A photographer requires very little while at work: a functional camera, the world around them, and inspiration. At the New York Institute of Photography we enjoy learning what inspires photographers, all kinds of photographers. Whether you have recently decided to pick up a camera or you have a studio in your home. We took to our social media pages and asked our followers, "What inspires your photos?" Below is the winner along with several other submissions that we enjoyed.
NYIP's "What Inspires Your Photo" Contest Winner:
"The magical world I see through the lens is what inspires me."
"…the first time I saw snow falling, and it also happened to be the first snowfall of the season in Watkins Glen, NY"
"Inspired by impromptu opportunities presenting themselves. While visiting Sydney, this beautiful couple was having their shoot at the Opera House and I just had to seize the moment."
"Trees inspire me. I've always loved them so when I turned a corner the other day & saw this dormant orchard I couldn't resist stopping to snap this photo."
"The question inspires me. There's always a question to be asked when you see a photograph. Who were they? What was happening? Were they happy or sad?"
"The love between two - no matter who or what they are - inspires me."
"My youngest son and I. This is one portrait in a small series I took of my boys and me. When I started studying with you my first was about this age and now a short two years later, they still inspire me, I just have the knowledge to carry out my visions thanks to NYIP!
"Landscapes, the ocean, and hiking. After hiking for almost an hour on such a challenging trail along the cliff side, I knew what was going to be at the end, even though I had never been there before. The natural aqua colored pools of St. Barths. It was just so incredibly beautiful to see and photograph."
"Turning disabilities into abilities."
"I always have different inspiration for my photos but it's all about capturing emotion."
"I was driving a winding country highway and pulled over a couple of times to take a picture of this rainbow. I was almost to my destination when I saw this. Pulled over on a very narrow shoulder and walked back about 100 yards and got this shot. I danced and almost cried. The location is Cobb CA. I am always inspired by natural, fleeting beauty that is gone in a moment, and epic if you catch it in a photograph."
"A beautiful British summer day spent walking in Hyde Park inspired this photo."
"Contemplative Thought's with Man's Best Friend!
My husband and Puggle Lola were my inspiration for this photo. I love this picture of the two of them. It is that special bond between man and his furry friend!!!"
"The art of photography and its mysteries and stories behind the pictures."
"People, styling them, and applying makeup to them inspires me to take pictures and specially using natural light."
"Our awesome world, the architecture, and us HUMANS...LIFE!!!!...Here’s looking at you!!"
Want to learn photography? NYIP offers nine great online photography courses to choose from. Request a free course catalog today.