The importance of personal projects

[Colin Corneau]

Folks
Hope this doesn't step on any toes, to post this link. I thought it contained information which may be useful to my fellow Ape Huggers...if it contravenes anything, no hard feelings.

I wrote a short article on the importance of personal projects -- things we do for ourselves and to renew our creative spark.

Would love to hear what you think, and even better your own ideas and strategies for the topic.

http://www.japancamerahunter.com/2012/02/personal-projects-by-colin-corneau/

 

[jp498]

I've got a couple ongoing personal projects too. Nearby places and themes I'm always interested in photographing. Challenging goals, lots of variables, and no deadline.

Not only does it kindle creativity, it builds perseverance and patience, knowing full well you'll either get nothing worthwhile or will be surprised with a wonderful gift, if you're ready.

I know a couple other photographers who go for regular (rote) walks, such as to walk their dog, and come back with wonderful different photos all the time.

 

[CGW]

I've been shooting "cruise nites" around the Toronto GTA for the past three summers--large to huge weekly tribal meetings of street rod, muscle car, low rider, and custom owners and their cars. Whole car shots are near-impossible, so the emphasis shifts to the anatomical--sheet metal curves, bizarre chrome grills, head/tail light design, jewel-like paint, engines, interiors. It's a true sub-culture. I shoot mainly Kodak E100GX, TMY-2, and Reala--all in 120. Despite its weight, the Mamiya RB67 ProS is near-perfect for its close-focus powers and its appeal to these lovers vintage machinery. This summer will be the last instalment as traditional lab services are fast drying up in my area.

 

[ChristopherCoy]

Nice article Collin.

In my small, local group of photographer friends, we have all been discussing the lack of creativity we experience this time of year. Business slows down, the weather isn't always that nice, and as a result we aren't getting out much.

 

[CuS]

i'm trying to rationalize my GAS with a project - a shot every day but every week a new film camera is used - now into week 8

 

[dpurdy]

Personal projects is a commercial photographer's concept. You spend most of your life photographing for clients approval but you need to find time to work on personal projects. If you are an amatuer or art photographer the idea of personal projects vs other projects is silly, illogical. All your photography should be personal.
Dennis

 

[zsas]

Inspirational, thank you!

 

[jp498]

Personal projects is a commercial photographer's concept. You spend most of your life photographing for clients approval but you need to find time to work on personal projects. If you are an amatuer or art photographer the idea of personal projects vs other projects is silly, illogical. All your photography should be personal.
Dennis

As an amateur/art photographer, but I consider personal project completely logical. Perhaps it's because I'm project oriented and interested in bettering my photography with some occasional mental focus. I'm more driven and motivated than some of the stereotypes, and projects are a way to assign priorities of money and time, just like in work or community service.

I'm not the type to see something, oooh pretty, I'm they guy with the camera, so let's burn some film on something random and see if I get better results... I have a short list of ongoing photo projects. If I see things with my eyes and mind that will contribute positively to one of those projects, I'll invest some time and film (or CF cards). Two projects could happen anywhere I'm apt to be; family photos and Maine winter. Other projects require revisiting a unique place (a collection of abstracts of a local manmade landmark) for changing and better subject matter. The car show example is another. Yeh, I shoot things aside from the projects I have, but I'll give projects first consideration most of the time.

 

[Leigh Youdale]

Personal projects is a commercial photographer's concept. You spend most of your life photographing for clients approval but you need to find time to work on personal projects. If you are an amatuer or art photographer the idea of personal projects vs other projects is silly, illogical. All your photography should be personal.
Dennis

That may be your view but it's certainly not mine and your absolutism and implied put-down of people who do choose to work that way is silly and illogical.
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