1st Edition
Inspiration in Photography Training your mind to make great art a habit
As a photographer it’s possible to train your mind to see inspiration in any situation, and this book will show you how. By introducing you into her creative process, Brooke Shaden—one of the most recognized names in modern art photography—reveals techniques and exercises that you can undertake in order to be inspired by your environment, everyday, everywhere. In addition to the exercises, you’ll learn how to compose, plan and shoot colorful, atmospheric, fairy-tale artistic photography, so you can adapt Shaden’s techniques and apply them to your own photographic style. Indeed, all artistic photographers seek to achieve their own style, but it’s not always easy to see how to get there. This book provides the perfect balance of insight and instruction to help you find inspiration whenever you need it, and capitalize on it every time.
Personal History
-How I got my start
-My philosophy
Creativity
-Everyone is creative
-Creativity can be learned
Inspiration
-Inspiration is everywhere
-Finding meaning in everything
-Tips & Tools to finding inspiration
Artistic Voice
-Finding your passion
-Harnessing your passion
Defining Your Style
-Define your style before someone else does
Fine Art Photography
-Creating personal work
-Even commercial photography can be fine art
-Follow your passion
-Case Study: Fine Art Photographers
Creating New Worlds
-Embracing your inner "weirdo"
-Listening to your voice
Using Color
-Examples on the different uses of color
-Expert Color User
Using Props
-Examples on the different uses of props
-Amazing Props
Using Costumes
-Examples on the different uses of costumes
-Elaborate Costume Examples
Creating Characters
-The importance of character in all artforms
-How to create a character with substance in one click
Creating a Series
-Putting a story into a series
-Creating interest in more than one photograph
-Case Study: Noah Kalim
Self-Portraiture
-Using yourself as a character, not as a subject
-Benefits to self-portraiture
-Case Study: Natalie Dybisz
The Anonymous Character
-Creating art that is relatable
Dark Art & Surrealism
-Putting your stamp on your art
-Creating tension and controversy
-Case Study: Dark Artist/Surrealist
Fairy Tales
-Taking inspiration from childhood
Under Water Photography
-A dive into a new world
-Case Study: Underwater Photographer
Fine Art Nude
-Using the human form as expression
-Case Study: Tasteful Nudes
Fashion Photography
-Seeing fashion as art
-Case Study: Fashion Photographer
Exercises to Explore Your Creativity
-Wrapping up the ins & outs of inspiration and creative thinking
-10 difference exercises to jog your creative muscle
Biography
Brooke Shaden is a fine art photographer and popular blogger living and working in the Los Angeles area where she runs photo workshops. Her passion lies in creating new worlds through photographs, a passion which was recently recognized by Academy award-winning director Ron Howard when he chose her work as part-inspiration for a short film in Canon’s Imagin8tion competition. Her vision extends beyond the realm of the camera, creating images that resemble paintings and speak of an era that is not our own. Each image is a story.
