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If there is one photographer who has set the bar insanely high in photographic community it is Tim Walker. His work consistently blows my mind. Walker is one who places a high value on the creative process and being true to himself. His sets are always beautifully extravagant and his images are full of whimsy and quirk.
I've had his lovely coffee table book Tim Walker Pictures for about a year now. I have a slight obsession with collecting photography and travel coffee table books.... so much so that my stack is about to come toppling over... but I.CANT.STOP. Walker's book is by far one of my all time favorites. The pages within this book are true art. Although our images are very different, Walker is a constant source of inspiration for us. Here is a bit of his bio from his website:
"Tim Walker's photographs have entranced the readers of Vogue, month by month, for over a decade. Extravagant staging and romantic motifs characterize his unmistakable style.
Born in England in 1970, his interest in photography began at the Conde Nast library in London where he worked on the Cecil Beaton archive for a years work experience prior to University. Being placed third in The Independent newspaper photography awards led to a three year photography BA Hons degree at Exeter College of Art.
On graduation in 1994 Walker worked as a freelance photography assistant in London before moving to New York City as a full time assistant to Richard Avedon. On returning to England he initially concentrated on portrait and documentary work for UK newspapers. At the age of 25 he shot his first fashion story for Vogue, and has photographed for the British, Italian, and American editions ever since.
In the spring of 2008 his first major show was held at the Design Museum in London, which coincided with the publication of his first book 'Pictures.' "
I wanted to share this today because I find that many photographers have blinders on to the greatness that is out there in the photographic world. Many are too busy reading other wedding photographers photo blogs and checking flicker to stop and recognize the brilliance that resides outside the wedding photography community. And I would beg those who have not yet heard of Tim Walker to get out of the wedding bubble and explore other types/shapes and forms that photography takes on. It's so important to set the bar high in your creative life. Looking at people that are worlds and worlds beyond where we are creatively is healthy for any artist. Set your bar high.
Oh. and also, please go pick up Walker's book. You wont regret it.
Thoughts
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so true! thanks for the words and pointing out the inspiration of Tim Walker - ps you do a great job yourself
Talk about perfect timing! Sarah the day before you sent out this post I was scouring my city with my boyfriend to find a photography book that would satisfy my eyes delight with some amazing inspiration. I couldn't find ANYTHING that 100% appealed to me. The very next day I log on to your blog and Here it is!!! THE perfect book. Thank you so much for sharing this with us! I ordered one and it's on it's way to me right now!!
Talk about perfect timing! Sarah the day before you sent out this post I was scouring my city with my boyfriend to find a photography book that would satisfy my eyes delight with some amazing inspiration. I couldn't find ANYTHING that 100% appealed to me. The very next day I log on to your blog and Here it is!!! THE perfect book. Thank you so much for sharing this with us! I ordered one and it's on it's way to me right now!!
Love tim walker. Wish I could live in all the vignettes he shoots! :)
You so so nailed it... "Other photographers get lost in looking at blogs,wedding photographers,Flickr, etc" So so true... They forget to actually "study" the many elements that make a great image. The design the stylist lighting etc.. So many individuals focus on the "What camera what lens did you use" Which always I reply with the Eyes rolling.. I look at paintings music videos movies for a vibe or feeling of what I want inspire me with to make great images. Your tale here about this photographer and his book is spot on..
preach it okie sister!
kudos to you in your shining moment and for spreading inspiration.
preach it okie sister!
kudos to you in your shining moment and for spreading inspiration.
I've never heard of Tim Walker, so thanks for mentioning him. I am a fashion magazine addict and love editorial work, so thanks.
Thank you for sharing! I've never seen his work and I am now completely in love with it! AMAZING!
i'm on it! thanks! i collect photo books too and 2 of my favorites are sante d'orazio - a private view and patrick demarchelier - the photographs.
Hi Sarah! I've been checking out your blog off and on for a while now but am just commenting for the first time. This is an awesome post for two reasons. One, because that book looks absolutely delicious. And two, because you are so right about getting outside of the wedding photography community and seeing what else is out there. I am very new to photography as a whole and I can tell already how easy it is to get sucked in by the blogs and the competition and the this and that. I love how much you talk about the importance of finding inspiration all around you...and how personal projects and creation are essential to keep the juices flowing. Couldn't agree more. I really admire what you and your husband are doing here, keep up the amazing work!
Hi Sarah! I've been checking out your blog off and on for a while now but am just commenting for the first time. This is an awesome post for two reasons. One, because that book looks absolutely delicious. And two, because you are so right about getting outside of the wedding photography community and seeing what else is out there. I am very new to photography as a whole and I can tell already how easy it is to get sucked in by the blogs and the competition and the this and that. I love how much you talk about the importance of finding inspiration all around you...and how personal projects and creation are essential to keep the juices flowing. Couldn't agree more. I really admire what you and your husband are doing here, keep up the amazing work!
Hi Sarah! I've been checking out your blog off and on for a while now but am just commenting for the first time. This is an awesome post for two reasons. One, because that book looks absolutely delicious. And two, because you are so right about getting outside of the wedding photography community and seeing what else is out there. I am very new to photography as a whole and I can tell already how easy it is to get sucked in by the blogs and the competition and the this and that. I love how much you talk about the importance of finding inspiration all around you...and how personal projects and creation are essential to keep the juices flowing. Couldn't agree more. I really admire what you and your husband are doing here, keep up the amazing work!
tim walker is one of my faves, too. and my art coffee table obsession was out of control until all my books were stolen in college :( now i just use the library :)
Tim Walker is one of my favorites! I want his book sooo bad.