Influences and Inspirations
When it comes to photography, I’ve been deeply inspired by the old masters, including Weegee, Man Ray, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Margaret Bourke-White, Richard Avedon, and Sebastião Salgado. These photographers shaped the way we see the world through a lens, capturing moments with precision, emotion, and storytelling that transcend time. Each had a unique approach—Weegee’s raw, unfiltered street photography, Cartier-Bresson’s mastery of composition and the 'decisive moment,' and Avedon’s ability to reveal the essence of his subjects
In the realm of music and entertainment photography, I’ve drawn a lot from more contemporary photographers like Anton Corbijn, Frank Ockenfels, Mary Ellen Mark, and Michael Halsband. Their work doesn’t just document artists; it elevates them, creating iconic images that define generations of musicians, actors, and performers. The way they use light, composition, and mood has had a profound impact on how I approach my own work.
But don’t just take my word for it—don’t just Google their images. I highly recommend seeking out their books at a library or a bookstore like Barnes & Noble, and taking the time to experience their photographs in print. There’s something about holding a book of photographs in your hands, seeing the richness of the details, and understanding the intentionality behind each frame that gets lost when scrolling on a screen.
Beyond photography, I also find a lot of inspiration in painters—particularly Jacques-Louis David (1748–1825), Eugène Delacroix (1798–1863), and Edgar Degas (1834–1917). These artists had an incredibly photographic and photojournalistic eye in the way they composed their paintings. They understood light, movement, and storytelling in ways that feel strikingly modern. Degas, in particular, was directly influenced by photography, using it as a tool to inform his compositions and perspectives.
Ironically, I didn’t fully understand photography until I studied these painters. Their mastery of composition, light, and emotion helped me see beyond the technical aspects of photography and focus on the deeper artistry behind an image.
If you’re serious about photography or just love visual storytelling, take the time to explore these artists. Their work will change the way you see the world.
