Category Archives for Photography

How Photography Can Change Your Life

Everyone loves a great photograph. Photography is a great way for individuals to express themselves through the lens of a camera. While taking photographs and sharing them for others to see, it is giving millions of other people around the world inspiration, travel ideas, a chance to view other areas of the world, and motivation to become a photographer. Once you start viewing photography, you will start to pick out certain photographers that catch your eye more than others. By following your favorite photographer on social media or on their own personal web page, you can easily have daily access to all of their new photography pieces in hopes to purchase some to display in your home.

Inspiration

Photography is a beautiful thing if you take photographs with the right camera and lenses for the job. Just by seeing a certain photograph of your favorite area or country is a sure way to bring a little light into a dark and dreary day. When you are viewing photographs, you can easily find inspiration to travel, to start taking your own photographs, or to just further your happiness after seeing the photograph first hand. Whatever it may be, always remember if you need any inspiration at all in life, you can certainly find it in photography.

Traveling Ideas

If you enjoy looking at the beautiful work of photographers, then you have set yourself up for brilliant traveling ideas. By being able to have an in-depth look at areas around the world, you can start making a list of places you would like to travel to. After having created the perfect vacation list, you can then start saving up for a yearly trip for you and your family. For every spot you desire to visit, you can start collecting more photography pieces to get a better look into that particular area. This way, when it comes time to go on your vacation, you already have your places listed out and photographs of the best landmarks to visit in that particular area.

Motivation to Become a Photographer

After viewing magnificent photographs taken by photographers around the world, you will begin to wonder if you have what it takes to make a change in career paths by taking your own professional photos. To start your path to becoming a photographer, all you simply need is a good camera, a few good lenses, and a leather camera harness so you do not have to hold your camera constantly. It can also protect your camera from falling during a photoshoot. Once you get the required gear, you can start taking photographs of areas and places that you find to be intriguing to you and others.

Viewing Other Areas of The World

As much as we would all like to travel the world and see new places, sometimes our finances just do not allow it. Although we may not be able to ever make it to those places, we can certainly enjoy the views through the lenses of a photographer’s camera. A photograph speaks loudly and allows you to view an area from another side of the world without having to travel. Just having the opportunity to view photographs of other countries is a gift that is very much appreciated by people all around the world.

The world of photography gives us all the opportunity to take life long memories through a camera lens and share them with the rest of the world. By taking photographs and sharing the pictures with other viewers, you are giving them the opportunity to gain inspiration, motivation to become a photographer, get new traveling ideas, and view areas of the world they have never seen. As a photographer, you are also able to sell your photographs to others to display in their home or office. Once others start seeing the great work of art that you create, you are sure to start bringing in new clients to buy your personal photographs. Everyone appreciates a good photo and you are always just one click of a button on your camera from giving it to them.

Tips For Taking The Perfect Safari Photographs

September 23, 2019

Nothing screams’ bucket list item’ like going on a safari to the plains and savannas of Africa. Seeing the world’s most imposing and exotic animals in the confines of a zoo is very different from seeing them in their natural habitat. They still look impressive in a zoo, but they’re not supposed to be there. They can look cornered, lethargic, and a little sad. Back home, where the land is theirs to roam as they please, they’re full of life and energy.

Going on safari is a long-held ambition for many people from many nations, all around the world. Like swimming with dolphins, it’s one of those experiences that people would like to be able to say they’ve had before they die. The public’s fascination with safaris is visible everywhere, from televised nature documentaries to the online casinos, where you’ll find Vegas Slots with names like ‘Africa Goes Wild’ ‘Great Rhino,’ and ‘Hot Safari.’ The safari theme is one of the most popular of all the mobile slots genres available. Given the cost of heading out on safari, it might be the case that people play safari-themed mobile slots in the hope that they’ll win enough money to pay for a real safari!

