I think this is true for anyone with passion or any sort of drive.

Inspiration :  a a divine influence or action on a person believed to qualify him or her to receive and communicate sacred revelation b : the action or power of moving the intellect or emotions c : the act of influencing or suggesting opinions

Inspiration comes from many places, usually those we look up to or find that we are alike.  At some point though, we begin to copy those people so it becomes more plagiarism than our own.  We take what we have learned or figured out from them, and re-do it.  Sometimes we apply it to what we know to ‘make it our own’ and sometimes we try to reproduce it.  So the end product hasnt really progressed much further than where it all started.  It happens, and we have all done it before.  While I think its important to have a standard to work toward and someone to look up to, I also think its only part of the equation.

With photography, the people that are looked up to the most are other photographers and more than likely, successful ones.  All opinions aside, its a start, but I think a lot of the followers end there.  There is so much more to it; photography isnt just photos and art, its emotions and gratitude. Its passion and a drive that goes beyond a hobby, at least for me.  I shoot weddings and portraits, the biggest part of it for me is making them real, catching emotion and love. I am beyond honored to be a part of someones wedding day, and up until the day they have children, its most likely the happiest day of their life.  Thats what inspires me.

Inspiration for me comes from my clients first and foremost.  Taking what you see in them and turning it into art, how awesome is that?

Inspiration for me comes from my peers. Other photographers who I consider beyond me or even the ones just starting out. Everyone has a different outlook no matter your age or experience, and you can totally learn from them.  I am in no way a seasoned photographer in comparison to some of my friends or influences, but I try to make it a point to meet anyone I can.  If nothing else I feed off of their enthusiasm and drive to be great. All artists go through ruts and blocks sometimes, its an amazing way to discipline yourself and get motivated.

Inspiration for me comes from other mediums, especially unlikely ones.  Music, Paintings, Videography, Poetry/Literature, anything really.  It all goes back to emotion for me, nostalgia.  I dream up ideas from anything that moves me in some way.  Being open minded is huge for me, believe what you will but believe but dont ever disregard other’s ideas, youll grow exponentially.

Inspiration for me comes from supporting others.  When I first started I had the support from my immediate family and friends but nothing widely from other photographers or potential clients I met with.  Why? Because I was unexperienced and because I expected it.  My drive and passion is the only thing that got me through.  I am blessed enough to be a go-getter, someone who chases after what they want regardless of the circumstances. I didnt let finances, opinions or obligations stop me from what I wanted.  One thing I didnt have was support from other photographers or people like me. Why? maybe it was business, I dont know, but I eventually made a name for myself by creating a network of clients and photographers.  The joy I feel to uplift and promote people I believe in not only does wonders for me but also helps them, which is most important.  Second to the support of my family, wife and friends hearing compliments from clients and other photographers motivates me and inspires/pushes me to do more and better.

Inspiration for me comes from people telling me I cant do something, that I cant make it or that my aspirations are too far out of reach.  This is magnified a bagillion times when it involves a dream of mine.  See, I am a dreamer, I have more to list than you would want to read. I have to admit that I dont know if I will achieve them all in my lifetime, but as long as I don’t stop working for them, I will never be unsuccessful.  Even though Art (photography) is my medium, I want to change the world, I want to do something that will help others and inspire them to do more. I do not want to be famous, I have always been the underdog and thats the way I like it. I want to give all the credit to the people who helped me achieve my goals and dreams, they are the ones who changed the world and I was just their medium.  Not many people attributes success to art but they do to the artists.

I guess what I am trying to get out in a very long winded post is to take in the world around you, everything, learn from it and grow. Support any and everything and dont close your self off from negativity, turn it around and overcome. Figure out what your comfort zone is and then breakaway, cross the line, make something and be someone that will inspires others in the future. Pay it forward and never stop.