In Search of Inspiration: 5 Artists Reflect on Different Genres

Today is World Photography Day! For more than ten years photos have been an integral part of our content. Photography has always been so much more than a simple tool for capturing reality. It conveys emotions, thoughts, and wishes, invoking feelings in any viewer.

Every photography genre is specific: some require being on the streets to capture the ‘decisive moment’, while others call for preparation in a studio for the ideal shoot. That’s why every photographer has a unique source of inspiration that grants them the ability to tell a story.

As with camera batteries, photographers also need to recharge from time to time. What keeps inspiring them to take the most breathtaking shots? In celebration of World Photography Day, we talked to professionals from around the world about their passion for photography.

Oded Wagenstein

I think there is no other genre in photography that embodies so many possibilities in terms of storytelling than portraits. Not only are there more photography subjects than we could ever photograph, but even if we focus on just one person, with a slight change of composition, angle, or background, the story will look different every time.

What excites me (and also stresses me out at the same time) in portrait photography is that X factor. The moment magic happens between you and the person being photographed, one that cannot be planned in advance. Tilting the head to a certain angle where the light falls perfectly, or a certain look in the eyes that expresses something that cannot be said in words — a certain moment that can make even the most staged situation real and unique.

Oleg Oprisco

Film photography is an amazing combination of ideal format, color, volume, and depth. The complexity of post-processing creates additional responsibility, so each shoot is very special and requires a lot of time to prepare. I have the opportunity to try different medium format digital systems but still have not found something better than the classic Hasselblad 500c/m or Kiev 6C that I use.

Starting from February 24, my endless sources of inspiration are volunteers, the military, and other people who have been defending my country for these 177 days. Like any Ukrainian artist, I try to do everything in my power to inform and communicate with my foreign customers and subscribers about the war.

Read more interviews with Ukrainian artists on the topic:
— Art During The War: How Ukrainian Illustrators Spread The Truth And Collaborate With The World’s Best Media (Part 1)
— Art During The War: How Ukrainian Illustrators Spread The Truth And Cooperate With Global Media (Part 2)

Pierpaolo Mittica

I consider myself a photojournalist who loves life and the world, but hates injustice. For this reason, I tell stories related to the social environment. I try to give voice to those who have no voice, and for over 20 years, I have dealt with environmental disasters caused by man. I believe this to be the biggest problem facing humanity. We only have one Earth to live on and we are destroying it. Through pictures, I can inform the public and make a change in the world in some way. That’s why photojournalism is special for me.

I find inspiration in all the things that surround me. From fine art, music, sculpture, literature, theatre, and cinema to traveling, meeting different cultures, or simply speaking with other people and listening to their stories. Everything that comes into my life could inspire my work and my way of thinking.

Sergey Melnichenko

I think that an artist can be inspired by everything from art to changes in personal life or social movements. My ideas and feelings are the main tools for creating something new. I love to explore new themes and new visual languages; they help me discover new social aspects of my art.

The inspiration deeply depends on the period of my life and mood. When I started conceptual photography in 2012, I was inspired by the works of Ukrainian photographer Roman Pyatkovka, who became my teacher and a good friend. Communication with new people who become heroes of my projects allows me to go deeper into their inner worlds.

Dina Belenko

The main thing I love about inanimate object photography is the variety of stories you can tell. Still-life provides a broad spectrum of narrative opportunities. You can tell a fairy tale with knights and dragons. Or you can discover a horror story with a haunted mansion and ghosts. All in the comfort of your home. You don’t need to worry about the schedule of your model or the cost of your set. Just tell the story you want to tell and don’t mind the technicalities.

My biggest inspiration is our connection to everyday objects. You may think it’s something invisible, but it’s like a connotative moss growing on the surface of things. And looking at it, you can tell something about their owners. Is this thing loved? Is it a gift from someone important? Does it remind humans of something precious? I want to discover these conversations. Decipher them. And feel like we are surrounded with something meaningful every day, not just wood and plastic, but emotions and stories.

Here are some other articles you may be interested in:

7 Types of Photos That Perfectly Illustrate A Day in a Photographer’s Life

The Photographer’s Way: A Creative Project About What It Takes to Become A Visual Artist

Photographers From Around The World Share Reasons Why They Love Their Profession