After much anticipation, the Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography exhibition opened at the King’s Gallery in Buckingham Palace on Friday, May 17. The curated collection features previously unseen portraits of the royal family, alongside celebrated images that fans may be more familiar with.

Exhibition curator Alessandro Nasini has selected portraits by esteemed artists including Cecil Beaton, David Bailey, Annie Leibovitz, and Andy Warhol.

The exhibition features a poignant portrait of Kate Middleton, captured by Paolo Roversi and originally shared ahead of the royal’s 40th birthday in 2022. The ethereal black-and-white image sees Middleton displaying her side profile in a white, off-the-shoulder Alexander McQueen gown. The accessories are kept to a minimum, with pearl-drop earrings and her blue sapphire, diamond encrusted engagement ring that famously once belonged to Princess Diana. Middleton adopts a royal-favorite pose, remaining seated and staring into the distance.

When the image was initially released in 2022, alongside two other portraits in honor of Middleton’s birthday, it entered a collection belonging to London’s National Portrait Gallery, of which she is a patron.

The portrait of Middleton has often been compared to one painted over 150 years ago of Queen Alexandra, then the Princess of Wales. Captured by Franz Xaver Winterhalter, the painting shows Alexandra of Denmark in a billowing white gown with crystal blue adornments. Wearing a floral headdress, the royal is standing, but turned to the side ever so slightly.

The exhibition featuring Middleton comes as she continues to take time away from public-facing duties following her cancer diagnosis. In a video shared on March 22, the mum-of-three revealed she had started a course of “preventative chemotherapy” after being diagnosed with an undisclosed type of cancer following a planned abdominal surgery in January. During a recent royal engagement, Prince William said that his wife is “doing well” when asked by a concerned member of the public.

As for the royal exhibition, which is set to remain open on select days until Oct. 6, other notable images include a vibrant portrait, featuring bleached out details, of Queen Elizabeth II by Warhol. There is also a striking photograph of King Charles III, then the Prince of Wales, taken at Birkhall, his private residence in Scotland. Captured by Nadav Kander, the image was commissioned by TIME for the cover of its Nov. 4, 2013, magazine.

Noy Finer, from לבד (Alone)

‘Pronounced as “leh-vahd,” לְבַד is a Hebrew word meaning alone. לְבַד explores the emotional complexities of dealing with personal trauma, drawing from childhood memories and challenging family dynamics. As part of my healing process, I use portraiture as an outlet to convey feelings of isolation, exclusion, and loneliness. Through this work, I hope to encourage a collective understanding of the emotions associated withhuman connection, fostering empathy and dialogue around the nature of meaningful relationships both with loved ones and with ourselves.’ – Noy Finer

Photograph: Noy Finer/Courtesy The International Center of Photography

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Mastering photography is not solely about technical skills but also about cultivating a creative vision. Drawing inspiration from diverse sources is crucial for developing a unique style and staying motivated. This insightful explores how you can harness creativity and inspiration to elevate your photography.

Coming to you from Alex Kilbee with The Photographic Eye, this engaging video emphasizes the importance of being a “visual magpie.” Kilbee discusses how legendary photographers like Joel Meyerowitz and Dan Winters continuously find inspiration and turn it into compelling images. He suggests that you should not solely rely on expensive photo books or aimless internet searches but instead collect visual ideas from various sources around you.

Kilbee illustrates his point with personal anecdotes, such as discovering Pink Floyd’s “The Wall” during his school days, which significantly influenced his taste in music and art. He highlights that inspiration often comes from unexpected places and that it’s essential to ask questions and seek recommendations from peers. This proactive approach can help you find new photographers and artists who can spark fresh ideas.

Kilbee also addresses the misconception that inspiration should only come from within the realm of photography. He argues that looking beyond photography to other visual arts like painting and film can prevent creative stagnation. By analyzing the techniques of classic portrait painters or noticing the cinematic techniques in films, you can bring a broader perspective to your work. This helps avoid the echo chamber effect seen on platforms like Instagram, where trends and styles often become repetitive.

Expanding on this concept, Kilbee recommends maintaining a visual library of ideas. He shares his habit of carrying a notebook to jot down thoughts and inspirations as they come. This practice enables you to build a reservoir of creative concepts that can be drawn upon during shoots. Kilbee recounts how his appreciation for the musical “Jesus Christ Superstar” and the visual elements he observed in it subtly influenced his photographic style. He encourages you to reflect on your interests and experiences to identify what visually resonates with you.

In the practical application of these ideas, Kilbee discusses how studying the works of photographers such as Robert Mapplethorpe and Bob Carlos Clarke helped him develop his style. By merging elements from different sources, he created unique compositions that reflected his influences while maintaining originality. He provides an example of combining Mapplethorpe’s intense style with Clarke’s distinctive props to produce a memorable image. This blending of inspirations illustrates how diverse influences can be synthesized into your work.

Kilbee’s insights underscore the value of continuously seeking and integrating inspiration from various sources. Whether it’s through music, art, film, or the works of other photographers, broadening your scope of influence can lead to more dynamic and original photography. He also emphasizes the importance of practical steps, such as keeping a notebook and actively engaging with different visual mediums, to cultivate a well-rounded creative approach. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Kilbee.