The good ol’ days
I remember when I first got into photography, I would literally photograph anything & everything. Gradually as I realised what I liked to photograph, I started to focus on a few genres; but it is good to have personal projects to explore new ideas.
This thinking has been sparked by two recent events. A recent commission from a software company required the creation of some digital art. The client found me via my website and they specifically liked my abstract/macro work - which has not been updated in years. My love for some of my old work grows stronger with time, other work I no longer care for; and think I could do much better. But this isn’t what other people see, and necessary think. Very much like a music band, they become famous when they create subjectively their best work. Their fans liked their first album, but the artist was to evolve and create new work. It’s not too dissimilar in photography, clients will ask you to ‘play the same old songs’ over.
What is old is new
A photograph that I took many years ago, if never published before, is a new photograph in the eyes of your viewers. That is why I have recently been going through my ‘archives’ and re-editing some classics. Luckily I shot in raw, even on my Canon 300D! Just because you look at your photos and see imperfections, or digital noise, or other technical imperfections, the chances are your client won’t see these. If it is a photograph of them, it is more than likely they are just looking at their facial expression to see if they like their smile.
Extreme close up of the bulb filament at my editing desk
Do as i say, not as i do
The second ‘event’ that sparked my interest for another personal project is teaching others about photography. I encourage my students to explore as many techniques and genres a possible, so that they have as many ‘methods’ of capturing a scene as possible, when the moment arises. This could be panoramas, zooming the lens in during an exposure, free lensing, split toning, second curtain flash, focal stacking, long exposures, infrared, off camera flash, exposure blending…the list goes on. Because I have had a camera in my hand for around 15 years now, I know what I like to shoot; and I know what I don’t like from trying it. I typically shoot landscapes, seascapes and architecture - all of these get me out of the house, and this is what I do best. But I enjoy shooting portraits, macro, stock imagery, light painting, abstract imagery, and I will be exploring more of this via personal projects.
Making some shapes with light tubes
This will of course depend upon whether you do photography for a living or if it is just a hobby (which can be taken way too far!). A lot of professional photographers use their personal projects to expand their portfolio, as it is rare to get an open brief from a client that gives you complete design freedom. If it is a personal project, you can shoot whatever you like, however you like!
Light painting with the Pixelstick
Rather than just having a few random images, ‘projects’ work better as a body of work. For example, I have previously worked on ‘the pencil project’ ‘the bubble project’ ‘the now and then project’ ‘The bokeh project’. These are collections of images that have a similar theme and work well in a blog, as part of a tutorial or could look good in a photography magazine (because the story and content could fill a couple of pages). I tend to release the images over a period of time, to give it maximum coverage and allow people to see the other images in the collection if they missed some.
Macro crystal
Crystal city - this image makes me think of conceptual futuristic cities
Basic motivation
I have a long list of things/places/subjects that I want to photograph, but I find that they are more likely to happen if you put a date in the diary. If this is a seascape then this may be based around the tide height/sunrise/season, if is it astro photography then the position of the Milky Way will dictate when you work on that project. Winter is on its way, so sunsets during the week are out. But there is potential to shoot the sunrise and still get to work on time. But the sun setting early opens up the opportunity to do some light painting, wire wool, fireworks, the Christmas decorations will be up in town soon.
Because of the constant piling up of ideas, work and editing - I never struggle to be motivated to create photographs. Find something that inspires you and run with it. Put something in the diary, now.
Inspiration
Whilst procrastinating I found myself staring at the crema in my coffee - I then I realised that it had photographic potential.
I tend to get my inspiration for personal projects from a variety of places. The inspiration for my bokeh project came about when I was staring at my Christmas tree after a few glasses of bubbly. The left hand side of my brain asked the right side ,”I wonder if it is possible to photograph the left side if the tree in focus and the right hand side out of focus with glorious bokeh-balls of light?” Commence the Bokeh project.
I also get ideas from other photographers on Facebook, Instagram, 500px, Youtube. I meet up with other photographers as often as I can, and try to visit new places to keep the creative juices flowing. You will be surprised where you will find inspiration for personal projects. You might be watching a 3D movie, staring at the chocolate melting on your cappuccino or carving a pumpkin. These are all things that I have done this weekend! Essentially expose yourself to new things all the time to stay creative.
Mesmerising bubble surfaces
Creative freedom
On this occasion I was given complete design freedom for the commercial client. I also collaborated with my friend John Rees White, as the light painting elements required two people and two heads are better than one. The ideas around the brief were light, colour, abstract, texture. Lots of loose concepts to explored. The images here are the photos that were not selected by the client, which are essentially updating my portfolio now.
The amazing structure of bubbles
Procrastination
Tell someone that you are going to work on a personal project. Tell another photographer, then you will have to do it before they steal your idea! But the important thing is to start, that is the hardest part. Once you get into it you will explore new ideas and you will be inspired to do more personal projects.
Good luck, and thanks for reading!
Ben
