Who Inspires Me: The Photographers Shaping My Vision
In the world of photography, finding inspiration is crucial for growth and developing a unique vision. Today, I want to share the photographers who currently inspire my work and creative journey.
My Photographic Journey Begins
My street photography journey began in Paris when I stumbled upon Alan Schaller's YouTube channel during some research. Something about his approach resonated deeply with me, and from there, a chain reaction of discovery and inspiration began that has led to my own style developing. That initial discovery opened doors to other photographers and techniques that have shaped my creative vision.
Alan Schaller: The Monochrome Master
Alan Schaller's commitment to shooting with a monochrome-only camera fascinates me. While I don't want to restrict myself to just black and white photography, I deeply admire his dedication to the craft. His high-contrast street photography creates powerful, graphic compositions that tell compelling stories through shadows and light.
Taken by Graham Aylard-Poxon, Inspired by Alan Schaller
Mark Fearnley: The Mentor
My experience at Mark Fearnley's London Fine Art Street Photography workshop in March was transformative—the most inspiring photographic experience I've had to date. Mark taught me how to identify beautiful light and strong compositions, then wait patiently for the decisive moment that completes the image. His approach to finding extraordinary scenes in ordinary places has fundamentally changed how I see the world through my viewfinder.
I've even had the opportunity to follow in Mark's footsteps abroad in Baku, exploring locations he's photographed and seeing them through my own eyes.
Taken by Graham Aylard-Poxon, Inspired by Mark Fearnley
Taken by Graham Aylard-Poxon on Mark Fearnley’s ‘London Fine Art Worksop’ with Mark himself modelling the perfect moment to capture a wonderful image.
Mkaptured: Instagram Inspiration
This Instagram photographer consistently delivers work that stops my scrolling. Their ability to capture fleeting moments with perfect timing demonstrates the importance of patience and observation in street photography.
Fan Ho: The Timeless Legend
The late Fan Ho's work from Hong Kong in the 1950s and 60s remains as powerful today as when it was created. His masterful use of light, shadow, and silhouettes to create poetic street scenes reminds me that great photography is timeless. His work proves that technical simplicity combined with brilliant composition can create images of lasting impact.
Sean Tucker: The Thoughtful Voice
Sean Tucker inspires me not just through his images but through his words and videos as well. His philosophical approach to photography—focusing on intentionality and personal meaning rather than technical perfection—reminds me why I picked up a camera in the first place. His teachings about finding your own voice in photography have been invaluable.
Mr Whisper: The Atmospheric Storyteller
Taken by Graham Aylard-Poxon, Inspired by Mr Whisper
Mr Whisper's moody, atmospheric images have a distinct cinematic quality that I admire. His work reminds me that photography can transport viewers to different emotional states through thoughtful composition and lighting.
Learning Through Emulation
While creating carbon copies of another photographer's work doesn't advance my own vision, studying what these photographers see has been an essential part of my learning process. By attempting to recreate images like Mark's patterned compositions at Kings Cross, Alan's perfectly-timed cycle against the London Eye, or Mr Whisper's Central Cafe in Solo, I'm training my eye to recognize the elements that make a powerful photograph.
The three images below represent my attempts to understand what these masters see. They're not mere copies but exercises in vision—learning to recognize light, pattern, and moment as these photographers do.
The Common Thread
What binds all these diverse photographers together is their relentless focus on light and composition. They create striking images that often appear simple at first glance but reveal their complexity and intention upon closer inspection. They remind me that technical skill matters less than the ability to see and capture the extraordinary within the ordinary.
As I continue my photographic journey, these inspirations push me to look more deeply, wait more patiently, and think more intentionally about each image I create.
Learning from the Masters
My approach has been significantly influenced by the photographers I admire, as detailed in my "Who Inspires Me?" page. Alan Schaller's dramatic use of light and shadow, Mark Fearnley's patient composition techniques, and the atmospheric storytelling of Mr Whisper have all contributed to how I see and capture the world around me.
I've been particularly drawn to finding interesting interplays of light, architecture, and human presence. Some images focus on geometric patterns inspired by Mark Fearnley's work, while others attempt to capture decisive moments in the spirit of Alan Schaller's perfectly-timed compositions.
Developing My Own Voice
While learning from these inspirations, I'm gradually developing my own photographic voice. I find myself drawn to moments where light creates dramatic shapes, where human figures interact with their environment in interesting ways, and where ordinary street scenes reveal something extraordinary.
The collection includes experiments with both color and monochrome photography, as I explore which medium best expresses different scenes and emotions. This diversity reflects my journey of discovery rather than limitation to a single approach.
Technical and Creative Growth
Each photograph represents not just a captured moment, but a step in my technical and creative development. I've been working on anticipating moments, finding optimal compositions, and developing the patience needed to wait for all elements to align perfectly.
The workshop with Mark Fearnley was particularly transformative, teaching me to see potential photographs where I previously saw nothing special. This collection documents not just interesting street scenes, but my growing ability to recognize and capture compelling visual stories.
I look forward to continuing this journey, building on these foundations while developing my unique perspective on street photography.
