A Photographer’s Journey Through Self-Discovery
by
Jessica Vallia, M.Photog.Cr, CPP
Inspiration, as a concept, often feels like a delicate dance between the known and the unknown, the tangible and the intangible. For photographers, inspiration is not merely an impulse or a fleeting moment of clarity – it’s the very foundation upon which we build our art and express who we fundamentally are as an artist. It’s what drives us to pick up the camera, frame a shot, and freeze a moment in time. But where does this inspiration come from? How do we harness it, and how does it shape our journey as artists?
In the world of photography, much like in any other art form, inspiration is a complex idea that is deeply personal. It varies from person to person and can come in many forms – nature, people, emotions, or even the subtle interaction between light and shadow. As an artist my inspiration has been a constantly-evolving force, shaped by the experiences and moments that have defined my life. Emotion is my muse. Over the years, I’ve come to understand that my inspiration is deeply-rooted in two primary sources: music and quite often the skies of Colorado. I realize that last source is oddly specific, but it’s where my mind often lives.
The Symphony of Sound: Music as a Muse — Music has always been more than just a background soundtrack to my life; it’s been a profound source of inspiration that has saturated my work as a photographer. The power of music lies in its ability to evoke emotions, memories, and even dreams. It speaks to each of us in unique ways, and, for me, it has always been a bridge between the past, present, and future.
From a young age, I felt a deep connection to music, even though I never became a musician myself. There’s something almost magical about the way a melody can transport you to another time or place, stirring emotions that you thought had long faded. It was this emotional harmony that first drew me to use music as a muse in my photography.
My son, a talented cellist, was my first true inspiration in this journey. Watching him interact with his cello – seeing the way his fingers danced across the strings, how his body moved with the rhythm, and how his face lit up with the joy of playing – was nothing short of mesmerizing. It was clear to me that his instrument was not just a tool for making music; it was an extension of his very being, an integral part of his identity.
This connection between musician and instrument became the focus of my work. My goal as a photographer was to capture not just the physical presence of the musician, but the invisible bond that ties them to their instrument. I wanted to portray the instrument as more than just an object; it needed to be seen as a vital part of the musician, as something that could convey emotion and tell a story.
In creating these portraits, I’ve learned that every musician has a unique relationship with their instrument. For some, the instrument is a source of comfort and solace; for others, it’s a vessel for expressing their deepest emotions. My role as a photographer and artist is to understand this relationship and to capture it in a way that is both visually striking and emotionally powerful.
One of the most rewarding aspects of this work has been the opportunity to collaborate with musicians from various backgrounds and genres. Each musician brings their own energy and spirit to the shoot, and it’s fascinating to see how their music influences the way they pose, the way they interact with their instrument, and even the way they express themselves in front of the camera. These collaborations have deepened my understanding of the symbiotic relationship between music and photography, and they continue to inspire me to explore new creative avenues.
The Canvas of the Heavens: Colorado Skies as a Source of Inspiration — While music has been a constant source of inspiration in my work, the natural beauty of Colorado has also played a significant role in shaping my artistic vision. There’s something truly magical about the skies here – how they change from moment to moment, how they’re painted with the most vivid and surreal colors, how they seem to tell a story of their own. Much like musicians fingers often dance across the strings of their instruments, the clouds dance across the colorful skies of Colorado in a truly magical way.
Growing up in Colorado, I’ve been fortunate to witness some of the most breathtaking skies in the world. Whether it’s the warm glow of a sunset, the dramatic formations of storm clouds, or the soft pastels of a sunrise, the sky is a constant source of wonder and inspiration. It’s not just a backdrop for my photographs; it’s often the starting point, the element that sets the tone and mood for the entire image.
During my sessions, I often begin by studying the sky before deciding on a pose or placement of my subjects. I look at the colors, the patterns, the way the clouds move and interact with each other. I let the sky guide me, allowing it to direct the composition and mood of the portrait. This might seem like an unconventional approach – starting with the background rather than the subject – but for me, the sky is where the story begins and why many of my clients commission me to create a portrait for their home.
