By Eric Davidove

I watched a presentation on YouTube by Rupert Vandervell to learn about where he receives inspiration for his street photography, and it got me thinking. Rupert receives much of his inspiration from paintings, poems, and films. He did not mention getting inspiration from other street photographers, although I suspect he does get some. I, on the other hand, get most of my inspiration from other street photographers, and I’m beginning to wonder whether that is a mistake.

If most or all of my inspiration comes from looking at the work of other street photographers, might my photographs simply incorporate techniques of other street photographers and isn’t this a bit limiting? I am now feeling that relying too much on the work of other street photographers for inspiration will prevent me from creating breakthrough photographs or carving out my unique voice. My primary focus on the work of other street photographers for inspiration sort of keeps me in an echo chamber and makes it much more difficult for me to work outside the boundaries of how others have created street photos.

Perhaps it’s time for me to visit my local library and art museums and spend more time studying and finding new sources of inspiration. Back in the day, when I was a student at a community college, I took an art appreciation class. It was very inspirational, and I remember buying posters of some of my favorite paintings and hanging them on my walls. Over the years, my museum visits have waned, and I cannot even remember the last time I went to one. Along those same lines, it’s been way too long since I last checked out an art book from the library. Well, I’m gonna broaden my sources of inspiration starting this week.

What about you? Where are you getting your inspiration for your street photography? Do you also need to find additional sources of inspiration?

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Where do you look for inspiration for your Street Photography?