I am always looking for photographic inspiration. Sometimes I find it through the work of other photographers. Sometimes I find it from obscure places that have absolutely nothing to do with photography. Quite often, at least lately, it is through the internet.

I live in a small town (about 700 people), and although there are other photographers in my area, I am not as connected to them as I could be. As a result I often experience a bit of the “stranded alone on a desert island feeling”. Through the internet I can get exposure to a ton of cool ideas.

It’s really easy to get into a rut if you are not exposed to new ideas. I’m not talking about new ideas that I can copy or reproduce, although I believe there is value in doing this as an instructional tool. I’m talking about new ideas gained from the ideas of others that you combine with your own. Ideas that you can take and grow your own new ideas from. This is where the real creativity comes from.

I don’t think I have ever had a sudden moment of sudden “inspiration”. A single moment where everything came into place at once. No exclamation point or light bulb appearing over my head! Instead it has usually been a slow evolving process often filled with anxiety and struggle.

Check out this short and very creative video by Steven Johnson. I think his explanation of the process of idea development is right on. Then tell me in the comments where your inspiration comes from and how you develop your good ideas.