Seeks inspiration

As a photographer, it’s so easy to get stuck in a creative rut by never expanding the places we search for inspiration. Prior to Pinterest, we’d visit other photographer’s sites to be inspired, to get a grasp of the growing trends, we’d read photographer’s blog posts as a way to help us take our skill to a whole new level. It’s a great place for us to be inspired on every level possible.

Now, so many of us rely completely on Pinterest to help us become inspired.

I’ve recently realized that if we all just continue pinning, who is out there creating something new? Who is seeking fresh ideas? Who is setting the bar for the rest of us?

And why can’t it be you? Have you ever asked yourself why your work isn’t being pinned? Why are you the pinner? Why can’t you be the pinn-ee? (it’s a real word. Okay. It’s not, leave me alone.)

I’ve been challenging myself on ways to be inspired beyond stalking other photographers’ websites and Facebook fan pages. (you do it. Yes, you do.) Here’s a list of ways and places for you to go that may help when you are challenged creatively.

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(grab a cup of coffee and be prepared to check these sites out. They are UH-MAZE-ING.)

Think retail. I have often looked at catalogs and wished I could be sitting with the models simply because their surroundings are so interesting, the colors so perfect. Some of my favorite photographic inspirations: Boden, Matilda Jane, Anthropologie, Mini-Boden, Tea Collection, Pink Chicken, Johnnie B., Revolve Clothing

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Style blogs. Think a bottle of nail polish can’t inspire a session? Think again. My favorites: Fabulous K, Making it Lovely, and everything nice, luella & june, Mrs. Lilien, Daydream Lily, Fab Sugar, Lovely Clusters

Feel at home. Have you every considered that your personal style is how you can personally style your own sessions? Don’t steer away from what you love and feel comfortable in. Be true to who you are and stick with what makes you tick. One of my favorite things is perusing home decorating blogs. I have found these to inspire me to surround myself with pretty things. This in itself? Inspires me. Blogs + sites I love: Apartment Therapy,  How About Orange, Nesting Place, House of Smiths, Sweet Pickins

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Magazine websites. a dose of everything. Glamour, Martha Stewart, Better Homes and Gardens, InStyle, House Beautiful

Photography Forums. My favorite – Clickin’ Moms. This is a forum filled with thousands of photographers. The thing about this forum is that it will inspire you to technically improve your skills both behind the camera and behind the computer during post-processing. (and offers the workshops to help you do just that.)

My point is this. It doesn’t have to be a perfect photographer with the perfect clients and perfect clothing with the perfect golden sunset to inspire you. It can be anything, if you allow it. Branch out, think outside of your typical box, create a dream board, keep a notebook handy, consider colors and textures and arrangements in everything you see. This is how you will set yourself apart from your competition.

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I wrote this post for Clickin’ Moms. I am thrilled to be a blog ambassador for CM. I can’t really express what a great resource CM has always been to me with regards to photography. (both pro and hobby)

I have a special discount code to anyone that is interested in improving on their photography – just click here (must be that specific link) and you’ll receive 20% off your membership using code FOLDINGLAUNDRY.