© Carolyn Scott Photography
Narrowing my list of photographers that inspire me to just five was a hard thing to do. The truth is there are many photographers that I follow or know that amaze me. Their craft and art bring me to my knees in awe. I chose these five for many reasons but the main thing that touches me about these five artists is their authenticity. You get them. You get their art. It's real and tangible and absolutely beautiful. So in no particular order and without further ado--here are the top five artists that keep me inspired day in and day out. I hope you will following them and have your mind blown.
© Michelle Gardella
1. Michelle Gardella--Michelle is a truly beautiful soul. Looking at her work for me is like letting a cool stream wash over me. It's raw and ethereal and just gorgeous. Michelle's work inspires me to dig deeper. To not let my photos scratch the surface but to dive in with my whole self. Her RiverStories series is nothing if not sacred. I want Michelle in my tribe and she inspires that kind of community in women. That we are all in this beautiful crazy life together and there is no time for bullshit. Spend some time reading Michelle's amazing writing on her blog. You will get to know and love her.
Where to Follow:
IG: @michellegardella
FB: Michelle Gardella
www.michellegardella.com
© Jennifer Tonetti Spellman
2. Jennifer Tonetti Spellman--Jennifer's In Home sessions and portraits of her own family capture the essence of childhood. Her beautiful and unique perspective inspire me to keep trying new angles, to find the gorgeous light in every situation, and to preserve the fleeting moments in my own life. To feverishly preserve them. Her gift for creating a narrative within simple images is superb. Jennifer is also passionate about inspiring continued learning in others. While also continuing to hone her craft with workshops and classes herself, she is also a co-founder and teacher for Illuminate Classes. These online classes are coming out this fall and feature some really amazing photographers (including Jennifer) teaching a variety of killer subjects.
Where to Follow:
IG: @jennifertonettispellman
FB: Jennifer Tonetti Spellman
www.jennifertonettispellman.com
Illuminate Classes:
IG: @illuminateclasses
FB: Illuminate Classes
© Morning Wild Photography
3. Morning Wild Photography--Megan at Morning Wild Photography inspires the adventurer in me. Her use of landscape and emotion in her images displays her clear love of nature and connection with her clients. Her work encourages me to do more, try more, go somewhere new, and to pay attention. I love her use of texture and framing. It also doesn't hurt that she is currently in North Carolina and being from Virginia a lot of her work feels like home to me. Another theme that all of these photographers share (and Megan does it SO well) is connection. Her work brings real emotion into each and every frame. Head over to Morning Wild's website and let yourself revel in the color, artistry and emotion of Megans work.
Where to Follow:
IG: @megangielow
FB: Morning Wild Photography
www.morningwild.com
© The Blissful Maven
4. The Blissful Maven--Candice of The Blissful Maven inspires me to be me. To above all be authentic and raw. To not care how others view your art and your path but to just keep doing it. Her work is edgy and evokes raw feelings. Her couples portraits and boudoir work are--I'm going to say it again--just. so. real. While Candice works closely with her clients to produce her vision for the images it comes across as effortless and organic. I also admire and adore her celebration of women's bodies as they are. Her boudoir images are void of air brush and over editing and instead offer up the genuine essence of each woman.
Where to Follow:
IG: @the_blissful_maven
FB: The Blissful Maven
www.theblissfulmaven.com
© Carolyn Scott Photography
5. Carolyn Scott Photography--Carolyn and Geoff are a husband and wife team based out of Durham, NC. Their work reminds me to have fun with my photography. I cannot get enough of their use of color and surroundings in their images. Their amazing photography is vibrant, fun, and always fresh. They are constantly challenging the viewers perspective in ways that are unique and stunning. They capture so much detail and emotion of each and every shoot that it leaves you feeling as if YOU knew their client. Not just that you know them. You are Besties. You also get a feel for their own personalities and honestly, it makes me want to live down the street from them. Check them out and fall in love with the vitality of their work.
Where to Follow:
IG: @csphotographync
FB: Carolyn Scott Photography
www.carolynscottphotography.com