Sometimes I catch myself getting stuck pouring over images from the wedding photography scene. I look over countless blogs and check-in with my favorite photographers to find the best compositions, poses and lighting for my clients. After about the 20th wedding blog something clicks and I say to myself I need to try something different. Inspiration can come from anywhere, not just pictures of all those good looking brides and grooms. Sometimes the best inspiration can come from the least expected places. Now I’ll admit a photography book from LIFE photographers is definitely not the last place I would look to find inspiration for my photography but it still works. These photographers define dedication. They spend weeks, sometimes months with their subjects just so they could get that one shot they want. That being said, I don’t think I would mind spending a few weeks with Winston Churchill. Well….at least until he called me a cheeky little bugger. After reading the bios of these photographers and the ambition behind the book I quickly realized what those men and women sacrificed to get some of the most compelling photographs in the past century (golf clap for them). And before anybody asks, no I don’t plan on using a monkey creeping in water as inspiration for my brides. I did, however, get some great ideas from this book. The most significant take away for me was the realization of how beautiful film is. With so many digital cameras that make light metering and getting the right exposure a heck of a lot easier it makes film somewhat of a lost art. I am going to learn, though. At least enough that I can feel confident to bring a film camera to my weddings and take a few shots. I would love to offer my clients beautiful prints from film as well as the option to scan the negatives to help tell their story when I print their albums. That’s the idea at least. I know it will be a challenge, but I am definitely up for it. In case you want to check out the book for yourself you can find The Great LIFE Photographers on Amazon by clicking on the link. It makes for a great coffee table read. Everyone that has seen it in my house has picked it up and has flipped through its many pages.
Comments +