Creativity and Inspiration 10 Important Books

Sometimes creativity and inspiration ebb away, when I experience this I re-visit a selection of my favourite books that I have acquired and read over the years, I find it helps to dip in and try to re-energise and re-connect with my creativity and inspiration.

Are your creative juices running low? Looking for creativity and inspiration but not sure where to start?

Whilst not all directly related to photography they still offer useful practical advice that is relevant to the creative and inspiration process of the photographer. I have listed them in no particular order and hope you find it a useful resource to build your creativity and inspiration.

1. The Tao of Photography: Seeing Beyond Seeing by Philippe L. Gross : A fascinating book that draws upon Taoist inspiration and teachings to examine the creativity and inspiration relationships within the art of photography. Includes images from photographers such as Alfred Stieglitz, Henri Cartier-Bresson and Dorothea Lange these are complemented by writings from the “Chuang-tzu”. This is a worthwhile read though a little heavy in parts, it also includes a number of exercises designed to encourage photographers to add the teachings into their photography work.

2. Within the Frame: The Journey of Photographic Vision (Voices That Matter) by David du Chemin : I have long been an admirer of David’s photography and writing and certainly that admiration has been reinforced further after reading this book. It offers encouragement on creativity and inspiration as David eloquently conveys his approach to photography. To see more of David’s work and writing please see the Craft & Vision website.

3. Zen and the Magic of Photography: Learning to See and to Be through Photography by Wayne Rowe : Exploring the link between the the nature of the Zen philosophy and the art of photography, it targets methods to improve your photography through visual awareness, sensitivity and intuition. This books requires a degree of commitment to read through, can be a little heavy at times though it is well worth the effort.

4. On Photography by Susan Sontag : This is a classic, although photography has moved on considerably this book in my opinion as relevant today as when first published in 1973. It explores the power of images “inserted between experience and reality” . Certainly worth reading though it is also a work that can be randomly dipped into as it never fails to deliver.

5. Visual Poetry: A Creative Guide for Making Engaging Digital Photographs by Chris Orwig : I have only recently discovered the photography and writing of Chris Orwig and must say I have taken this book to my heart. The writing is inspiring offering many pointers and assignments to improve your creativity and inspiration, thinking and awareness, it is accompanied with Chris’s images to make it a very worthwhile read and addition to your “creative” library.

6. The Creative Habit: Learn It and Use It for Life by Twyla Tharp : I found Twyla’s book has opened up a whole world of creative opportunity, offering a deep insight into how to change your life into one with more creativity and inspiration. Overall a most enjoyable book to read, indeed it is one of the most practical and thoughtful books on the creative process I have read. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking to stimulate their creativity. To read more about this inspirational book please see our earlier post Guidance and Inspiration for Artists and Photographers.

7. The War Of Art: Winning the Inner Creative Battle by Steven Pressfield : An intriguing book that encourages artists to defeat resistance and thoughs without vision, I found it a fascinating read. I think Seth Godin has eloquently captured the essence of the book in his review – “Resistance is the voice in the back of our head telling us to back off, be careful, go slow, compromise. . . . [Steve Pressfield is] the godfather of the resistance, the five-star general in the war against fear.”

8. The Writing Life by Annie Dillard : Aimed primarily at aspiring writers this none the less offers much valuable information for those seeking creativity and inspiration.

9. Walking on Water by Madeleine L’Engle : Inspiring and thought provoking, Madeleine L’Engle combines her fluent writing style with her faith as a Christian. It is an interesting approach and a fascinating read, Madeleine L’Engle writes, “hoping readers are inspired to turn the chaos of life into the cosmos of art”.

10. Ignore Everybody: And 39 Other Keys to Creativity by Hugh MacLeod : Just brilliant!! I love this book for its no holds barred approach to creativity. It has good solid practical advice on creativity and inspiration and the requirements necessary to be successful. Written with sincerity and humour it is a must read, you may not agree with all of Hugh MacLeod’s philosophy but you will touched by it for sure.