For photographers, the idea of a safari is arguably even more exciting. Not only do we get the chance to see animals we may only ever see once in our lifetimes, but we also get the opportunity to take photographs with subjects we’ll never be able to shoot with again. That’s why we’d hate for anybody to regret the quality of their safari picture when their trip was over – and also why we’ve put a few helpful hints together to make sure it doesn’t happen!

Pay More For A Quiet Tour

The first (and possibly the most important) tip we have to give you has nothing to do with photography at all. This is all about making sure you’re giving yourself the best possible opportunity to get your dream shots. That means keeping people out of the way – and you won’t be able to do that on your average safari tour. As these pictures show, there’s a lot less glamour to your average tour than you probably expect there to be. Everybody is jostling for position to take pictures, and other tourists get into your shot. Worst of all, large groups of noisy, photo-happy humans can drive the animals away. Once you’ve saved up enough money to go on safari, it’s worth saving up a little more so you can pay for a better, more exclusive safari. It might take longer, but you’ll thank yourself for it when you get there.

Don’t Go Overboard With Equipment

This might be contrary to everything you think you know as a photographer, but you probably don’t want to bring your very best photography equipment to Africa with you. The first reason is that it’s likely to be extremely hot no matter when you go, and carrying bulky gear around will exhaust you quickly. The second is that the dust gets everywhere. No matter how expensive and sturdy your best camera appears to be, there’s no guarantee it will survive a safari trip. Instead, bring along a pair of good SLR cameras, and some spar lenses. As a minimum, make sure you have 300mm lenses just to ensure you have sufficient range. Flashlights can startle some of the animals, but if you’re planning to head out at night, it will be every bit as dark as it is dusty, and so you’ll need one. Don’t change lenses unless you absolutely have to; the dust and sand will get inside while you’re changing them. Did we mention that it’s dusty?

Burst Settings

There’s really not a lot to say here, other than if your camera doesn’t have a high-quality burst setting you’re going to need on which does. Animals move fast, and light conditions aren’t always perfect. If you don’t have a good burst mode, you’re going to have a lot of blurred images no matter how steady your hand is. Having a dependable burst mode means blurred images are out, and stunning action shots are in. Obviously, you should be aware that you’re going to need more storage space if you’re taking photos as bursts.

Don’t Go Zoom Crazy

The animals are very impressive. Sometimes they’re so impressive that we forget all of our photography principles, zoom right into them, and take pictures which are 100% animal and 0% background. Those photos are going to be great if you can persuade someone to buy them off you for use in a guide to the species, but otherwise, they’re probably going to be disappointing. Context is vital to a great photo. That means capturing the habitat as well as the creature that roams them. Don’t forget the basics of composition and framing. Make the animals the star of the show, but at least give them a show to star in.

Pick The Best Time To Shoot

You’re outdoors. You have precious little control over lighting conditions, and so you’re going to have to make the best of it. For reference, the best time to take pictures on an African safari is very early in the morning – an hour or so before the sun comes up – or late in the afternoon when it’s about to go down. The temperatures are at their optimum in these moments, and so many of the animals are at their most active. In the middle of the day, the glare of the sun is often simply too bright to get great pictures, and even if you do, you’ll probably just be snapping shots of hot, tired animals taking a nap. It’s worth sacrificing some sleep to get out there during those magical early hours instead.

Now you know a little more about how and when to get the best pictures out of your safari experience, here’s one more tip – put the camera down occasionally. You might only be there once. Take in the sights with your own eyes, savor the smells, bask in your environment. Photographs are only half of the story; make sure you have more memories of your trip than just the ones you’ve gained through a lens.

 

Creating a Photography Studio at Home

September 4, 2019

The art of photography has really evolved over the last few years and imagery has become a huge focus in both our personal and professional lives. Having the best Instagram page has become more than just a hobby, and social media has driven individuals to really up their game. This has resulted in an increased demand for professional photographers that can create eye-catching imagery, with the hope that they will go viral.

Becoming a freelance photographer is a viable idea for a business and becoming a freelancer in a creative field is an attractive career path for many. Creating a photography studio at home and investing in some equipment will help you hone in your skills and build an impressive portfolio to send to potential clients. Depending on your subject matter, you may not require that much space, but lighting and backdrops will be important. When you’ve allocated the area you want to dedicate to this new line of work, you’ll need to start converting it into your perfect studio space.

