Lessons from "Steal Like an Artist" From a Photographer
Reading Austin Kleon's "Steal Like an Artist" was a game-changer for me as a hobbyist photographer. The book, essentially a manifesto for creativity in the digital age, emphasizes that inspiration from the world around us helps create something new and unique. As photographers, we often feel like everything's been shot before, but Kleon’s insights show that our unique perspectives bring fresh life to our work. Several of his tips resonated deeply with me and my photography journey.
The first, and perhaps most impactful, is the book's title itself: "Steal Like an Artist." Kleon encourages embracing the idea that nothing is original and that drawing inspiration from other artists is crucial. This means looking at the works of photographers, painters, and even writers, and using what inspires us in our own work. For instance, I find inspiration in Gordon Parks’ storytelling through photography and stunning images on platforms like Glass. One specific influence is Klaus Tiedge, a wildlife photographer who passed away a few years ago. His approach to photographing animals with a sense of majesty and grandeur is something I try to emulate when taking pictures of my dog. Watching a documentary on his last big safari was incredibly inspiring. When I photograph my dog, I aim to capture her as the queen of her environment, just as Tiedge did with wild animals.
Another tip that struck a chord was "Use Your Hands." Kleon advises engaging in physical activities to spark new ideas and foster deeper creative processes. For me, this means stepping away from my office and going on walks with my dog or visiting the beach. This break from screens and digital devices relaxes me and often leads to blog post ideas or new photography concepts. There’s something powerful about letting the mind wander and giving it space to process thoughts in the background. Additionally, reconnecting with tactile photography, like flipping through a photo book, can be incredibly inspiring. It’s a way to see what others have done, learn new techniques, and reignite my passion for photography.
Lastly, the idea of being boring resonated with me. Kleon suggests embracing routine and discipline to maintain productivity. This means taking your camera everywhere and making photography a daily habit. It’s about finding beauty in the mundane—whether it’s during a walk with your dog, a baseball game with your kids, or a simple picnic. By taking at least one picture every day, editing it, and sharing it on platforms like Glass, Flickr, or Instagram, you become a better photographer. This routine isn’t glamorous, but it’s effective. It reminds me of Tiger Woods advising college golfers to pick up their golf clubs 1,000 times a day. The point isn’t to take 1,000 shots but to become intimately familiar with your equipment. Similarly, knowing your camera inside and out allows you to react quickly and capture the perfect shot when the moment arises.
Overall, "Steal Like an Artist" is a fantastic book for any creative, especially hobbyist photographers. It highlights the importance of daily practice, sharing your work, simplifying your gear, and embracing routine. Even if we’re not professionals, these habits make us better photographers. Our goal is to document our lives and create an archive for future generations. Embracing these points will undoubtedly help anyone on their photography journey.