Andrew Bryant Photography Blog | International Wedding Photographer

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Inspiration for a photographer...

Thursday, February 18, 2010 | PERSONAL

Every now and again I'm asked what inspires me as a photographer and when in the moment I always attempt to give a really artistic answer... like the blades of grass with the morning dew still on it. Alright, so dew on grass blades isn't the most awe-inspiring thing I've ever seen and doesn't really give me vision for how I photograph, but here are a few things that tend to get my mind in the "creative mode" if you will... and if you're not a photographer and don't really care about "inspiration", well... thanks for amusing me.

Music, music, and more music. I'm somewhat of a music nerd, although I don't have vinyl records around so that disqualifies me as a true music purist. I love going to concerts when I can get out and catch a good show 'cause each show is entirely different in how they interact with the audience, how "gritty" their sound is, to how simple their lighting is set up. I just enjoy the entire experience. While I'm not always able to physically see a show, I have an extensive music library that I keep on rotation and I thought I'd share a few with you...

1. John Mayer. Even though this guy has had incredible success and many say that he's "sold out", the guy is just a phenomenal song writer and can play the guitar unlike any other musician. By the way, John if you come across this and ever get engaged... call the studio... we'll chat.
2. Melody Gardot. My wife and I heard her album while enjoying a relaxing date night at a Borders in San Diego. I never really care about who's playing on the speaker as the staff usually chooses rather average music, but I am so glad I asked... this is an incredible album that every couple should have in their music library!
3. Paper Route. One word... innovative. These guys happened to be in town several months back and I didn't catch their show and have been kicking myself ever since. Every one of their albums takes a few listens before I really appreciate all that is packed in the disk. A must buy if you're looking for something different and creative.

Believe it or not, furniture is another thing that inspires me. Very few things can dictate the overall feel/vibe of a room like a choice selection of furniture. While the photos below are not actually in our home, I'll admit that I sometimes think about how I would furnish another studio space (that I would have for the heck of it... not necessarily for photography).

By the way, all the home furnishings (pictured below) are from the site Uncrate... such a cool site that describes themselves as, "the buyers guide for men." Heck yeah, almost everything on this site is a bit different/unusual, but that's what makes it so great.

4. The Roost Aluminum Antler Lamp. I'm not sure if you've ever seen those design shows where the designer says, "let's bring the outside in,"... yeah, these lamps are the most unique way of doing just that!
5. The Herman Miller Eames chair Just about any piece of furniture that Herman Miller produces is an inspiration. Everything from the warm tones to the subtle shape complete the look. (I sound like a designer, right?!?)
6. The Matera Collection While this room looks nothing like our master bedroom, I love the minimalist design and feel to the room. Not necessarily the warmest room I've ever seen, but I love how simple it is.
7. Nespresso Espresso Machine. What more do I need to say... can't live without a good cup 'o espresso!

Soooo, that's just a taste of what "inspires" me as an artist and photographer. I believe there are many things that we can find inspiration in (no matter what occupation you have). So I'm interested to hear what you have to say... what's the one thing that inspires you??? Leave a comment below (and if you can link to it, all the better!)... I'd love to hear.

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