Camera Equipment

A photographer isn’t going to get very far without their camera, so this is probably the best place to start when it comes to spending money, and don’t forget to think of your chosen subject matter when choosing your tools. Will you be focusing your skills on portrait photography or perhaps lean towards product photography and flat lay imagery. Will you invest in a DSLR camera with multiple lenses or test out your skills with more traditional film. A tripod is great for capturing the sharpest images and can also be useful if you want to branch out into videos as well.

Lighting

If your home studio has bad lighting you’ll find it difficult to take a good picture, so take the time to create a professional set up here. Natural light will certainly get you started but won’t always create a professional look, opt for high-powered lamps that can be fitted with modifiers. You’ll need your key light that will be the most prominent in the room, followed by your fill light, which will reduce shadows and decrease the contrast in your picture. You may also want a backlight if you’re subject matter needs some lighting from behind. Your studio space may not have the necessary electrical points to facilitate all this equipment so you may need to search for “handyman services near me” and employ a professional electrician to rewire the room.

Backdrops

Dedicate a wall or corner of your room to place a backdrop for photographic purposes and invest in a professional backdrop to make your imagery really stand out. The most popular choice amongst professionals is a seamless white backdrop, for both model and product photography, as it helps with the editing process later. If you’re on a tight budget you don’t have to invest a lot of money here, a makeshift one will do while you’re getting started, a white cloth could be hung from the ceiling, and large white or textured paper can be placed on a surface for flat lay photography.

Desk Space and Shelving

Desk space will be essential for editing your photos and shelving will be needed to store all of your equipment. Now that photography is embedded into the digital age, a computer with a high-quality screen can be placed here. Not forgetting any props that you’ll start collecting to add any additional elements to your shots, you’ll end up with more equipment than you realize and desk space and shelving will prevent your studio from becoming cluttered. Opt for a large surface area, so you have room to spread out, Ikea offer plenty of desk combinations with drawer space underneath that can be slotted together to create a large corner space and comfortable office chairs to purchase too. You’ll want to create a space you love to sit at as a lot of your creative work will be done here.

Photographic software

There is a lot of photographic software to choose from on the market currently which is great if you don’t have a lot of money to spend, there are even a lot of free applications available that will perform basic editing tasks for you these days. However, if you’re looking to become a real professional in this line of work, your editing software can be a real game-changer and give you an advantage above your competitors. Adobe is a great company to opt for, and they offer monthly subscriptions on a lot of their packages. Photoshop and Lightroom are a must in the photography world, but you could also invest in After Effects if you want to migrate into video as well.

It may sound like there is a lot needed to get you started, but the process of creating a studio will be much simpler than you think. Purchase the basic equipment required to start off with, and before you know it, you’ll have a fully functioning studio at home.

 

4 Tips for Aspiring Professional Photographers

If you want to be a photographer, starting can be overwhelming. You can do  some things that will put you in the right position to make a career out of this fun activity. A bunch of little things go into being a great professional photographer. Here is a guide to set yourself up for success

Do your research and purchase a quality photography starting kit 

The first thing you will need, obviously, is equipment to get the job done. There is a high cost of entry into photography, so make sure you are saving up and making an educated decision. You will want to save up to have the money to buy excellent starter equipment that you can use for years. This will be worth far more than just buying any normal camera. Look on some photographer forums and find the best camera that is in your price range. Make sure to reach out to other professional photographers, as well, to get their opinion. 

Canon and Nikon both have quality cameras that you can’t really go wrong with. The price might be high, but it will pay off once you have clients pouring in. 

Think ahead about the elements when shooting photos 

Being a photographer means having to deal with a lot of outside factors such as weather. If you are shooting engagement photos or family photos, make sure you are on top of the best time to shoot and the best day. Sunrise and sunset always have the best lighting, which is known among photographers. Plan out your shoots meticulously so that you don’t run into rain or bad lighting. 

