In the world of photography, Some people lack technique, but if they have a vision, their work is interesting,” says conceptual photographer Anya Anti, who creates many surreal photos and self portraits. “And some people who focus a lot on technique rather than on the idea may be technically good, but what they create is boring.”

To come up with a compelling photography idea, you need to get inspired. “Inspiration is like a muscle that you need to exercise,” says Anti. Think of it like a library of visual experience that you collect over time. Once you start to build up your catalog of inspiration, you can draw on different influences, artists, and ideas to help think of your own.