use photography to stay inspired

I get asked a lot of questions about the pictures that I take and the equipment that I use so I thought I would put together a photography post to answer all those questions. Keep in mind- I am by no means an expert but I do have my own way of taking photos :)

Photography has completely changed my creative routine and has influenced the way that I find inspiration. I don't go anywhere without some kind of camera because I know there will always be something that catches my eye and NEEDS to be captured. I keep thousands of photos on hand to use when I am looking for inspiration with color, shapes, texture, pattern and more!

Again, I am not a professional but over time I have learned all kinds of ways to take photos that work for me. I always try to capture a great shot and challenge myself to look for unique things that I can use in all sorts of creative projects.

My favorite camera is my Cannon Rebel that I've had for years (there is paint all over it)- it is really easy to use and I can do all kinds of fun stuff with exposure and lighting. I also use a Cannon EOS 7-D which is WAY more complicated (and heavy!) than my trusty Rebel but has all kinds of features and when I have time, patience and want really nice photos I will use it.

Over time I have collected a handful of different lenses for a variety of different situations. My favorite is a my Cannon 300mm zoom lens that I often use to capture details like in the photos below

You might be surprised to learn that I actually use my little "point and shoot" digital cameras just as much as my fancy SLR cameras. They are easy to throw into a bag or pocket and to travel with. And while you cannot do as much, you can still capture some really great photos- especially when looking for inspiration or capturing a moment.

taken with Cannon PowerShot SD3500

I also love using my Holga- a Holga is a film toy camera that takes really cool photos. The "cheaper" construction of the camera creates blurring, light leaks and all kinds of cool effects that can't be predicted.

Through the Viewfinder photography or TTV photography is another one of my favorite ways to capture unique photos that look aged. The technique is actually using the viewfinder of a vintage camera and taking photos with your digital camera through the viewfinder. There are a number of different ways to take photos through the viewfinder-here is a simple tutorial

This is what it looks like when looking through the view finder.

and this is how the photo looks once the photo is taken and cropped in photoshop.

Since there are SO many really cool camera applications for phones- often I will only take my iphone with me.

Once of my favorites applications is the Hipstamtic iPhone App- you can take photos with a number of really cool filters.

Another one of my favorites is the CameraBag application- again lots of really cool filters. If you don't have an iPhone you can actually download a desktop version here that can be used on your computer to alter digital photos.

Regardless of the camera that I use, I find that utalizing photography is one of the most profound and important ways that I can stay inspired!