Stepping away from the usual discussions on news and current events, topics over which we contributors have little to no influence, I thought it would be a refreshing change to add a lighter, more creative touch to the blog.

Inspiration often comes from immersing ourselves in the great works of others. Films and series, in particular, have an extraordinary ability to shape our perspectives and spark creativity. With that in mind, I’ve put together a list of my top four favorite films and series that have profoundly influenced my creative journey.

To make this exploration even more relevant to my craft, I’ve included examples from my portfolio where I’ve drawn on techniques or themes from these productions. These selections, presented in no particular order, are a tribute to storytelling at its finest. Let’s dive in!

Also worth checking out: Analyzing popular past & upcoming films / series to create profitable microstock concepts, a fun blog post I published over at Xpiks’ blog.

4. Salt of the Earth by Sebastião Salgado (2014)

Back in 2017, I wrote in detail about The Salt of the Earth, a documentary that deeply moved me. Here’s a link to that blog post:

Sebastião Salgado’s Salt of the Earth

Here’s the main trailer.

How The Salt of the Earth Inspired My Photographic Journey

This documentary came into my life at a time when I was focused on capturing powerful editorial photography, particularly of refugees from war-torn countries seeking a better life in Europe. Salgado’s exploration of war’s impact on ordinary people was deeply moving:

“We are a ferocious animal. We humans are terrible animals. Our history is a history of wars. It’s an endless story, a tale of madness” – Sebastiao Salgado

Here are some examples from my portfolio that reflect these themes.

Later, Salgado’s Genesis series also inspired me to explore aerial photography. While I can’t afford to rent a helicopter like Salgado, my drone allows me to capture sweeping, dramatic landscapes. Genesis pushed me to look at the natural world from a new perspective.

One recurring theme in Salgado’s work is the interplay between humanity and the natural world. Below is an example from my own portfolio that highlights this connection.

3. The Shining (1980)

I’ve long been fascinated by Stanley Kubrick’s meticulous filming style. While 2001: A Space Odyssey is a masterpiece, The Shining holds a special place in my heart, inspiring my work since I was young, especially when it comes to horror-themed book covers.

Symmetry and Cinematic Composition

Kubrick’s use of symmetry is legendary, and it’s something I’ve actively incorporated into my photography. This video provides a great breakdown of his symmetrical compositions:

As a self-confessed symmetry addict, here are some of my favorite shots where I’ve drawn from Kubrick’s aesthetic.

For book cover concepts, I’ve also used elements of The Shining’s eerie, structured visuals to create haunting compositions. Below are some examples.

2. Rounders (1998)

As an avid poker player – mainly cash games but also tournaments, it’s no surprise that poker photography has become a passion of mine, much like my friend and colleague Damiano Nigro.

At an early age, I was introduced to poker through Rounders, the excellent 1998 film starring Matt Damon, Edward Norton, and John Malkovich. I started playing right after university, around 2005, when online poker was booming. At the time, fixed-limit Texas Hold ’Em was more common in casinos than today’s No-Limit format.

Photographing Poker Tournaments

I only began photographing poker tournaments in 2018, and I’ve been doing so regularly ever since. The cinematography of Rounders captures the moody, high-stakes atmosphere of poker rooms – dimly lit, tense, and filled with silent psychological battles. I’ve often tried to emulate this ambiance in my own work.

Here are some examples from my portfolio that reflect the same cinematic feel.

1. Ripley (2004)

The Netflix series Ripley is based on The Talented Mr. Ripley (1955) by Patricia Highsmith. It follows the 1999 film adaptation but presents a distinct artistic vision.

Amazing cinematography

The plot is entertaining but what really stood out to me was the artistic cinematography.

The Ripley series has a dark, moody, and cinematic aesthetic, heavily influenced by:

• Black-and-white neo-noir style with deep contrasts and soft lighting.
• 1950s Italian settings, featuring elegant architecture, luxury, and decay.
• Psychological tension, often with solitary, introspective figures in shadowy environments.
• Minimalist yet sophisticated compositions, emphasizing existential themes.

How Ripley Inspired My Work

The show’s visuals could easily translate into striking book covers. I’ve selected a few stills that particularly inspired me.

Even though most of my work is in colour, I’ve chosen some of my own photographs that reflect the themes and mood of Ripley.

Honourable mentions

I would have loved to discuss more films/series but here are some worthy honourable mentions that didn’t make the main list:

• Gattaca (1997)

• Amelie (2001)

• Saving Private Ryan (1998)

Which has been your favourite film/series that continues to inspire your work? Comment below!

I hope you’ve enjoyed this article! I’ll be back in a few days with my January 2025 earnings report, as well as a special guest post from a fellow contributor. Stay tuned!

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About Alex

I’m a bit of an eccentric, based in Lisbon, Portugal, and on a mission to explore every corner of the globe. Along the way, I’ve been capturing stock images and footage, dedicating the last ten years to building a career as a travel photographer, videographer, and freelance writer. My goal? To inspire others by sharing unique insights into this fascinating industry—while calling out scammers when necessary.

I’m proud to have written a book about my adventures which includes tips on making it as a stock travel photographer – Brutally Honest Guide to Microstock Photography