Where I Find Inspo.
I’m hesitant to call myself a photographer. For years it was the thing I loved more than most, this coming from someone who could not decide between multiple careers paths in high school, photography has now become something that is fueled naturally as I move through life. Inspiration for me comes in many different ways, and manifests itself in different ways. Surrounding myself with inspiring people ties back to an earlier post on Substack where I wrote about the power of being picky when it comes to social media. Inspiration and drive are something that come in waves, but I find that if I surround myself with inspiring people, thoughts, materials, it may still come in waves, but more often, and without force. Below, I’ve compiled a list of people and places I find inspiration in.
Cece Alana is for the girls. Her vibe is peaceful, and her artwork unlike any other. She is my sole inspiration for shooting film, strictly because of the feeling she evokes in her work, and the absolute vibrance of color. From what I can tell, her team usually consists of all women which is so heartwarming. I also feel like that creates such a comfortable and wholesome work environment. Cece has created some genuinely creative and unique visuals, usually in a tropical environment like her native Hawaii, or beautiful locations like Bali.
Sam Dameshek is a photographer whose work I have seen all over instagram. He has worked with so many people of note and created such beautiful work. His photos are artistic and subtle, but deeply inspiring. His newest photo-book RECOMMENCER is available for pre-order now, and from the images I have seen, it ha s a modern day Slim Aarons vibe which I am very much here for. One (of the many) highlights of Sam’s work is the profile images he took at the CFDA awards on polaroid. I love film, specifically polaroid and doing work like that is exactly something I’d love to do.
Pinterest is my happy place. I would be happy if my phone crashed and Pinterest was the only app left. The only widgets on my phone (besides my calendar and reminders) are Pinterest, I think I have a total of 5. I know every girl my age can relate that there is no app more peaceful. I use Pinterest to create mood board for photoshoots, save fashion inspo, and find inspo for jewelry I want to make. I create mood boards, and folder within those mood boards, planning out specific months and events. I have a folder full of Slim Aarons photography, and saved some really unique magazine covers from international publications.
Vintage photo books and magazines are the original source of inspiration. As a magazine collector, I find them anywhere and everywhere, but the lounges of my university are usually a good place to find a few early 2000’s magazines. I have subscriptions to nearly every standard fashion magazine (my favorites are Harper’s Bazaar and W) and flip through them, rip out my favorite spreads to put them in a binder, and make mood-boards with them.
As for Vintage photo books, bookstores and vintage shops are a great place to start (Housing Works and The Strand in New York), but a hidden gem and personal favorite of mine is to use Abe Books to find rare and random books. many times I find a photo book I want to buy on Abe Books in pristine condition for half the price. I bought a copy of Surf Girl Roxy one Abe for an amazing price. If you’re in New York, the Rizzoli store in FlatIron is also a must- see store. Books tend to be higher in price but the curation is top notch with a larger focus on art and design books.
There’s so much more than the few things I’ve listed here, like listening to music and walking outside. Disconnecting from life can bring so much inspiration. But these are usually the first resources I go to when looking for creative motivation. Hope this was helpful! ;)
T <3
Great read!