Another kind of photography project

Almost the only social media I really use these days is Substack notes (if “use” is relevant if you mostly read and rarely post – and if we include Glass and Foto as social media, then yes, I’m there too), and the other day I came across a photographer who threw out a question about what you’re struggling most with in photography right now. For me it’s still creativity and overthinking. I got the suggestion to take x number of photos every day and that they don’t have to be good. Perhaps then I’ll find what I like, help me see something new, and I’ll get back to taking photos regularly. I thought that was a good idea.

I also came across a wonderful post that triggered some thoughts about reclaiming the enjoyment in photography and that every photo doesn’t have to tell a story, or have a deeper meaning and purpose, in reality it’s ok to shoot just because there was that beautiful flower when I was out with the camera.

We all take photos for different reasons (and yes, it’s also fine to say “take” photos even if it’s a creative process) and even if some of my photos probably have a story, it’s usually not my purpose because I do photography because I like to capture moments, interesting places, events and objects, something beautiful, for the challenge of learning to use a camera and because it’s such a therapeutic, stress-relieving activity.

I’ve spent too much time overthinking photography, now let’s reclaim having fun with the camera.

After that conversation on Substack, I decided to commit to taking at least 5 photos every day. Of whatever subject, with whatever gear, and it doesn’t have to be perfect. The purpose is to just shoot what I like, explore different subjects and genres, train my photographic eye with no requirements, and use the camera more regularly. I’ll do this for a while and see what happens.

I kicked off with a mixed batch of photos, in and outside the house.

Here are some good photography-related articles you should read for inspiration:

Having fun as a photographer by Hanz
Dear Jaded photographer by Justin
Basically everything by Dee Rosa.

2 responses to “Another kind of photography project”

Anne

I have meant to comment on this post for over a month, now, and finally got back to it. I just love this – you probably knew I would! You can always share your daily photos with me. I never, ever take them, and the worst thing is that when I do take them, I am much more of a scenery photographer vs. a people photographer. So I rarely, if ever, document who is sharing the experience(s) or scenery with me. 🙁 I need to improve on that front – perhaps a mini-photography-related goal for me? 🙂 Anyway, thank you for sharing the daily photos. I love getting glimpses of your life.

Reply
1. Susanne
  
  I don’t particularly like photographing people either! I take much more photos of objects and details, even in street photography where I mostly want to capture “vibes” rather than particular people.
  I had fun with this project and mostly kept to it, except a few days in the beginning when I forgot about it. Then when the weather improved and I spent more time outdoors it was easy to keep taking photos every day and I’ll try to stay with the habit . Indoor photography will be more interesting now when I have a flash to play with.
  
  As for glimpses of life, there will be more of that. I’ve had a writing block lately and a lot of (over)thinking in terms of “what do I really want with my blog” etc (but not like in the past when I quit all the time) but I’ve overcome it and have lots of things I want to share and write about. Now I just need to make the time.
  
  Reply