When asked, “What do you shoot?” I often respond simply, “Anything.” I don’t consider myself a specialist in one area of photography. I will always see myself as a student of the medium, as one who uses the camera to sharpen my vision and skills as much as I use photography to express myself.
I live in a beautiful place, so landscape is a common subject. But so much of my growth as a photographer occurs when I push myself toward what is new or uncomfortable.
This fall, I worked indoors on still-life photography. I started shooting with natural light, which I love, before dusting off and setting up my strobes, which I don’t love. I had the work of a few artists in mind, and I thought about how to use them as inspiration but say something different.
Five things that work for me:
1. Seek out the work of other artists – any medium, not just photography-for inspiration;
2. Remain curious – try new subject matter, new places, old places with a new eye, new equipment, etc;
3. Share your work;
4. Make prints;
5. Find the support of fellow photographers and be generous in return with your support of them.
Lisa Ryan-Boyle was featured in PHOTOSNACK #395.