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The Inspired Eye II
Notes on Creativity for Photographers, Vol.II
The follow-up to the popular The Inspired Eye, Vol I, Volume 2 picks up where the first book left off and continues to explore the creative process for photographers. While less sexy than a new lens, understanding and working with your creative process is the core of what we do and will make your images more uniquely expressive. This is where vision begins.
Volume 2 includes an interview about the creative process with Chris Orwig, author of Visual Poetry. All illustrations are from David’s own work chasing his muse, with film for the first time in 10 years.
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Reviews and Comments
This is one of several of David’s e-books I have downloaded. They are great prompts to action, with exercises that challenge and inspire my own creativity and to top it off they don’t break the bank!!
This is a good continuation to vol 1 with another strong 8 topics and although it was a slow read for me fighting to stay focused, the interview sucked me back in and encouraged rereading the book. Chris Orwig may not technically be a cowritter but I found the 6 page interview with Chris to be a key highlight of this book.
Sometimes reading other photographers opinions on creativity clicks and sometimes it doesn’t. I love the two Inspired Eye volumes because David’s explorations of the subject are saturated with such honest self-examination. They come across internally, which is a rare and wonderful thing in a book.
And the price – ridiculous. Best $5 ever spent.
Continued from the first ebook, this one carries right on. I’ve taken notes in the margins, bookmarked web sites to follow and visit and books to read. I’ve even lent my print copy to a friend who’s a painter to read – he’s lost his passion for what he does because he’s doing something more commercial with his art and doesn’t paint for himself any more. I’m hoping this series helps him reconnect with why he is an artist in the first place as it did for me with photography.
Since reading these ebooks, and David’s “Within the Frame” I find I have been shooting more and approaching it differently with a goal of “what do I want to say with this image?” or “what is my vision here?” that I never considered before and now it’s in the front of my mind. I think I always just shot because it looked good compositionally or lighting wise. Now I’m thinking more about the message – what do I see in this image? What do I want others to see?
I’ve also been experimenting more. I shot a Latin festival last weekend – volunteered to be their official photographer for free just so I could shoot and do it my way. I shot over 1100 frames, many of which were blurry on purpose, or panned, or over exposed on purpose, etc – just go give a look I was going for, a feel. I shot long/wide shots, medium range and a tight vignettes of details. I did shots of dresses twirling, tango dancers feet only and flamenco dancers hands. Many of which I might not have tried before.
I’ve truly had a fire lit under my posterior – thanks David!
I liked this book better than the first, though reading them both feels like you are having a conversation. His interview with Chris Orwig in this book was a surprise. in the introduction David tells the reader that the photographs in the book are taken in his hometown with a film camera and are not his best. He says the spots and imperfections are left in. Maybe its because I long for my old film camera days, because I loved these images. Later I read, ” When I shoot with film I embrace mistakes, when I shoot digital, I look for the mistake”. Really sunk in for me.
Much like Volume 1, Volume two features David speaking openly about the challenges of remaining creative. The added bonus is a conversation with Chris Orwig, who brings a second voice to the same topic.
The book will not teach you how to be creative or motivated, but it will teach you some important tools that can help you continue the journey.
Its definitely worth purchasing for new photographers trying to find their passion and vision.
With Volume 1, these two books are the best illustration of the “creative process” that I’ve seen since Architecture School. Anything that keeps your focus on the act of creation is a winner for me, and “The Inspired Eye” series is an excellent way to kick start your creative intentions.
If you don’t read this you will be missing much!
This book is about harnessing inspiration to take better photos. Our respective ‘muses’ come in various forms. There are wonderful things to photograph all around us in our home environment. I am one of those that often dismisses the wonder of my daily surroundings. I have to admit that if do have a ‘muse’, it is traveling and seeing thing for the first time. By harnessing those emotions, my shots are much better for it. By reading this book, I am reminded that the same wonderment is available every day at home if we open our minds and look carefully enough. On those days that you are not feeling inspired, force yourself to go out and shoot randomly and without agenda. This has worked for me. Waiting for your muse is not the answer. Go out and shoot, make mistakes, create a new vision of your everyday surroundings, have fun and rediscover the wonderment of wherever you may be.
A great follow up to the original. I’m also a fan of Chris Orwig, so picking this up after reading the original was a no-brainer. If you liked the first volume, you’ll enjoy this as well.
This book and the previous in the set, are a great inspiration to me. Sometimes I don’t feel creative, and there’s always an element of self-doubt. Like: “who do I think I’m kidding? My photography sucks!”
These two books have made me realise all photographers can go through this. I now feel that’s it’s okay to play, experiment, take the risk and fail. I’m enjoying my learning curve more. Thank you for these and your other excellent ebooks looking at this little talked about subject.
Excellent series! Thanks for putting this effort together and delivering quality material.