How I Stay Inspired as a Photographer
Photography has been an essential part of my life for many years. However, as I’ve grown, so too has my perspective on what I want my images to convey. When I started, my interest in photography was focused primarily on landscapes. I loved capturing nature—vast, untouched spaces that offered a sense of solitude and escape from the noise of everyday life. Over time, my life and priorities shifted, as they tend to do, and my inspiration began to take on new forms and perspectives.
Today, my photography is less about finding the perfect scene in nature and more about exploring and expressing deeper themes. I’m increasingly drawn to documentary photography, capturing societal and environmental issues that speak to the world we live in. My inspiration now comes from a variety of sources, with a special place for the work of iconic photographers like Don McCullin, Ernst Haas, Joel Meyerowitz, and Alex Webb. Their approach to storytelling, technique, and composition has profoundly influenced my journey as a photographer. Here’s how I’ve been finding inspiration and keeping the passion alive in my own photography.
Shifting Focus: From Landscapes to People
In the early days of my photography, I was enamoured with the idea of landscape photography. I remember pouring over books like “Understanding Exposure” by Bryan Peterson and “The Digital Photography Book” by Scott Kelby, learning the technical foundations of photography. Back then, it was all about getting out into nature, looking for that perfect light, and composing the scene just right. The solitude and simplicity were incredibly appealing to me.
However, as life changed—starting a family, having less time to venture out for hours on end—so did my focus. While landscapes will always have a place in my heart, I began to feel drawn toward something different, something more grounded in human stories and everyday life. This new direction led me toward documentary and street photography, genres that allow me to explore issues of societal impact, human resilience, and cultural narratives. For me, these photos are no longer just “pretty pictures”; they’re snapshots of the world that can offer commentary, evoke emotion, or provoke thought.
Rediscovering Inspiration Through Iconic Photographers
When I shifted my focus away from landscapes, I initially felt lost. I wasn’t quite sure where to find inspiration. My default response, like many photographers, was to turn to new gear—new lenses, new cameras, thinking that these would inspire creativity. But as I shared in my recent video on GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome), this wasn’t the answer. What I needed wasn’t more gear; it was a new vision.
So, I started exploring the works of photographers who were masters in documentary and street photography, and who used their cameras as tools to tell powerful stories. Studying the works of Don McCullin, Ernst Haas, Alex Webb, and Joel Meyerowitz became a turning point in my photography journey. Here’s what I learned from each of them and how their work has shaped my own:
Don McCullin: Documenting the Harsh Realities
Don McCullin’s photography is profoundly moving, often capturing the dark and haunting sides of humanity. His work speaks volumes about the realities of war, poverty, and suffering—topics that many would rather ignore. I find it fascinating how McCullin managed to convey the raw emotions of his subjects, even in the most challenging conditions. One of the things that strikes me about McCullin’s work is his sense of social responsibility; he doesn’t just document events, he shines a light on injustices and societal issues.
In his book In England, McCullin captures polarizing views of British society, from poverty-stricken northern towns to affluent social gatherings like the Henley Regatta. His work speaks to the disparity within society, showing the stark contrast between privilege and hardship. I admire his ability to let these contrasts speak for themselves, using his lens to present an unfiltered reality that leaves viewers to draw their own conclusions.
Ernst Haas: Mastering Colour and Movement
Ernst Haas’s approach to colour photography has had a profound impact on me. His vibrant, surreal use of color brings everyday scenes to life in ways that feel almost cinematic. Haas is known for his bold reds and yellows, and he uses motion blur to capture a sense of energy and movement, often creating abstract compositions that draw you in.
Haas’s use of Kodachrome, with its low ISO, influenced him to experiment with slower shutter speeds, making motion a central theme in his work. This has encouraged me to think creatively about my own constraints, finding ways to use them to my advantage rather than seeing them as limitations.
Joel Meyerowitz: Embracing Spontaneity and Light
Joel Meyerowitz’s book, How I Make Photographs, has taught me to be open and instinctive with my photography. Meyerowitz’s philosophy is all about capturing the fleeting moments that might otherwise go unnoticed. His advice to follow your instincts and be attuned to the light around you resonates with me deeply. Meyerowitz reminds me that photography isn’t just about finding a subject; it’s about being present and open to whatever the world might offer in that moment.
Whenever I feel stuck or uninspired, I remember his advice to “follow the light.” This simple concept has helped me to see familiar places in new ways, opening up a world of possibilities even when I’m photographing close to home.
Alex Webb: Complex Compositions and Depth
Alex Webb’s work is, to me, a masterclass in composition and storytelling. His photos are often densely packed with visual information, each layer adding depth to the narrative. Webb’s use of color and light is mesmerizing, but it’s his complex compositions that really draw me in. Every element in his frame feels intentional, leading the eye from one detail to the next in a way that feels almost cinematic.
Looking at Webb’s work, I realise the power of multi-layered compositions, of combining foreground and background elements to add richness and complexity. His photos have shown me the value of patience, of waiting for each element to fall into place to create something truly captivating.
Social Media Burnout: Managing Expectations
Another challenge to staying inspired is the constant pressure from social media, especially platforms like Instagram. For photographers today, Instagram can be both a blessing and a curse. The platform has moved toward prioritising reels and stories over traditional photo posts, and as a stills photographer, it’s easy to feel like your work is getting lost. Additionally, Instagram’s algorithm often favors popular accounts, making it harder for emerging photographers to get noticed.
I recently wrote an article titled Is Instagram Still Worth It for Photographers? where I discuss my experiences with Instagram and whether it’s a valuable platform for photographers. Personally, I’m learning to treat Instagram less as a place for validation and more as a personal visual diary, posting images I love rather than worrying about likes or engagement.
Finding Inspiration Beyond Gear
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that gear, while important, isn’t the source of inspiration. I’ve been guilty of falling into the cycle of buying new equipment in the hope that it will spark creativity. But as I’ve grown, I realize that true inspiration comes from within, from the world around us, and from the work of those who have walked this path before.
For me, simplifying my kit has been liberating. By using just a few trusted tools, like my Fuji X100Vi and XT5, I’ve been able to focus more on the art of photography rather than the technology behind it. This approach has allowed me to become more intuitive and intentional with my shots, rather than getting bogged down in technical considerations.
Conclusion: Embracing the Journey
Staying inspired in photography is an ongoing journey, one that requires constant curiosity, openness, and the willingness to learn from others. By studying the works of masters like McCullin, Haas, Meyerowitz, and Webb, I’ve found new perspectives and techniques that continue to push me forward. Whether through their use of color, composition, or the ability to capture raw emotion, each of these photographers has shown me what’s possible and inspired me to keep evolving.
I hope this post gives you some insights into my process and, perhaps, encourages you to find your own sources of inspiration. Photography isn’t just about capturing images; it’s about expressing a vision and telling stories that matter. As I continue my journey, I look forward to sharing more of these insights and discoveries. Thank you for following along, and if you’d like to keep up with my latest work, don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel and join my newsletter for updates on future projects.
