Creative Inspiration

Sunset in the Sonoran Desert

I recently read an article geared to photographers making a living with their cameras. It struck me in an odd way. At first, I didn’t realize why it irritated me. There was nothing objectional about the topic, the way it was presented, or the photographers that were highlighted. I re-read it.

The focus was on photographers who had started leading guided travel photography workshops/retreats. It included their advice for finding the appropriate workshop to attend as well as advice for starting your own guided travel photography workshop business.

The idea was born from the observation that photographers get so involved in the business of making a living with their cameras that their creativity suffers. Taking a break to travel and take photos for fun would be beneficial and reinvigorate their creativity.

The article went on to report that the trips are well planned. Locations are scouted multiple times to find the perfect conditions for the ideal experience. They scope out the best times, the best weather, and the best spot at the best unique or exotic location. They strive to create the perfect conditions for awe-inspiring moments so the participants can capture that "perfect" shot.

Now I realized what was bugging me. They were describing well-orchestrated events rather than an experience of discovery. There was an assumption that you need to do to something "big" and "out of the ordinary" to make a shift to spur your creativity.

I love a good travel adventure. Traveling to new places can be an exciting way to rejuvenate and recharge. I have been blessed to participate in some amazing travel opportunities and have captured beautiful places, people, and events.

More important to me, though, is to just get quiet and sit in a favorite spot to see what happens. A small change can lead to a new awareness. Sometimes I'll go to a place I've been many times to try to see it differently. To actively invite my creativity to kick in so I can see or experience something new amongst the familiar.

It's been my experience that creativity comes from within, and it can be sparked anywhere at any time. I typically get my best photos in unexpected situations and happy coincidences.

There is beauty all around us all of the time. Simple ordinary things in ordinary places are beautiful.

The exotic location: My Kitchen

The itinerary: Make scrambled eggs

The light coming in through my kitchen window shifted as I was fixing my eggs. Glanced over and had to grab my camera. Almost let the eggs burn while busy taking photos before the light changed.

Exotic location: My son's neighborhood

Itinerary: Take a morning walk

Just a quick summer morning walk before it got too warm and muggy. Noticed the sunlight on the bushes as I was walking towards them. Pulled out my phone, started taking photos while walking around the bush and then bent down on one knee to get a different angle.

Exotic Location: Desert Ridge Shopping Center

Itinerary: Walk back to my car after shopping

Yes, even in the Arizona heat we sit outside to eat. Misters help cool the air. As I was walking across the street to my car, I saw the sprinkler mist highlighted in the setting sun.

Exotic Location: My Living Room

Itinerary: Sit on my couch and read

Good weather, doors & windows open, sitting on the couch reading while enjoying the cool air. Looked over at my front door, saw the shadows, pulled out my phone.

Exotic Location: Restaurant in Scottsdale

Itinerary: Kill time while my car is being serviced

Cowboy themed restaurant has a line of boots on top of the half-wall that divides the entrance area and the dining area. I wandered around the entrance with my camera while waiting for my table.

Exotic location: The Creative Room in my house

Itinerary: Sit at my art table and create some art

While rearranging things on my art table before beginning a project, I noticed the lighting/shadows on my upside-down paint pallet.

Exotic Location: Parking lot at my favorite local cafe

Itinerary: Walk to my car after eating

Beautifully restored historic vehicle parked across from my car. Grabbed my camera and started walking around the car taking photos. Saw the reflection on the fender of the side hood detail - pure beauty.

Exotic Location: My brother's kitchen

Itinerary: Prepare the lettuce for lunch

The beautiful patterns in the lettuce speak for themselves.

Exotic location: Restaurant in Sedona

Itinerary: Eat dinner

While enjoying a pre-dinner cocktail at one of my favorite spots in Sedona, the sun broke through the storm clouds to light up the patio and my drink.

Exotic location: My back patio

Itinerary: Water the plants

Cute little cactus on my back patio with its beautiful blooms. Spritzed it with some water and it sparkled at me. Dropped the hose and grabbed my camera.

Exotic location: Desert area behind my neighborhood

Itinerary: Drive home from the grocery store

Pulled out of the grocery store parking lot and saw this happening at the end of the road. Drove past my street, pulled up in the dirt, let the groceries sit for a few minutes while I enjoyed watching this scene develop.

The photo at the top of this post was also taken near my neighborhood. It was taken a few years ago with an inexpensive camera and I giggled when the hot air balloon drifted over while I was shooting the sunset. Not orchestrated. Not planned. Not an ideal location. Just me standing in the desert, sweating in the heat and swatting mosquitos, watching and waiting.

My camera and my phone are full of moments that happen on normal days, in normal places, in all sorts of conditions.

Beauty and inspiration are all around us all the time. It's a joy to challenge myself to find it wherever I am, to relax and let myself see it.