The Inspiration Board

I get my inspiration from many places, but most often, from magazines.  I love the stylized beauty found between the glossy pages of bridal and fashion mags, the rampant creativity of the photographers and models as well as the editors.

In my studio, I have a huge corkboard.  Before I do a big shoot, I spend weeks going through the magazines searching for inspiration.  I cut out photos and fabrics and tack them to the board.  I never copy poses or settings...I just let the "feeling" inspire me. 

Last night I went through the latest magazines and made a huge stack of things that will go on the board today.  Now I'm searching for fabrics and things that will also be up there.  I love the rush I get when creating.  I can't draw or paint, but I can make magic happen with my camera.  It's exciting and fills that creative void in my soul that has been missing since I've been offstage.  Nothing can quite replace the joy that I get from singing or acting on a stage to a packed house, but I've found it comes awfully close.  I still have the same rituals, technical skills, and instinct that goes along with performing.  I think it gives my photography a little something special. :)

*And I've added a pic of the completed board.  :)