If you are shooting in the elements, always come prepared. Bring an umbrella as well as a raincoat just in case. When shooting on a sunny day, you will definitely need some designer prescription sunglasses so that you can see clearly while not being blinded by the sun! 

Practice with friends and family, then start a client base 

Before signing with clients, you will need some trial runs. If you have a family member getting engaged, ask if you can do their engagement photos for free. Obviously, you won’t want to work for free after you practice. This is a way to benefit them and get in some practice. Doing a few practice shoots with friends will build your confidence and give you some photos for your portfolio. After this step, you’ll start deciding on a pricing structure and business model for your work. 

Have a portfolio website 

People aren’t just going to blindly hire you without a portfolio — that is the bottom line. You might be able to start out getting friends and family to hire you, but eventually you will need to collect your best photographs and create a website. It doesn’t have to be anything too time-consuming, but you will need to go through your photos and find the best ones. 

Store all the photos you take on a cloud photo storage platform. You never know when you will want to switch up your website or send sample photographs to clients. Storing your photos also gives you a backup in case clients lose their copies. The fun part is that storing photos helps you to see your progress over time as a photographer. 

A career as a professional photographer is a lot of hustle, but also a lot of fun. You get to meet people and capture their lives in a way that they can cherish forever. Kick-start this fulfilling career with these tips, and you will be sure to be happy with the results. 

Ways To Enhance Your Photography Skills

If you have a keen interest for photography and are looking for ways to hone in on your talent, there are plenty of tips and tricks to help enhance your skills. Here are just a few ways on how to enhance your photography skills.

The Right Equipment

For you to get the most out of your photography, it is important that you have the right equipment. With so many different cameras available on the market, it can be hard to know which is best for you. The quality of your camera will reflect in the photos you take, so you will need to take time to thoroughly research into the equipment available. You will also need to be realistic regarding your budget as the top cameras may be out of your price range. However, there are plenty of affordable second-hand cameras that you can make use of.

Be Prepared

Make sure to carry your camera with you wherever you go as you never know where you could get a good picture. Using your camera often will enable you to get used to the equipment and help you find what sort of filters and frames work best for you. When you are out and about, have a look at the environment around you and look for things that are interesting to you.

Share Your Work

Once you have a collection of photos, the next step to take is to show them to the world. Sharing your work with your friends and family can be a wonderful way in getting instant feedback and giving you a better idea on how your work is perceived by others. However, be prepared for negative feedback as some will find your photos more interesting than others. Having constructive criticism is important as you can only learn from any mistakes which will help improve your photography skills.

Find Your Niche

For you to get the most out of your photography work, you will need to take the time to think about what you enjoy taking pictures of. You will want to enjoy your work and not see it as a chore, so finding your own niche will help set you apart from others and ensure you have something to focus on that you enjoy.

Export Your Work

Once you are happy with your photography work, there are many ways that you can export and sell your work to others. Having your photos developed and printed onto t-shirts can be a fantastic way to make money and create a business for yourself. Websites like Heatpressmachineguide.Com can give you more information on how to print your photos onto t-shirts yourself.

It is important that you take the time to learn your craft, so you can be confident and assured that your photography is of a high standard. If you need more advice, try and speak to friends who share the same passion as you as they may be able to offer you tips and tricks that you can implement in your own photography work.

5 Amazing Tips To Get The Best Photos Of Your Pets

By now, it’s pretty obvious to most pest owners that photographing their pet is much more difficult than photographing their child. That’s because pets naturally have an unpredictable nature; and hence, they have no idea what the photographer is up to.

In fact, most pets shun the camera’s flashlight. While others go as far as getting agitated by the conspicuous camera noises made during the picture shoot.

However, some pets are natural-born models, and completely trust their masters when it comes to facing the camera.

Sure, it might be challenging to get an award-winning shot, but here are some subtle tips that can make the process much easier.