One of the things that sets my work apart from other photographers in my beautiful home state is my focus on the sky as a backdrop. I’ve developed a unique style that blends the natural beauty of the Colorado skies with my subjects, creating images that are both visually striking and emotionally harmonious. This approach has allowed me to create a body of work that is deeply personal and reflective of my own experiences and inspirations.
The Intersection of Art and Photography: Blending Techniques and Finding My Voice — In addition to music and the natural world, I’ve also found inspiration in the rich history of art. I’ve always been fascinated by the great painters of the past – their mastery of color, composition, and light – and I’ve often looked to their work for inspiration in my own photography style. Studying these artists has helped me develop a deeper understanding of visual storytelling and has influenced the way I approach my work.
One of the techniques I’ve been exploring in recent years is the blending of traditional painting techniques with photography. This approach has allowed me to push the boundaries of my work, creating images that are not only photographs but also works of art in their own right. It’s a process that requires a great deal of experimentation and patience, but it’s also one of the most rewarding aspects of my artistic journey.
For one particular project, I challenged myself to create an image that was both photographed in my studio while being imagined in the heavens. This piece required me to step outside of my comfort zone and to think creatively about how to blend different elements into a cohesive whole. I had to patiently wait to photograph just the right sky, one that would embody the feeling I wanted to convey. It was a true investment of time, but it ultimately helped me to grow as an artist and to refine my voice. There was no desire for this piece to find a sky on Google, I felt a deep desire to create each of the elements on my own.
What I learned through this process is that art is not about following a set of rules or adhering to a specific style; it’s about finding your own voice and expressing it in a way that is true to who you are. For me, blending painting techniques with photography has been a way to explore new creative avenues and to push myself beyond what I thought was possible. It’s a journey of self-discovery, one that has allowed me to create work that is deeply personal and meaningful.
The Power of Challenge: Growth Through Pushing Boundaries — As artists, it’s easy to fall into the trap of sticking to what we know, of repeating the same techniques and styles that have worked for us in the past. But true growth comes from pushing ourselves beyond our comfort zones, from taking risks and embracing new challenges. It’s through these challenges that we discover new possibilities and reach new heights in our work.
One of the things I’ve always believed in is the importance of challenging myself as an artist. Whether it’s experimenting with a new technique, working with a new subject, or trying to capture a particularly difficult emotion, I’m constantly looking for ways to push my own limits. These challenges are not always easy – in fact, they’re often frustrating and time-consuming—but they’re also incredibly rewarding.
What I’ve learned from these experiences is that growth comes from pushing yourself beyond what you think is possible. It’s about embracing the unknown, taking the risk, and being willing to fail. It’s through these challenges that we discover our true potential and that is when all of the hard work and sacrifices pay off on a deeper level within us.
Finding Inspiration Within: The Role of Self-Reflection in Art — While external sources of inspiration are undoubtedly important, I’ve also come to realize the importance of finding inspiration within myself. As artists, we often look to the world around us for inspiration, but sometimes the most powerful sources of inspiration come from within – from our own experiences, emotions, and dreams.
Self-reflection has become an integral part of my creative process. It’s through this process that I’ve been able to tap into my own inner world and to create work that is deeply personal and meaningful for both myself and the client that I’m serving. Whether it’s reflecting on a particular memory, exploring a recurring theme, or simply allowing myself to daydream, self-reflection has become a powerful tool for finding inspiration and for guiding my artistic journey.
I encourage each person who reads this article to challenge themselves to dig deep on your next project. Study the concepts that fuel your soul with creativity and find new ways to express the emotions and ideas behind these concepts. Do not just paste and copy a style but really decide how a style or inspiration speaks to you and immerse yourself in that concept before you click the button on your camera. Your camera, your instrument is an extension of your soul. Use that instrument to create harmonies that speak to who you are as an artist.
Jessica is a Colorado born-and-raised photographer specializing in scenic, emotionally-driven family portraits and has been photographing families full-time for 15 years and practicing her skills in photography for just over 24 years. She will be teaching a class on “Modern Heirloom Portraiture” at Texas School 2025. The course is about building a successful heirloom session for any type of lighting situation and there will be hands on shooting portions for family, children, and even a musician or two!
