Photography and the Muse

Part of the Blogging from A to Z challenge 2012 for the letter P

“A photograph is worth a thousand words.” That quote is absolutely true. That’s why photos make such wonderful writing prompts. The same image can hold thousands of stories or more. You can use photos as inspiration to find a story or for those ‘blocked’ moments.

When your story starts to slow down or you end up stumped on a scene try this. Google images that have to do with the subject or scene you’re working on. Keep your search to the images only and don't be too specific or too general.

Photo by Elise VanCise. Ferris at Night. Taken at Georgefest.

 Now go through those and pick out at least three that you feel ‘fit’ your story. Here’s the fun part. Pick one photo and open it as big as you can get. Now sit back, relax and let your muse free.

Take in all the details and shapes of each of the photos you picked out. Before you know it, your muse has been jumpstarted and ready to write.

Photo by Elise VanCise. Hello Honey, taken in my front yard .

 Looking through the lens can have the same effect as Googling an image. Objects we see in our everyday lives take on a different look when you gaze at them through your camera. Take a photo of a street lamp. Who do you see leaning against it? A grizzled private eye with his trench collar pulled up or maybe.

Photo by Elise VanCise.  Rain Bell, taken again in my front yard :) 

Take a photo of a group of people waiting at the bus stop or sitting at the tables in an outdoor café. There are all sorts of characters in those shots waiting to come to life.

The key is to let your imagination run wild and your muse will be inspired. Have you used photos as prompts or inspiration before? I would love to hear.  

Photo by Elise VanCise. Swamp King, bravely taken at Silver Springs  :)