Stay Inspired Through Play - Learn with the Community

 

 

 

As a creator, there are times when forming a new idea or finding a different approach to your work can be a challenge. By examining how others push through a creative block, you may find the fresh perspective you need. Learn how these three women stay inspired, and how you can employ their techniques in your own work.

Using intuition to guide her, photographing is an ongoing process that never stops. Exploring reflective surfaces, senses such as touch, and digital collaging, she provides supporting context to her images and examines ideas through many different ways.

 

 

VSCO —What has inspired you recently?

Inga — Mostly I'm shooting portraits, so the answer is always "a person." But let me name "waves" — I am mad about colors and sounds right now. It is a specific continuous flow that never stops. From such big ideas we move to small notions that are a true source of inspiration — the color of a raspberry milkshake, the wash of the river’s waves.

VSCO — How do you go about finding new ways to make pictures?

Inga — I am a big fan of glitch and also of any blurred, unfocused, or weird stuff. I use everything I can put beneath my camera. Sometimes those are liquids - wine or water. Sometimes - glass or mirrors.

 

 

* Try this — Inga plays with layering objects in front of her lens to cause unexpected results. Try placing glass or some other translucent item between your lens and your subject.

Tessa describes herself as quiet, photographing as a means of recording her thoughts about her surroundings and experiences. With a love of traveling and literature, she is constantly seeking something magical.

 

 

VSCO — What is your editing process like?

Tessa — Usually I try as many presets as possible on one photo until I get the best fit, then I can begin to deal with details.

 

 

 

 

VSCO — What inspires you and keeps you inspired?

Tessa — Travel is definitely my greatest inspiration, and that's exactly how I started my behind the lens life—to record a local way of living. A new destination can always arouse my curiosity, exploring and experiencing places with that curiosity makes me stay productive. Another great inspiration of mine is literature, especially writers' picturesque environment descriptions, so full of imagination.

As Garry Winogrand said, "I photograph to find out what something will look like photographed." To stay creative, I always keep my motivation as simple as that.

 

 

* Try this — Tessa turns to travel for inspiration. While practically most of us can't be regularly traveling to far away new places, try making small changes to your daily routine. Even a small difference, such as walking on the opposite side of the road during your morning commute, can open you up to seeing things in a new light.

With a soft spot for minimalist compositions, Vanessa focuses on documenting reality in a clever, yet authentic manner. She is inspired by the way things are portrayed, illuminated, and ultimately how they feel.

 

 

 

 

VSCO — Do you have any regular sources or channels for getting new ideas or staying inspired?

Vanessa — I turn to vintage fashion ads, color schemes in films, or I'll read about the processes of other artists. I also turn to 80s music videos, like any Sade video. She was so creative with production, and there was always a cool storyline. I really love ‘By Your Side,’ it’s so colorful and mystical. ‘Soldier of Love’ is probably the best production-wise. The silhouetted dancers and backdrops are so incredibly visual. There’s a moment where she has a sheet over her, and it’s blowing in the wind. It’s just pure genius, a little weird, and that’s what I love about it.

 

 

VSCO — How do you go about finding new ways to make pictures?

Vanessa — I like using different cameras on set — a disposable, a polaroid, and my digital. This keeps the format fresh. I also like rummaging through vintage stores for fun props that help spark ideas.

 

 

* Try this — Vanessa often incorporates interesting props into her work. She mixes common, everyday objects (like fruit and matches) with objects of similar colors or feeling. Try gathering 5 objects from around your home to create a still life of your own.