Who inspires you?

Sometimes we have to remind ourselves that Photography is an Art. So much speak about technology, the latest widget, the number of focus points, the lens choice, even the latest cool backpack. But where is the Art. Who inspires you!?! Provide a link to something you've seen on the net lately that would inspire us also. Give a short message on why it inspires you.

This 14-year-old boy has mixed photography with drawings and layered backgrounds to create imaginary scenes.
LINK: surreal self portraits of a 14-year-old. Nickname: fiddle oak

These guys all inspire me. Especially Davidson, Meyerowitz, Freedman, Mary Ellen Mark and Elliot Erwitt Can't wait to see the movie. I'm addicted to the street so this should be self explanatory.
http://vimeo.com/70639​661

I am extremely inspired. But my inspiration does not come from other photographers. It comes from my subjects.

The deer, moose, ducks, grouse, elk, pikas, bighorn sheep, etc - they are what inspire me. I think that wild animals, in their natural habitat, are some of the most interesting, beautiful things in this entire universe.

Sure, when I view the work of some of the world's best wildlife photographers, I am impressed by it. But the effect it has on me, emotionally, is kind of like a hiccup. When I go out into nature and see wild animals, I am ever so more impressed by them than I will ever be by anyone's photos. The effect that the animals have on me, emotionally, is not like a hiccup at all; rather it is like an earthquake!

I find reading books on photography inspires me. Not books that focus on the technical aspects, but the ones that focus on learning how to be more artistic in your approach to taking photos.

I read lots from the library and pickup photography books as "treasures" at garage sales and flea markets. I don't worry that they are out of date or might deal with film rather than digital because I read them to get inspired about new ways of thinking about how I take photos.

Chet

Rick!

rick_reno wrote in post #16240138
Chet

Thanks Rick, you inspire me as well. Lets do lunch real soon.

I get inspiration from many sources: (1) Photos taken by well known photographers; (2) Biographies of well known photographers; (3) Books written by well known photographers; (4) photos in forums like POTN and sites like Photo-Net from 100s of photographers; (5) You Tube videos especially B & H seminars (for instruction) and DigitalRev (for fun); and, (6) just by looking around as I'm going through the day.