One Picture is Worth a Thousand Words
The San Antonio Light- 1913
The old adage is that a picture is worth a thousand words means that sometimes a photo conveys meaning and significance more effectively than a description. The same can be said about well-crafted and inspired poetry. A poem is worth more than the sum of its words because it conveys meaning and depth more effectively than images, descriptions, and long texts.
A photograph and a poem both take a moment and freeze it in time. It is a snapshot of a story much larger than itself. Something happened before and after the photo was taken and before and after the moment captured by a poem.
So, when it comes to finding inspiration and poetry prompts, what better place to look than photos?
For these creative photography poetry prompts, scroll through our curated collection of images. Choose one that speaks to you and freewrite. Let the images speak to you. Let them tell you their story. Remember, that while a photograph may show you the details of how a place looks or an expression on a face, it is showing you something beyond the frame.
These images inspired us to create a few of our own poetry prompts. If you are having a hard time getting the creative juices flowing, feel free to take advantage of our suggestions. Let your creativity and inspiration guide you along.
Photography Poetry Prompts
An image of nature, zoomed out. Write a poem that begins here, then zooms in to the plants and rocks and other pieces of this landscape.
An image of nature, zoomed in. Write a poem that begins here, them zooms out to the landscape around it. Consider where this plant’s seeds will spread to.
A mundane indoor space. Tell the story of this laundry mat, or perhaps the owners or workers. Consider the act of washing and drying clothing.
A mundane image of nature. Is there something that makes this place special? Why was this photo taken here? What was the photographer trying to capture?
A colorful indoor space. What happens here? What do the colors mean? Would you be comfortable in this space?
A colorful outdoor / urban space. Consider the juxtaposition of colorful lanterns and dark spaces of the alleyway. Why are the lanterns there? What do they do in the space?
A self portrait. Replace the image above with one of your own. What story is being told in a photo you take of yourself? How do you see yourself?
A photo taken by another person. Replace the image above with one of your own. What story is being told through the lens of another person? How do they see you?
A historical photo. Look to the past and talk about what this photgraph has captured. Is it reminiscent of today? Can you relate to it? Is there a connection to your history?
A wildlife photo. What does this bird represent? Is it more than just a small colorful bird? Use it as a metaphor. Or simply write about a bird and how it lives.
Inspiration can be found anywhere, so lets turn these poetry prompts on their head. Whether your are a pro behind the camera or want to try your hand at photography in general, if you are looking for some photography inspiration, consider a poem.
Known for it’s imagery, poetry paints a visual as a reader moves through the verse. What images come to mind when you read these poems? Who are the subjects and what emotions are they portraying? How can you capture a poem within a single image?
Here are two poems that have inspired us to pick up our cameras. Consider some of your favorite poems or search through little infinite to find one that inspires you.
Poetry Photography Prompts
Asymmetries
I’m thinkning about you and you’re humming while cutting a piece of wood.
I’m positive you aren’t thinking about me which is fine as longs as you
aren’t thinking about yourself. I know and love the way you inhabit
this house and the occasions we mutually create. But I don’t
know the world inside your head and I’m jealous
of the attention you pay that person
whom I suspect
of being devious
by Rae Armantrout
Joyous Sea
I’m a seas since I could never have been a river
An unchanneled sea
of green merriments
and solitary depths
A sea embracing
Life and Death
out of which all vital force
emerges and to which it returns
I am a sea like that beclamed ocean
I see before me
skirting the Land
with its gentle sovereign kiss
I am a Sea
eyes of dusk
voice of early light
Like that indigo ocean
I woke to on my first voyage
that sea with the open arms
of perennial youth
Where my Hope alights
white segull
with dawn-colored eyes
I am a Sea
Genesis of Life
by Magda Portal
