I am often asked where I pull inspiration from when I'm designing a shoot or doing anything artistic. I don't necessarily hate that question, but it is always hard to answer. I draw inspiration from so many wonderful things. It's the free spirit in me. Everything is beautiful in it's own, unique way. (Ok, maybe it's the Oregonian in me haha!) I wanted to have a good answer to give people, rather than just saying, "everything!" - that's like saying nothing. I've narrowed it down to my top 3 Inspirational fire starters. 

1. My husband, Danny.

     I know, total clique, right? Well, too bad! When I first started dating Danny, I didn't know he was artistic. It wasn't until our third or fourth date that I found out. I had planned a night, making ugly Christmas sweaters. I was cutting away when I look up to see that this kid has cut out tiny reindeer and a slay! I then learned that he is a potter and creates wonderful pieces on the wheel. Throughout our entire relationship we've been able to feed off of each other and grow. I taught him watercolor and he taught me how to work with clay. He has been the one pushing me along my career. Without him, I honestly wouldn't have finished my art degree. I also wouldn't have the confidence that I do to sell prints and do things differently than a lot of photographers. He has been there every step of the way. Without Danny, Whitney Beth Photography would not be where it is now. 

(Photo of us on said date; walking around the mall to show off our creations.)

2. Mother Nature - specifically the PNW

     Oh man, if I don't already scream, "hippie," this is what's going to do me in. I love trees, and all things living and green. This earth we live on is so drastically beautiful. Being a transplant Utahan, I was not happy about living here at first. (Picture your moody, angsty, 18 year old whose whole life was just uprooted and plopped down in Utah. That was me.) Once I got over myself and realized that this was home now, I decided to make the most of it. I began exploring and wandering around the mountains. I found pockets of "Oregon" out here in the Uintahs. I began to develop a love for the landscape and eagerly began incorporating my new discoveries into my photography. Even just browsing my website or Instagram and 9/10 times you will see an image outside, in nature. 

(Photo taken at Zion's National Park)

3. All forms of Art

     Art - in general is a big part of my life. If you walk into my house, nearly every room has a painting mixed in among the photographs. In college I minored in art history. I literally took every single art history class UVU had to offer. I loved it and ate it up. Even though I do photography full time, I teach art classes part time in the summer and then usually one Saturday a month in the fall. I teach my students the building blocks of art while showing them how to work with different mediums and use new techniques. If I never create a single thing the entire year, I know that I will at least make 10 pieces. Being able to create freely with different mediums frees my mind and allows new thoughts to enter. Most of my paintings and classes are made up of organic matter. There is nothing perfect in nature. I don't want my students to get hung up on making the perfect tree or an exact replica of a leaf. Rather, I want them to enjoy the process and embrace the movement. This frees up this hold they have on themselves to try and be "perfect." It is through that same principle that I apply to my photography. I don't ever want to lose myself and miss things because I was so worried about the technical side to my art. I want emotion and movement and the journey to tell the story. 

(Water color mountains)

(Acrylic on Canvas - palette knife)