Sometime around June of 2021, I had some extra time at home (didn’t we all?) and I wanted to learn my cameras better.
I found my way to Photography YouTube, got the help I needed, and then quickly found my way over to the 'how to improve your artistic approach' side of YouTube.1
One of the first suggestions that stood out to me was: Create and shoot projects!
There were several inspiring videos on this topic but one that grabbed me was Brian Lloyd Duckett’s “Transform Your Street Photography with Projects.” This was really helpful and each time I watch it I take away something new.
If you have any question about what makes a great photography project, check out All they left was a chair by
.For me this is all a project should be. It's defined. It has something to say. It feels consistent. And while each picture could absolutely stand on its own, as Brian says, “The power of projects is that the collection of images is much stronger then the individual image.”
The more I learn about and try projects the more I realize they are more than just a group of photos around a single theme.
I also realize that I’m early on on in my progression and its going to take me a while to produce great projects.
That said, here is a recent project I've just finished.
Backside
The backside project asks: When you turn the corner, go down the alley, or walk around the back is there anything interesting to see? Is there beauty in the stuff that was not designed for consumption?
What fun or inspiring photo projects have you seen recently? Do you shoot projects? Anything else to share?
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Among the first videos to pull me in was one of Alex Kilbee’s many amazing talks on how to see better. More on Alex and some other great Photo YouTubers in upcoming posts.
Nice post! Great ideas.
Thank you for mentioning my post, Josh! Projects are a great way to stay or be inspired and to get a broader understanding what your own art is all about! Great little series of yours here too!