Lol, it's true tho Bob!

I really don't get time to keep up with the arts/photography these days, but I do manage to come here everyday - and love some of the shots you guys take

I think it's great how you all have your strengths too, and it's been super seeing people develop from beginner to pretty much pro level

...blimey, mentioned in despatches, I'm flattered!

I do think there is a lot of good work amongst amateurs...was in Torquay yesterday and their local togs have an exhibition. One or too good ones amongst their shots...and spookily someone has the very same shot I have taken quite independantly from the same viewpoint earlier in the day!

I like much of the war/photojournalism stuff, but you only have to look through forums, flickr etc. to see some cracking stuff.

While I see where you're coming from Bazza - I disagree. To say that you shouldn't be inspired by someone is nuts. I don't 'pinch' YAB's work - because it would be horribly obvious! I do however look to his work for inspiration. In all art forms the greats have used the greats before them to inspire. It's not about unique thought (it can't be solely about unique thought!), it's about re-interpretation for the most part.

I also love Joel Peter Witkin, but he is not to everyone's taste, and I do say, be careful if you do a google for him that you're not in a public place or have small children or the easily offended around.

xx

Totally agree!

Oh thank you, Emxx

I get inspired from all kinds of things, especially, books, movies, and music, but I do have a list of photographers whose work I check out on a regular basis, on my Google reader.

Very famous photographers though, Ansel Adams for landscapes, he had an extraordinary eye, and his use of light was superb.

Diane Arbus ,for capturing the darker side of people's soul and life.

Helmut Newton,and Herb Ritts , Mario Testino sexy, sexy,sexy.


Dorothea Lange, awesome photo journalist.

David Bailey and Duffy, both created iconic images of the sixties.

Annie Liebovitz, her body of work is huge and stunning.

Jill Furmanovsky,Bob Gruen,Mick Rock,Gered Mankowitz and Karl Larsen for capturing some amazing moments on and off a stage.

More modern photographers Rankin, Chase Jarvis, Joe McNally, David Duchemin, Zack Arias,Joey Lawrence, they all seem to have a no BS attitude to photography which I love

^^^^^ as above! I was trying to narrow it down to just one or two - but I love all those too - and recently discovered August Sander - who I just *love*

xx

Quite a few of the above names and also this girl I happened across on Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/leahjohnston/

Some great work... wish i had access to models, empty rooms in old houses and other buildings, models who will lie naked in the snow etc. etc.

Seriously, the things you could do with more time and access to places like old factories, old rooms etc. and then have some young girl or rock band or something... i guess just most of us don't... even a studio and some lights to play with...

BC, the photographs she takes are mainly self portraits Helps if you look like a model yourself I suppose

Really, must admit i skipped through the site pretty quickly.... it just wouldn't look the same if it was me... I look like Lofty out of it Ain't Half Hot Mum...