Go down to their level

It makes no sense to photograph a kitten while standing. For starters, the photograph would be captured from a bird’s eye view, which to be honest, are pretty tough to execute

However, when a photographer gets down to the level of the pet, say a kitten, it will provide him or her with the opportunity to get much better angles. Moreover, the photos will tend to look more natural.

Another thing is that a majority of pets tend to fear their master when they are at a higher level than them, but loosen up when the human stoops down low to their level.

Always use the silent shutter

If one’s camera has a silent mode available, then it is best that it is utilized. For example, one can use points and shoots to minimize and turn off the sound, since there will be no mechanical shutter to produce the noise.

Because let’s face it. Wouldn’t a human being also be scared if a big unfamiliar thing was point towards them and suddenly released a peculiar sound? Exactly.

Take advantage of natural light

In photography, the importance of natural light cannot be downplayed. Most pets are in fact, frightened of the flash light camera because they relate it to lightning during thunderstorms.

So don’t be surprised to see the pet taking off after the photo because naturally, it’s used to running away from the thunderstorm.

Focus on the pets eye

As is similar to photographing people, eyes are the windows to the pet’s soul. The only difference is that pets tend not to pose during the process. So it will take quite the time and effort to get their attention.

However, when it does finally focus its vision on the lens, the end result of such a photo can be simply breathtaking.

Be patient with the pet

As the sages have quipped for years, ‘patience is a virtue.’ That being said, the photographer has to understand that a pet will be a pet. Regardless of the situation, the pet is an animal and it will naturally feel lazy, or not interested in the camera.

However, if one is patient, then it will be much easier to keep the creative process going and will soon be rewarded with a great pet photo.

That being said, if one happens to love pets and would like to dedicate their careers in nursing and treating them (oh, and also making them take great photos), have a look at Vet Tech Schools in Kansas for some of the finest veterinary facilities in the country.

Top African Destinations With The Best Scenery

An African holiday is one of the best holidays you can give yourself or your friends and family. There are many voyages of discovery you can undertake on the African continent that offers the ultimate entertainment and enjoyment. From the pyramids of Egypt to the thick forests of West Africa down to the wide tracts of savannah land in Southern Africa, there is everything for everyone. Besides the natural beauty Africa has to offer, there are also some man-made wonders that will take your breath away such as Great Zimbabwe ruins in Zimbabwe and the many state of the art hotels and casino resorts that offer the best when it comes to accommodation and gaming facilities. Some of the games you find at these casino resorts equates to the games you find on online casinos such as NetBet Live.

The Great Migration (Tanzania)

Africa is known as the paradise for wild animals. African jungles provide habitats for thousands of different wildlife but nothing comes close to the great migration of the wildebeests. Africa is home to close to a million wildebeests and also thousands of zebras. It is well worth getting out your camera to capture the beauty of these animals as they do not necessarily stay in one place but they move from place to place depending on the season. As such, one can witness the ‘Great Migration’ as close to a million wildebeests and zebras move between countries. Though crossing many countries, the best place to view the Great Migration is in Tanzania as the vast tracts of savannah land make it possible for one to capture the wildlife in their thousands.

Table Mountain (South Africa)

Table Mountain in South Africa is one of the world’s most photogenic places. Deriving its name from the actual table, Table Mountain is a mountain that resembles a table, well, at least at the top. It is flat shaped at the top for close to a kilometre and has gentle slopes that take one to the foot of the mountain. One can reach the peak of the Table Mountain either by trekking on foot or by hiring a cable car. At the peak, you can enjoy your picnic with the family while at the same time enjoying the scenic views of the houses, beach, and sea underneath. It’s a great place to take photos and if you have a mobile device that is fully charged, you won’t go home with less than 20 beautiful photos atop the Table Mountain.

Great Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe)

Great Zimbabwe ruins is a man-made attraction of many houses built with stones and no mortar. The ruins illustrate the creativeness of Africans as they were able to build structures that withstood the hands of time irrespective of the fact that they were built without using mortar or cement. It is believed that the Great Zimbabwe ruins were built in the 15th Century. The ruins include a Great Enclosure, a location where the Chief lived with his wives and then the village where the rest of the community lived. The ruins were built on top of a mountain in a strategic place which enabled the inhabitants to protect their village from marauding foreign armies.

