How to create your first photo project

Just as there are no rules for creativity, there should be no rules to creating your project from your point of view.

That is why I propose a series of important elements; a basic scheme you can follow. But you must be the one to incorporate what you think your project will need.

Sophie Calle. The sleepers.

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1. Starting point: Self-knowledge

Reflect on what type of photography you are doing or want to do, what you are trying to tell and where you direct your gaze.

Review your nooks, your music, your social environment, your hobbies and your friends. Everything that talks about you: Knowing yourself is essential to find the idea you want to explore. Make a mind map.

There are wide and diverse methods of self-knowledge. It’s a long road that lasts a lifetime. How about starting with Discover your photography identity: Folder B? Or if you want to explore yourself through photography you can continue reading.

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Cindy Sherman

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2. Get inspired.

The idea should excite you, move you, make you feel. It will emerge after your work of self-knowledge.

You will need to talk about what affects you deeply. It can be any subject: a dream, an emotion, travel, love, loss, links with places or people, memory, or social events: there is no end. It’s not easy to find the first idea; researching yourself helps a lot. The work of other artists will inspire you. Find those that dazzle you; look for those pieces of work that express an idea similar to yours. Take notes. Maximize your visaul culture, a fundamental source to carry out a photography project from knowledge.

If you can’t find that starting point don’t read on. Go back to the starting point.

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3. Research.

You already have the topic, the first idea. It’s time to learn as much as possible about it. You need to expand the information to the maximum to be consistent and effective with the work you are going to do. Look for pieces of work on similar topics to yours: in painting, literature, and photography. Evaluate their representations, reflect on the texts, and analyze them. It will be your theoretical framework, your source and your references, fundamentals in contemporary art.

Of course, put a cap on it and schedule it, because the investigation can be infinite. Evaluate if you already have enough information.

At this point, you may already be able to define and name your project. If you want to write it down: “My project tries to express…”, “My project represents…”.

Sergio Belinchón

4. Keep learning.

The photographic technique you know may be valid but to develop your project, don’t stay alone with what you know how to do. To take good photos you must not stop training, so dare to discover new techniques and make the most of them to enrich your project.

It’s not easy, it takes personal effort, intention and self-knowledge but you will never regret doing it.

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5. Look for resources.

Your project can and should be ambitious. It must represent what you have imagined in your head, therefore, don’t be afraid to mobilize all the resources you need: permits, clothing, a team, space, time. It’s not about economic resources. Our philosophy for this first project can be low cost. Count on your friends, family and photography lovers like you. They are sure to be happy to help you.

Who doesn’t want to embark on optimistic and creative projects?

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6. Execute and act.

An idea only exists when it’s performed. An idea that can’t find a place to run flies to another head. Take all the photos you need, don’t spare. Use the time you need for the full development of your work. There are one-day projects and others that last a lifetime. You choose.

Select the best pictures.

You will find photos that shine, that move you, that convey what you want. Select them. Others you will want to include for your memories and emotional bond at the time of making them, but assess if they tryly fit in your project or not. You are the one who must put the limits on content, number of photos or form of these.

.Prince Street Girls. Susan Meiselas

7. Value other opinions.

When we look at a photo of ourselves, we value the work, the moment of the shot and the people. The image may lose the objectivity that our project needs. You need objective information, from someone outside the work done, if possible, related to photography and to give you a sincere opinion.

But be careful! It’s an opinion. The point of view of others may be different from yours. In the end, the decision is yours.

8. Finish and present your project.

What is not shown does not exist. Choose the best publishing professionals and look for spaces where you can show your project calls and scholarships where it can be valued. Don’t spare, present your work as it deserves. If your project is real and born from your authenticity, it will be a great project.

In the end, take a risk. don’t put limits. Use your intuition and all your personal resources. You are going to contribute something new, personal and unique, but above all, you are going to enjoy it.

Thanks for being here.