Monday
Jun082009
Am I Missing Something By Not Doing Projects?
Monday, June 8, 2009 at 11:13PM
In Episode 65 of Paul Giguere's excellent "Thoughts On Photography" Podcast, Paul interviews Victoria Ryan, a photographer who's had success with her Fine Art images over the last 30 years.
The interview is interesting enough, but near the end Paul and Victoria have a great discussion about the merits of using projects to focus and drive your work forward. Paul argues that Photographers could be missing out if they simply go out to try and capture great random shots (although it worked fine for HCB), and that if you're not to become stale and disillusioned, projects can be a great way to keep your art fresh and sharp.
I think I agree. I'm a bit of a random shooter, and when I try to imagine a show of my photographs, I see it as a rather eclectic collection of different shots, with little in common between the images. Earlier in the year I started the "Where I Live Assignment" in our Flickr group, so over the next few weeks I'm going to think about, and shoot, some more photo's for that. I'm also going to start on one of my goals for 2009 - take a shot of every Church in Gosport.
Should make a change from all the Spinnaker Tower and beach shots I've been taking recently....
Thanks, Rob.
The interview is interesting enough, but near the end Paul and Victoria have a great discussion about the merits of using projects to focus and drive your work forward. Paul argues that Photographers could be missing out if they simply go out to try and capture great random shots (although it worked fine for HCB), and that if you're not to become stale and disillusioned, projects can be a great way to keep your art fresh and sharp.
I think I agree. I'm a bit of a random shooter, and when I try to imagine a show of my photographs, I see it as a rather eclectic collection of different shots, with little in common between the images. Earlier in the year I started the "Where I Live Assignment" in our Flickr group, so over the next few weeks I'm going to think about, and shoot, some more photo's for that. I'm also going to start on one of my goals for 2009 - take a shot of every Church in Gosport.
Should make a change from all the Spinnaker Tower and beach shots I've been taking recently....
Thanks, Rob.
Reader Comments (2)
Hiya Rob,
Missed this one earlier, that's why I like returning to your site and peruse back across posts.
Photographic projects is a common method used by many a photographer to help you stimulate yourself. Gives you a hook, something to concentrate on for a while and often gets your creative juices back and flowing after a period of stagnation. I'm still intending on looking back at your "where I live" idea as it gave me quite a kick to rephotograph my home area with a new look at it all. The one I like is a long project that can revolve around your normal work and fit in whenever you want - I used to look out for the number 12, door numbers, bus numbers, page numbers, number of ducks on a pond, pretty much anything! It didn't interfere with any of your usual photography routines and just stuck in your head and was quite fun to do without concentrating on it too much.
As far as your Spinnaker shots I'd just like to see some closer ones, maybe shot looking up the tower or even from the tower. It could land up as one of the mentioned projects ideas? You never know.
All the Best,
Victor
Hi Victor,
Looking at some of my photographs I guess quite a few are on a theme, that could be worthy of a project. I do love the Tower, but the problem is that I'm scared of heights. I get ill just looking up at the thing!
Cheers, Rob.