The Top Digital Cameras 2018

What are the best cameras? Well, this is probably one of the most difficult questions to answer! The perfect camera for a professional photographer is a zillion mile from the perfect camera for a novice shooter or an adventure sports enthusiast! However, if you only want to know about the best standout cameras that you can purchase right now – irrespective of price point or user level – then keep on reading the article!

The cameras you’ll find on this list, have been picked because they have the most astonishing specifications and features. Also, because they are just exceptional at the job they’ve been created for and because they’re wonderful value for what they provide! So, it’s high time to scroll through this list and you may find the one you’re looking for.

Nikon D850

This Nikon camera may be expensive, but if you are searching for the perfect camera money can purchase right now, then it pretty much ticks every box. Nikon D850 comes packed with a brilliant 45.4MP full-frame sensor, where the image quality is spectacular. However, this is only the beginning! Thanks to a 9fps burst shooting speed and a sophisticated 153-point AF system, the Nikon camera is simply a home shooting action and wildlife as it is portraits and landscapes. This beautiful device is possibly the most well-rounded one that has ever been tested!

Sony Alpha A7R III

There was once a time where if you wanted a professional quality full frame camera, then it definitely had to be a Canon DSLR or Nikon! Sony’s rising variety of mirrorless full-frame cameras provide a big alternative. With the A7R III, Sony has taken one of your preferred mirrorless cameras and boosted the performance to convert it to one of the most versatile and complete cameras available today! With a dazzling full-frame 42.2MP sensor, 10fps burst shooting, and advanced AF system, you no longer have to lose performance for resolution!

Fujifilm X-T2

If you own a Fujifilm X-T1, you’ll notice that with its recent update, it looks similar to the X-T2 version! However, there have been several massive enhancements made to Fujifilm’s follow-up flagship camera. Probably, the greatest update is the autofocus. A massive leap forward in contrast with the system implemented in the X-T1, AF tracking of moving subjects is extremely snappy, while the level of customisation and sophistication is impressive! Add in plenty of body mounted controls, Fujifilm’s brilliant 24.3MP X Trans III CMOS sensor, bright EVF, a clever double-hinged rear display, and 8 frames per second burst shooting, and you’re left with one of the finest cameras today!

Nikon D3400

When it comes to entry-level DSLRs, Nikon’s D3400 shapes on the vivid D3300 is the top pick! Sharing somewhat much the same specification and design as its forerunner, the D3400 adds Nikon’s Bluetooth connectivity to transmit pictures straight to your smart device to make it that much simpler to share imageries! Its smart Guide Mode is a convenient learning tool that gives real-time descriptions of significant features. It doesn’t consist of touchscreen, but on the other hand, this is an ideal entry-level DSLR right now!

The above digital cameras are the best possible picks, if you are planning to buy one anytime soon! Aside from the stunning features that have been implemented onto these cameras, the graphics that they produce are second to none. It’ll remind you of the graphics of the games available at Just Cash Bingo, the online gaming site! With a plethora of games on the site, you can visit it any time. And perhaps, this could also help you choose the best camera which produce great graphics!

Top Tips For Photography Beginners: What You Should Know

Everyone can take photographs, but not everyone can take great photographs. Photography is a skill which is learned, and although there are some who are innately talented, even these individuals need to have their talents harnessed and enhanced in the proper way. If you have an eye for photography and would like to be a great amateur photographer or establish a career as a professional photographer, adequate training is important. But there are certain things you can do to help you on your way, too. Here are some top tips for photography beginners: what you should know.

Bring it

As a photography beginner, you are probably inspired by things you see everywhere around you. And this is why it’s important to bring your camera with you at all times. You never really know when inspiration will strike – it could strike when you’re walking down the street, it could strike whilst you’re having supper, and so on. There are many opportunities to hone your craft, and the best way to improve is to take as many photographs as you can.

