How to Find and Prepare for Your Next Personal Photography Project

So, you’re ready to start a personal project but aren’t sure where to begin. Maybe you’re stuck in a creative rut, or maybe you have so many ideas that you can’t choose just one. Whatever the case, getting a solid project idea doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s a guide to help you tap into your interests, identify meaningful themes, and set yourself up for success.

1. Reflect on Your Passions and Interests

The best personal projects often stem from things you’re genuinely curious about or passionate about. Think about the subjects that captivate you outside of photography. It could be music, history, people, or even a place you visit regularly. This is about finding something you’ll want to dive into, not just for the photos but for the experience itself.

Ask Yourself:

• What topics do I love to explore in my free time?
• Is there something I could photograph repeatedly without getting bored?
• What have I always wanted to learn more about?

Example: If you’re fascinated by urban architecture, consider a project documenting your city’s hidden architectural gems or the stories behind them.

2. Identify Skills You Want to Develop

Personal projects are the perfect playground to sharpen skills. Maybe you’ve been itching to experiment with low-light photography or want to learn more about capturing motion. By choosing a project that centers around a technique or skill, you’ll create an opportunity to practice consistently, without the stress of client expectations.

Ask Yourself:

• What technical skill am I looking to improve?
• Is there a photography style I admire that I haven’t tried?
• What type of shoot intimidates me (in a good way)?

Example: If you want to improve your portrait lighting, create a project around environmental portraits of people in their natural workspaces—this could range from chefs in kitchens to artists in studios.

3. Explore Themes That Resonate with You Emotionally

Photography is an expressive art, and personal projects are a chance to explore themes that have personal meaning. Think about events, people, or experiences that have had a significant impact on you. These types of projects often yield work that’s not only visually compelling but deeply meaningful to you—and to others.

Ask Yourself:

• What stories do I want to tell?
• Is there a social or personal issue I’d like to highlight?
• Do I have a unique perspective on something I’d like to share?

Example: If you’ve dealt with a specific life challenge, like moving to a new country, you could create a series capturing the lives of others in similar transitions, revealing shared experiences and differences.

4. Consider Practical Constraints

Sometimes the best projects are those that fit seamlessly into your daily routine. This doesn’t mean they can’t be ambitious, but keeping logistics in mind can make it easier to sustain the project. Look at your schedule, resources, and any limitations. If your time is limited, choose something close to home or something you can work on in short bursts.

Ask Yourself:

• How much time can I realistically dedicate to this project?
• Do I need special equipment, permits, or access to locations?
• Could I start with a smaller version of the idea?

Example: If you’re strapped for time, consider a “365 project” where you capture one small moment each day. These daily shots can lead to surprising, cohesive work by the end of the year.

5. Challenge Yourself to Step Outside Your Comfort Zone

The magic of personal projects often lies in trying something you wouldn’t typically do. This might mean experimenting with a new genre, shooting in a different environment, or even photographing people if you usually stick to landscapes. Personal projects are a low-risk way to try out new things, so take advantage of the freedom to fail and learn.

Ask Yourself:

• What types of projects scare me or feel uncomfortable?
• What’s one aspect of photography I avoid or think isn’t “my style”?
• How can I push my creative boundaries with this project?

Example: If you’re a product photographer, try your hand at street photography for a change of pace. You’ll develop a new skill set and could bring fresh ideas back to your usual work.

6. Think About the End Goal or Purpose

While the process of creating is important, it can help to know where you want the project to end up. Do you want to publish it online, turn it into a book, or even pitch it to a gallery? Knowing your end goal can shape your approach and help you stay motivated. Plus, having a clear direction for where you’ll showcase your work can lend the project extra significance.

Ask Yourself:

• Do I want this project to be seen by others, or is it just for me?
• Where could I share this project to maximize its impact?
• How will I feel once this project is complete?

Example: If your goal is to get published, consider themes that might resonate with specific publications or magazines. This can give your project a clearer direction and make it easier to edit and finalize.

7. Start Small but Stay Consistent

Once you’ve found an idea that excites you, don’t wait for perfect conditions. Start small and commit to working on it regularly. Whether it’s a single shoot per week or even one photo per day, consistent effort is what builds momentum. Many personal projects begin as something small and grow organically—so don’t pressure yourself to have everything mapped out from the start.

Practical Tip: Set a schedule, even if it’s flexible. Having dedicated time blocked off for your project each week can help you build a routine and maintain momentum.

