Developing Photography Projects

[boomguy57]

I wrote a piece for one of our site sponsors (Japan Camera Hunter!) and was wondering if I could get some feedback here from you all. I didn't get much on the JCH site, so I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Developing Photography Projects (or you can read it on my blog here)

(In case you're interested, you can read the first part here.)

I don't claim to be an expert, but rather wanted to put down some of my thoughts--and some that I wish I had read when I was starting projects. I'm not trained as an artist at all, so this is all things I've learned along the way (and I'm sure I have a ways to go).

Cheers,

Trevor

 

[boomguy57]

...anyone?

 

[Bob Michaels]

I read part 1 when you did it and just read part 2. I pretty much only shoot projects which tend to run from 6 months to several years in time length. It is typical that one project evolve into another. For example my work over the last few years in Cuba is a direct evolution of my work in South Apopka. It is only a different country but the theme and cultural aspects continue.

I find too many people approach this as being all about photography and the photos. They miss the point that it is really about the subject and you communicating about the subject to others. Photography is only the communications medium that we choose to use. Loving photography will not get you there. You need to love the subject and want to share that.

 

[boomguy57]

I read part 1 when you did it and just read part 2. I pretty much only shoot projects which tend to run from 6 months to several years in time length. It is typical that one project evolve into another. For example my work over the last few years in Cuba is a direct evolution of my work in South Apopka. It is only a different country but the theme and cultural aspects continue.

I find too many people approach this as being all about photography and the photos. They miss the point that it is really about the subject and you communicating about the subject to others. Photography is only the communications medium that we choose to use. Loving photography will not get you there. You need to love the subject and want to share that.

That's interesting that you introduced a different way to conceptualize projects, and maybe something I should have touched on. Thanks for the feedback.

 

[Damaso]

It seem like solid enough advice though I think you fail to follow it yourself, at least in the St. Paul's project. You could have edited it much tighter. As well the piece seems to lack any intimacy with the exception of a few images it seems like a project about the structure rather than the life of the people in it, something I find that seems to be en vogue but frustrating to me on a personal level...

I get feel a lack of closeness both in terms of distance and in terms of intimacy.

But I think that your piece does outline well the process of starting and shooting a project.

 

[boomguy57]

It seem like solid enough advice though I think you fail to follow it yourself, at least in the St. Paul's project. You could have edited it much tighter. As well the piece seems to lack any intimacy with the exception of a few images it seems like a project about the structure rather than the life of the people in it, something I find that seems to be en vogue but frustrating to me on a personal level...

I get feel a lack of closeness both in terms of distance and in terms of intimacy.

But I think that your piece does outline well the process of starting and shooting a project.

That's what I'm talking about, in terms of feedback. Like I said, I have to training with this, so I'm learning as I go. I appreciate your honest opinion.

 

[Damaso]

That's what I'm talking about, in terms of feedback. Like I said, I have to training with this, so I'm learning as I go. I appreciate your honest opinion.

You're welcome!