If you’re a photographer, there probably is a photograph that you can point back to and say, “This is it. This was the one picture that inspired me.” The photo may not have been the one that made you actually pick up a camera, but there was something so unique, so impressive about it that you continue to aspire to reach that same level of greatness. Although I could probably Google a list of great photographs, I wanted to see what photographs inspired people. So, I asked the photography teachers who use our site to promote their classes, and this is what they had to say.

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Photography Teacher Peter West Carey Said:

For me it was Ansel Adams Snake River and Grand Tetons. I know it might seem a bit cliche, but for me that picture did two things. 1) It made me want to go there. I wanted to experience that vista for myself (I did end up in that spot some 40 years after he shot it and the trees are a lot taller!). It was great to know there were places like that in this country and I could drive to them. In fact, that shot is just about from the parking lot. 2) I loved the tones. I wanted to learn more about how he created it, how I could create something like that and where I could learn more. A lot of his work, Galen Rowel’s and Art Wolfe’s have done that for me.

Photography Teacher Robert Wade Said:

One of many photographs that inspire me is by Gordon Parks: The photograph is of African American cleaning woman Ella Watson standing with mop and broom in front of American flag. Taken on January 1, 1942, the piece is powerfully evocative of an earlier and troubled time in American history. The allusion to Grant Wood’s ‘American Gothic’ painting is notable, as well.

But are too many inspiring photos to just select one. Another favorite is the following by Henri Cartier-Bresson, which captures a fleeting moment of perfection in form and content:

Photography Enthusiast and Fashion Designer Christine Philips Said:

Ansel Adams for being able to recognize the beauty in things that are already around you. He captures moments in time that will inspire for a lifetime. He has a great eye for creativity. Yesterday, the sun was setting. The way the sun hit the top of the autumn trees made it look as if an orange spotlite was being shined on the top of the trees. I went back to get my camera, but it was too late the sun was setting. As a fashion designer I get inspiration from everything, but nature and Gods creation is always there to inspire. Ansel Adams recognized this and took hold of that revelation and shared it with millions. The inspiration for one of my Fashion show was the tree of Life and I used a picture of a single tree shot by Ansel Adams.

What photos have inspired you as a photographer? Be sure to include links in your comments!

This is a Guest Post written with help of the TeachStreet Community, and edited by Kenji Crosland. TeachStreet is a website that provides local and online classes, including photography courses.