Sharing a project as it develops can be a fantastic way to build engagement, but it depends on your goals and personal style. Let’s look at the benefits of each approach:

1. Building in Public (Sharing the Process)

This approach can be very engaging, especially on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, or even a personal blog. Here’s why it works:

• Connection: Sharing your progress invites your audience to take the journey with you. They get invested in the project’s story, and their support can be motivating.
• Feedback Loop: Early feedback can help you refine or pivot aspects of the project. You might gain insights or even ideas that push the project further.
• Building Anticipation: By showing behind-the-scenes or early-stage work, you’re building anticipation for the final product, creating a sense of “you won’t want to miss this!”

How to Do It: Share snapshots, concepts, or challenges you’re encountering, and add a bit of context. Talk about the “why” behind certain decisions or what you’re learning. This makes each post part of a broader story, not just a single image.

2. Saving for the Big Reveal (Sharing Only the Finished Project)

Keeping the project under wraps until it’s polished can have its own powerful impact:

• Strong First Impression: When you finally unveil it, the impact can be more cohesive and refined. This is especially effective if you want the final piece to make a big statement.
• Complete Control: You have full control over the narrative without external influence. This allows you to take creative risks privately and tweak things until they’re just right.
• More Versatile for Portfolio/Exhibits: If you’re aiming for portfolio or exhibition use, saving it for a polished release often ensures it aligns with your brand or aesthetic vision.

How to Do It: When you’re ready to reveal, launch it as a full project with a clear narrative or backstory. You can introduce it as a cohesive body of work and may even consider showcasing it as a series in a dedicated post, video, or blog entry.

Hybrid Approach

Many photographers find a hybrid approach effective. Share teasers or snippets of the process without giving too much away. This keeps interest alive but saves the main reveal for later.

Ultimately, it’s about what feels right for you and your audience. If you’re comfortable letting people see the journey, building in public can add a personal touch. If you prefer to create quietly, the reveal will have its own kind of impact. Either way, your story will connect!

Preparing for a personal project with a dedicated notebook or organized system can make a big difference in keeping things on track, especially with time and resources at stake. Here’s a practical way to set up a project notebook, covering both online and paper options, and key items to track.

1. Choosing Your Format: Online vs. Paper

Both online and paper formats have their strengths, so consider your workflow:

• Online (Digital): Tools like Notion, Evernote, or even a dedicated Google Doc or Sheets allow for easy access and flexibility. Digital notes are great if you want to incorporate multimedia, like quick photo uploads, reference images, or links. Plus, it’s easier to organize and rearrange sections as you go.

• Paper (Analog): A physical notebook adds a tactile experience, which can feel more personal and is easy to access without screens. If you like to sketch ideas, jot notes quickly, or stick in physical inspirations (like magazine clippings or fabric samples), a paper notebook is ideal.

Tip: Some photographers do a combination—paper for quick sketches or initial brainstorming, and digital for ongoing updates and tracking.

2. Key Sections to Include in Your Project Notebook

1. Project Overview & Vision

• Purpose: Write down your main goal for the project—what do you want to accomplish or communicate? Include your “why” here.
• Theme or Concept: Define the central theme. Include any initial thoughts, feelings, or ideas that sparked the project.
• Inspirations & Mood: Collect reference images, quotes, or color schemes that inspire you. If online, you could link to Pinterest boards, saved Instagram posts, or articles.

2. Resources & Budget

• Equipment Needed: List out gear, props, or tools you might need. Note any rentals or purchases you’ll need to plan for.
• Budget Tracking: Include a section to track costs, such as equipment rentals, travel expenses, or printing costs. Having a budget keeps you realistic and can help you plan for unexpected expenses.
• Time Investment: Estimate how much time each part of the project will take and build a rough schedule. This can help you balance the project with other commitments.

3. Planning & Logistics

• Location Scouting: For projects that involve specific settings, include location ideas, scouting notes, and any permit requirements.
• Scheduling & Timeline: A timeline helps keep the project manageable. Break down each phase (planning, shooting, editing, etc.), so you have a clear path forward.
• People & Collaborators: If you’re working with models, stylists, or other creatives, keep their contact info and schedule here. If you’re handling the project solo, still outline what tasks you’ll need to manage.

4. Concept Development

• Shot List or Storyboard: For more structured projects, create a shot list or storyboard. Even a rough list of must-have shots will help keep the sessions focused.
• Lighting & Setup Notes: This is great if you’re experimenting with new techniques. Record your setups, especially if you want to refine or replicate them.
• Styling or Props: If your project requires specific styling, sketch out or note details for outfits, props, or scenes.

