Coincidence, Inspiration, Copying

   The majority of artists, no matter what medium they work in, are somehow inspired by other artists. It can be subject, style, or intention. But where is that line that separates inspiration and copying? Sure, there is coincidence, but what happens when it occurs for a second or third time.

  About a decade ago a couple of people sent me an email that a photographer who was a member of the well known Magnum Photo Agency was taking photos in the same alley way entrance that I was. And that it was well received. When a few more emails came in I decided to have a look when people said it looked like I took the photo. After seeing the photo I knew that I didn't take it, but oh the irony when someone "famous" in the realm of photography gets accolades for a photo that you have taken dozens of time before. In the end I chalked it up to coincidence, no big deal.

                                                        Photo by the Magnum photographer.

Just two of the photos taken by me at the alley's entrance.

Here is where inspiration might have played a roll in this photographers process. For awhile I worked on a project titled parking "Parking Lot Ephemera". I took square photos of items left behind in the strip mall parking lot across the street from my house.

Examples Of My Parking Lot Ephemera Photos.

I just found out that the same Magnum photographer just had a book published titled "American Artifacts". Square photos of items left behind. Now is this coincidence, inspiration.....or something else?

Magnum Photographer's "American Artifacts"

Ok, what are the chances of it happening again? Pretty damn good! Back in 2007 I began working on typology projects which included Tv antennas, shoes thrown over power lines, and homeless signs. But once again I found out that photographer from Magnum just published a book that includes, just wait for it....a homeless sign typology! 

My homeless sign typology project which is spread across three very large 60"x60" prints.

Magnum Photographer's Homeless Sign Typology

These recent events have me going back to the first photo taken at that alley entrance. Something doesn't seem right here. Seriously, what are the chances that someone is copying my ideas? It just seems too much to be a case of coincidence or inspiration. By the way, a photographer with the Magnum Photo Agency makes around $70,000 a year plus expenses. I make almost the same as someone who turns big rocks into little ones.