Inspiration Collection - February
It is critical as a photographer to build up sources of inspiration for your work, to break out of the bubble that is you and your camera and look to others, to see how they can guide and shape your own approach. We've curated some monthly inspiration from all over to help you immerse yourself in film photography. Even if you can't get out to shoot, there are thousands of resources online with ways to improve your practice, often without even touching a camera. Remember, inspiration is everywhere, and you can look outside of photography to wider art, design and cultural pieces to help you create.
Photograph by Tyler Mitchell, taken from I Can Make You Feel Good, published by Prestel
I Can Make You Feel Good - Tyler Mitchell
This photobook is Mitchell's vision of black utopia, featuring rich, full bleed imagery and cinematic, glowing light. Written contributions are placed alongside Michell's work in a stunning collection that I have been wanting to get my hands on for ages.
Photobooks are one of the best ways to immerse yourself in other photographer's work. If you are struggling to get hold of a physical copy, flick through videos, like this one from Matt Day, are a useful resource and take you through the highlights of others' photobook collections.
Kennedy magazine
This is a personal favourite of mine - Kennedy never fails to curate unique, interesting stories and beautiful imagery. I would urge you to pick up a physical copy, but if not, you can view full issues online, as well as exploring more of their written pieces. Make sure to check out the lockdown series, these photos aren't all shot on film, but they illustrate how you can turn your everyday surroundings into something a little bit magical.
Untitled, c.1975 (Marcia Hare in Memphis Tennessee) by William Eggleston, c.1975 ©Eggleston Artistic Trust
"THOSE PHOTOS REVEALED THE BEAUTY OF LIGHT. THAT IT WAS CAPTURABLE."
You can always learn and take inspiration from the photography greats. This month I've been particularly drawn to the work of William Eggleston. Credited for shifting opinions about colour photography, Eggleston's work is characterised by a focus on the small, honest details of the everyday. This approach is critically relevant at the moment, when so many of us have no choice but to make the ordinary our subject matter. This video from the Tate is a perfect introduction to his work.
Photo by @kyle_mcdougall
Composition tips and tricks
Sitting down to talk through different techniques used in his own shots, this video from Kyle McDougall is a masterclass in composition and finding balance in your photographs. McDougall has some truly beautiful work, and the video is a thorough explanation of how he frames and captures his desired scene. Looking back through your past work and thinking about what worked and why, as well as how it could have been improved is one of the best ways to learn and grow as a photographer.
Photo by George Muncey
Youtube is probably my favourite resource for learning about analogue photography. There seems to be an endless stream of incredible film focused channels, from all across the world, that allow you to live vicariously through their lens. Here are two of my most viewed channels for this month.
Negative Feedback
This is the place to go for critical, thoughtful videos. George is constantly evaluating his practice and pushing the art form. The channel features interviews, vlogs, reviews and lots more, all clearly produced with incredible care and effort.
Photo by @ejatushaw
Ejatu Shaw
Ejatu's channel is a recent favourite of mine. She mixes photography tips and advice on working as a photographer with fun and down to earth 35mm vlogs. Her portrait work in particular is stunning, so her videos are a great place to find inspiration and discover new techniques.
Monokai - A trip through Japan
I return to this site time and time again. It has a shifting, interactive scroll setting, alongside beautiful photography and layout design. A truly unique source of inspiration, visiting the page is also the perfect way to feel you have explored Japan, without even leaving the house.
Photo by Vanessa Marian
Urth 12 Frames
Urth sent each photographer featured in this series a roll of film, picking 12 frames from each finished roll to show how creatives from across the world photograph their day-to-day lives. If you need some inspiration for shoot ideas of your own, this is a great way to focus - which 12 frames would you choose?
Author : Becca Knight
