Is a new photography project on your bucket list for this year? It can be overwhelming to figure out where or how to start. The case is true whether you’re planning to do it for the first time or the first time in a long time. To help fellow photographers who may be struggling, Kyle McDougall shares his approaches to two of his current long-term projects in the quick video above.
According to McDougall, both projects started out as very loose ideas, but a few things helped him find direction. First is to give yourself a development phase, where you explore your ideas and make work around them without any expectations or pressure. This way, you’re giving it room to become the project that it needs to be.
Next is to do ample research to help you narrow down a wider idea and understand your subject better. It may also help you uncover some interesting details that you may otherwise miss. Likewise, your research may change the way you look at your subjects and help uncover other angles to explore your subject with.
Finally, aside from shooting, scouting and planning also take a big chunk out of any photography project. McDougall suggested doing this on your first to second day on location if you’re going to travel a lot for your project. As with research, it’s this leg work that often opens you up to the spots to photograph as you gain a better understanding of the location — including its people, history, and culture.
Got anything to add? Do share your photography project tips with us in the comments below!
