KEY CONSIDERATIONS

The questions we should ask ourselves when starting a project

1 WHAT AM I INTERESTED IN?

Your project should be on a subject that interests you. Maybe you have a penchant for lighthouses, or classic cars, or a particular place or sport?

2 DO I WANT TO TRAVEL?

if your project is going to take you away from home you need to consider the cost and time implications – the more difficult and costly, the less likely you are to stick to it.

3 HOW LONG?

Do you prefer short-term projects or something longer term? The answer will depend partly on your temperament. if you get bored quickly, stick to short and sweet projects.

4 HOW MANY IMAGES?

set yourself a goal of producing a certain number of images – 10, 20, 50. The number doesn’t really matter, but don’t make it too big as you may never get there.

5 COLOUR OR BLACK AND WHITE?

The way you shoot will be influenced by whether the final images are going to be colour or black and white, so give it some thought before you get started.

6 WHERE SHOULD I START?

With any project it’s always a good idea to do some research before you start, especially if it’s going to involve travel – where to go, when, how to get there, etc.

7 HOW CAN I COME UP WITH IDEAS?

songwriters often scribble thoughts and ideas in notebooks that can become the basis of a lyric. You can do exactly the same with your images.

8 WHAT’S MY END GOAL FOR THE PROJECT?

if you have a website or use social media, they could be the answer. Also consider putting on an exhibition or self-publishing a book.

9 HOW DO I STAY INSPIRED?

Don’t set yourself a project that’s too easy, otherwise you’ll probably lose interest. stretch yourself creatively, in order to help yourself grow as a photographer.

10 WHAT NEXT?

Before you complete one project, start thinking about another one that can follow it, so you don’t end up with nothing to work on.