Where are you finding your creative inspiration?

As photographers, we are constantly seeking inspiration to create new and unique pieces of art. Sometimes, the perfect idea strikes us like lightning and we know exactly how we want to execute it. Other times, we may have a general concept in mind but struggle with turning it into a tangible image.

In this guide, I will share my personal experience of taking an idea for a diptych piece exploring the theme of duality and turning it into a compelling work of fine art photography. My hope is that by sharing my process, you will feel inspired and motivated to bring your own ideas to life.

Finding Inspiration

For me, inspiration can come from anywhere - a dream, a conversation, a song, or even a simple everyday object. In this case, my inspiration came from an artist call put out by Bossier Arts Council asking for submissions. Their theme was Duality-"To Create and to Survive." As soon as I read that, my mind started racing with ideas.

Brainstorming and Conceptualizing

Once I had a general idea of what I wanted to explore, it was time to brainstorm and conceptualize further. This is where I find it helpful to create mood boards or collages, gather references from other artists and photographers, and jot down any thoughts or ideas that come to mind. The goal here is not to have a final concept set in stone, but rather to let your imagination flow freely.

For this project, I first started with lists that explored the word Duality and some ideas of opposites. Then I started making lists of items, places, and colors that could help to symbolically represent the ideas I had on my lists. While looking up the symbolic meanings is when I got my spark of inspiration for the piece of work I wanted to create, a diptych that showed the two sides of creating and surviving and what that might look like for some.

As I started creating and brainstorming ideas, I found myself becoming more and more passionate about this project. It was like a puzzle coming together, with each piece representing something meaningful and significant.

Gathering the Materials

In order to bring my vision to life, I needed to gather all the necessary materials. This included using a background that I already had of a stone wall made by Denny Manufacturing, and making it into a well. I used a hula hoop anchored to the ceiling and shower curtain rings to attach the fake backdrop to create my faux well. I topped it off with some greenery hanging over the top.

Bringing it Together

The shoot itself required me to sit on the ground and shoot up towards the opening for one of the images, and to have my camera set up at the roof where I needed it, aimed down at me, for the second image. It definitely required numerous takes to get the images right. I wanted the circular opening and floor to line up at the top and bottom of the images when stacked together.

The Final Product

After multiple attempts and some creative editing, I finally achieved the shots I was envisioning. The final product featured me in my place within the faux well, holding onto a delicate gold thread that appears to be reaching into the sky.

Shown as the final diptych as it was in the frame.

 I encourage you to try your hand at projects like this one! Sometimes you need a way to express yourself creatively and moving forward when inspired is the best way to do it. Don't be afraid to push the boundaries and think outside the box – that's where the most interesting ideas come from!