. I would however highly recommend Lenswork an online photography magazine by Brooks Jenson. Almost without exception every day he broadcasts ‘Here’s a thought’ – This example called ‘Take a Risk’ was published just a few days ago on the 22nd February. It lasts about 6 minutes and is well worth a listen.

Inspiration can also be found by being in the company of other photographers or artists. I haven’t been a member of a camera club for many years, and I rarely participate in workshops. Almost without exception the period following a workshop has kick started my desire to pick up a camera and start shooting. This was certainly the case when I attended a retreat towards the end of last year run by Paul Sanders, my first workshop for many years. Paul gave me new ideas, guidance and encouragement. A confidence booster which we all need from time to time. You can read more about my experience here.

I don’t like to mention it but it’s true to say that the purchase of new equipment will virtually guarantee and inspire us to take photographs. A new camera, lens, tripod, camera bag or simply a new accessory will get the shutter release button working again. New gear often isn’t necessary of course but if it inspires new work then what’s wrong with that? I have been guilty of treating myself to new equipment on more than one occasion, and I shall revisit the topic of equipment in Part 2 of this series – Image Capture.

There are other situations which help inspire the desire to make photographs. Being on holiday or travelling and exploring a location which you haven’t visited before is an obvious one. There are though limits on how far and how often. Time and finances are both limiting factors. As an outdoor photographer a favourable weather forecast for the next day might be all you the encouragement you need to pack the camera bag and head out. Mist or fog, the promise of snowfall, a stormy day down at the coast or simply the chance of good light and interesting cloud formations can all inspire.

There may be other situations which will inspire us to pick up a camera knowing it could help improve one’s mood. Certain ‘life or work events’ which cause stress and anxiety can prove to be all the inspiration necessary. Being outdoors and taking photographs is an excellent antidote for stress. It is well recognised that exercise whilst experiencing nature is beneficial to our health and general state of mind.

Lastly I believe that when we make new images which we like and enjoy, this very act will inspire us to try and repeat the exercise and make more pictures which we are happy with. Success breeds success you might say. These images don’t have to be liked or critically acclaimed by others; although positve feedback does help of course. It can be quite sufficient to make images which please the creator and the creator alone.

I liken this to when I used to be a regular golfer many years ago. I could have a dreadful round, spraying the ball all over the place, but if I struck one decent shot or holed a long putt then I would look forward to the next time I played. This analogy is no different to the small number of pleasing images on a memory card which is full of pictures just waiting in anticipation for the delete key to be pressed.

These are all forms of inspiration which I find helpful. Some are more tangible than others but they have all been of benefit to me recently or in the past.

It perhaps goes without saying that the photographers I have chosen to feature are my particular favourites and you will have own preferences but the principle remains the same. I also have no doubt that you will have your own ideas on where and how you find inspiration and any thoughts you may have would be welcomed in the comments section.

In the meantime I am inspired to make new work and I have been doing so recently.

I have included a small collection of recent images made on a walk which I call the Throop Loop. A regular circular walk which is quite close to my home. There are familiar sights aplenty but the eye soon learns to see and discover new compositions when inspired to do so.