Note it down

If you can’t bring your camera with you all the time, there’s another thing you can do: note it down. When you are outside or at work, bring a notebook with you so you can note down the different things you see which you might want to go back to when you have your equipment. You should also note down the different aspects such as the lighting (when is the best time of day to come back?), the weather, the crowd, etc. By doing this, you can go back to something that inspired you, take proper photos, and eagerly await the results.

Enjoy it

Learning to be a good photographer involves being inspired by everything around you. Look at your surroundings with a ‘photographer’s eyes’ and you’ll see the most ordinary, mundane objects turn into objects of inspiration. Enjoy the process of learning – even the most skilled and veteran photographers will tell you that they enjoy learning something new every day. It’s an art, after all, and the only way you can produce something great is if you enjoy it and are passionate about it.

Don’t be afraid to experiment

An amateur considers a professional camera a delicate piece of equipment – and it is. But you will need to learn how to be comfortable with your equipment, so don’t be afraid to experiment, particularly when it comes to the settings of your camera. Go through the manual and take photos using different settings so you can see what you like and what works for your style.

Don’t neglect your studies

If you are serious about enhancing your skills as a photographer, you should take advantage of whatever resources are available. Take the right photography courses for beginners, so you can learn how to use your equipment properly and learn about basic elements that make up great photography, such as exposure, light, depth of field, composition, and so on. By knowing these aspects, you can at least broaden your knowledge about your favourite hobby (or, eventually, profession if you so choose).

Where To Look When You’re Feeling Uninspired

February 28, 2018

Writers block, painters block, photographers block, whatever it is, feeling uninspired is the single most frustrating feeling for any artist to feel. It’s not easy to overcome the slump of procrastination and boredom, but it’s important to try, so if you’re feeling uninspired and aren’t sure where to look, here are six quick options to get you up and running again.

Social Media

There are thousands of artists, amateurs and professionals alike sharing their art online. A quick look through popular websites such as Pinterest or Instagram should immediately produce a wide range of inspiration from artists all over the world. You may even discover a new medium you haven’t tried yet, but think you’d like to, such as punch-needle.

Other Artists

Talking to other artists with similar tastes to you, or who know you well can provide a certain level of insight that looking at the work others have done on social media can’t. It may provide you not only with inspiration for your own work but also some solidarity, since most artists will have experienced or be experiencing what you are going through. However, there is an important distinction to be made between finding inspiration from another artists work and directly copying it, and this line can become particularly contentious when you involve artists that you know personally.

The News

The news can be a huge source of inspiration for many artists. A lot of art serves as social or political commentary, or simply just depictions of life around the world to bring awareness to causes close to the artists heart. Photography in particular can be an incredible medium for spreading awareness and bringing about change. If you’re looking for a bit of inspiration, a quick scroll through a news website such as themonitordaily.com can help to get the ball rolling.

Art Galleries and Museums

Art galleries and museums (not necessarily even those directly related to art) specifically curate some of the best and most valued art pieces in the world. They are designed carefully to make you think and to inspire you to produce your own work, so they are quite possibly the perfect place for an uninspired artist to wander. Many museums now offer discounted rates for students or have free entry entirely, so with a little searching, you shouldn’t have to be spending much money.

Your Friends and Family

Friends and family can often be an unexpected but welcome source of inspiration for an artist in need. You may not realize it, but the people surrounding you probably have a lot going on in their lives and plenty of opinions and thoughts to share. If you’re still feeling uninspired, try going for a coffee with a friend or calling your mom and hopefully you’ll be able to find inspiration in the little things.

Old Memories

Many artists draw their inspiration from childhood memories, old clothes or diaries kept during some of the darkest times of their lives. You don’t have to produce art based on your life, but it can be a good starting point for some inspiration. Try digging out an old photo album or journal and having a flick through.

Artists’ block is temporary, and these are just a few hints at how to get your creative juices flowing again.