There are so many avenues to draw inspiration from these days. As a professional photographer for nearly 20 years, naturally I am inspired by the images created by others. It allows me to see a different interpretation to perhaps an otherwise common or familiar scene. Another means of great inspiration to me through the years has been music. That may sound odd as a photographer, but music has always infused my mind with images, ideas, and thus a driving force in making some of those images a reality. Finally, I have been finding the most inspiration from independent videos these days. Those moving pictures, built around music that in the end tell a story, share a message or encourage a change. Needless to say, I have watched too many hours of video this year, but in the process have discovered a few nuggets of inspiration along the way. Well, inspiration to me at least, and towards my photographic and filming pursuits. I thought I would share them with you…so buckle up, crank up those speakers, and enjoy the stories, messages, and fantastic filming.
#5 – The Chase by Mike Olbinski
I love time-lapse photography and how it shows motion. I particularly like the subject of clouds and their motion. This short video captures a great sequence of storms, how they develop, and the beauty that can be witnessed amidst the American Plains.
#4 – Denali by Felt Soul Media
Those who know me, know that I am no lover of dogs. That said, many of my friends are. Regardless of my own thoughts, there is no question the companionship and loving bond that can exist between man and animal. The message of this video, captured mostly in still images, is done so well, and has been so inspiring to me and to portions of my life. We never know how long we will have with the ones we love…so you should go totally insane with joy.
#3-Merely Observations by Gnarly Bay
Gnarly Bay is honestly one of my all time favorite independent film makers. Their approach to filming, music and narration produce some of the greatest inspiration to me and my photographic pursuits. Whenever I feel stuck, I just need to watch one of Dana and Dan’s films and I am once again inspired. Inspired to create something in the now.
#2-Timedrift II by Martin Heck
Like I stated earlier, I love time-lapse work, especially as it relates to clouds. This short film is a great resource in watching the subtle movements of air, how they roll over the mountains, and across the valley floor. I have been so lucky in life to fly my paraglider across these mountains, so perhaps they stir inside myself a unique set of memories. A reminder to keep watching, learning, and experiencing.
#1-Space by Gnarly Bay
No surprise, but the top of the list this year goes to Gnarly Bay. Their latest creation called Space. Find a quiet place to watch this film, listen to the message, because the message is fantastic! I hope you will be inspired by this film as much as I have. Each day the lights come on.
I hope this short collection of videos has inspired you in some way or another. They have inspired me. As we begin a new year, my hope is to take full advantage of each day, to live life more fully, be observant, create; to be thankful, giving and full of joy. How lucky we are to be on this amazing earth, learning, experiencing and hopefully making the most of each moment we are given.
