Dark Matter by Timothy Poulton

Dark Matter by Timothy Poulton

As photographers, we always have our antennae up, ready to be inspired. When it comes to the work of other photographers though, it can be a tricky tightrope to walk. It’s all too easy to love another photographers work so much that it unconsciously or otherwise flows into our own. Especially since, as photographers, we’re curious and always want to be refining our skills and techniques. Now, with the internet at our fingertips, it’s easy to discover, follow and even be taught by photographers whose work we love. But, of course, that’s a two-sided coin. When inspiration abounds, often, so does copied work. It’s when we don’t move beyond that that we’re not true to ourselves, or fair to those who inspire us. There’s nothing wrong with copying per se. It’s a tried and tested means of learning and being apprenticed to an established photographer used to be standard practice. John Sexton, for example, was an apprentice to Ansel Adams. However, there are ways to be inspired by photographers whose work you love without resorting to outright copying or even heavy influence. Also when we doubt our own ability to make unique art, there is always more room to develop and transform. And in part, evolving your own work does happen naturally over time. As always I’m interested in your thoughts so please write in the comments below what comes to mind.

Timothy Poulton: Photos