Inspiration From Others - Create a Swipe File
Don't be put off by that name Swipe File. You're not actually going to steal anything. You're just going to amass digital photography related tips, tricks, and ideas for future use. Consider it a source of imagination for the next time you're creatively stuck.
What's a Swipe File?
A swipe file is a repository for articles and information. I have a bunch of folders in my filing cabinet with articles I've clipped for the past few years. I have many folders on my hard drive with images and PDF files. And I have a bunch of websites bookmarked in my browser.
People in lots of fields use swipe files. Writers, advertisers, interior decorators, landscapers, garden specialists. They all use swipe files. Haven't you ripped a few pages out of a magazine to show your spouse a great garden or backyard idea?
Inspiration from Photo Mags
Articles in photo magazines serve as a great catalyst for you to try new camera techniques. A subscription to Pop Photo, PC Photo, Outdoor Photographer, Natures Best or any other photo magazine is well worth the small cost. When you've finally digested the issue rip out the articles that interest you and file them in manila folders. Your local library is other source, although they frown upon people ripping up their magazines. Just make copies of what you want.
A number of magazines post popular articles on their websites in PDF format. Downloading these files may save you from cutting up your own magazines. Look in the Table of Contents or Advertiser Info pages of your magazine to find their website.
Online Swiping
The Internet can be a great resource also. Digital photography websites like this one are quite prevalent. You can bookmark websites and individual articles to return to later. Printing out articles will let you access the information without having to be online. Visit the Links Page for some other resources.
Using one of the online bookmarking services will let you access sites you're interested in from any computer. You can get a free account at Yahoo, Google, del.icio.us, StumbleUpon, Squidoo and many other sites. All your links are stored at the online service and are accessible through any computer and web browser.
Use one or all of the methods mentioned here. Put together your own swipe file full of ideas and inspiration. You'll find it to be a great resource for the future.