5. Progress Journal

• Weekly or Session Notes: Track your thoughts and progress after each work session. Document what worked, what didn’t, and any ideas for improvement.
• Challenges & Solutions: Note any obstacles you encounter and how you overcome them. This becomes a helpful resource if you need to problem-solve later.
• Adjustments & Refinements: Personal projects are fluid, and ideas often evolve. Keep notes on any adjustments to the original concept as you go.

6. Marketing & Promotion Plan (Optional)

• Social Media Strategy: If you plan to share along the way, note down any specific shots or stories you want to highlight for social media.
• Launch & Publishing: If you’re saving the reveal for a single release, outline where and how you want to launch it. Consider platforms (Instagram, website, portfolio sites) and any relevant hashtags or tags.

7. Reflection & Takeaways

• Project Evaluation: Once the project is complete, jot down a summary of what you learned, what surprised you, and what you’d do differently.
• Next Steps: Sometimes a personal project evolves into something bigger. Note any follow-up ideas or ways to expand on this project.

Here are ten personal photography project ideas that can be completed within a month or two, each offering unique ways to explore different aspects of photography, storytelling, and creativity.

1. “Strangers in Their Element” Portrait Series

• Concept: Capture portraits of strangers in their everyday environments—baristas in coffee shops, musicians at local venues, shopkeepers in their stores.
• Goal: Practice environmental portraiture, connecting people’s personalities with their surroundings.
• Challenge: Approach people in public and capture them authentically.

2. “Color of the Day” Challenge

• Concept: Choose one color to focus on each day or week and photograph objects, scenes, or outfits in that color.
• Goal: Enhance your awareness of color theory and composition.
• Challenge: Try not to repeat subjects or locations, pushing yourself to find new elements each time.

3. Urban Minimalism

• Concept: Capture clean, minimalist images of architecture or urban landscapes, focusing on negative space and symmetry.
• Goal: Develop a minimalist aesthetic and experiment with shapes, lines, and patterns in urban settings.
• Challenge: Limit yourself to two or three colors and simple compositions for a cohesive look.

4. 365-Second Project (One-Second Videos for a Month)

• Concept: Record one-second video clips each day to create a 30-second montage at the end of the month.
• Goal: Build a short, daily ritual of capturing moments without overthinking, perfect for learning video storytelling.
• Challenge: Capture clips that tell a story, from sunrise to sunset, to create a meaningful sequence.

5. “Weather Diaries” Landscape Study

• Concept: Document the changing weather in your area, from sunny mornings to stormy evenings.
• Goal: Practice landscape and weather photography, highlighting how light and atmosphere transform familiar places.
• Challenge: Aim to shoot at the same location or angle each day for a sense of continuity and comparison.

6. Self-Portrait Series with a Twist

• Concept: Take a daily self-portrait but incorporate an element of disguise or props that alter the mood or character each time.
• Goal: Develop your creative self-portraiture skills and play with lighting, composition, and character building.
• Challenge: Avoid repeating ideas. Each portrait should feel like a new character or story.

7. Textures of Nature Macro Project

• Concept: Focus on photographing the intricate textures of natural elements like leaves, rocks, sand, bark, and water.
• Goal: Improve your macro photography skills and explore abstract compositions within nature.
• Challenge: Use natural light only and avoid post-processing for an organic look.

8. Street Reflections and Shadows

• Concept: Capture reflections and shadows in urban settings, like reflections in puddles, glass buildings, or shadows cast by trees.
• Goal: Develop a keen eye for composition, especially with unconventional elements like reflections and silhouettes.
• Challenge: Find reflections and shadows that form interesting shapes or highlight contrasts between light and dark.

9. “Faces of the Neighborhood” Documentary Project

• Concept: Capture portraits or candid shots of people in your neighborhood, from shop owners to neighbors walking their dogs.
• Goal: Build your documentary photography skills and create a visual story of a community.
• Challenge: Try to build rapport with each subject and tell a little about their story in each shot.

10. Abandoned Spaces or Forgotten Places

• Concept: Document abandoned buildings, deserted parks, or forgotten corners of your city to capture a sense of mystery or nostalgia.
• Goal: Work on creating atmosphere and mood within your shots, using light, composition, and post-processing.
• Challenge: Take time to capture these spaces thoughtfully and look for details that show their history or neglect.

Each of these ideas is designed to help you stretch your skills, try new techniques, and create a unique body of work that you can complete in a short timeframe. Whether you want to experiment with color, practice portraiture, or capture natural textures, these projects will keep you inspired and productive!