Finding a project
Mike G
@mikegframelines2 Sep
Finding a project
For years I've wanted to find something to document as a long-term project, but nothing has ever really stuck. Admittedly, looking for it has fallen by the wayside at times due to life, so I've probably not researched as much as I could've etc. Right now I feel like it's something I really want to pursue, but I'm just not sure where to start. Does anyone have any advice or examples of projects they've done themselves that could help?
I have. I live on the coast just south of San Francisco. I didn’t know about it at first, but there’s a pier in my home town.
The first time I went to see the pier I was surprised by how far it went out into the ocean. There’s no cove or bay to protect it from the punishing storms of the Pacific Ocean, and yet it juts out a quarter of a mile. The pier isn’t a tourist destination, it’s a fishing location. It’s concrete and dirty. There’s a small building at the entrance of the pier with restrooms and a little coffee shop called, The Chit Chat Cafe.
The pier was a place I went when I was stressed out. It’s 21 feet wide, dirty and sometimes smells like bait. This was never a place you’d think of as a project.
My advice to you is to think about places you like to go, not for photos specifically, but because something draws you to it. Go there without a camera and really look at the place. Notice the subtleties and ask yourself what are the things that appeal to you that make you want to go there. If there’s more than one location, pick the one that’s the quickest and easiest to get to. Be patient because when you start really looking at the numerous subtleties with a photographer’s eye you will see things differently. The nuances in people’s interactions, especially those who frequent the area, as well as the changes that occur during various times of day and night, all begin to tell a much richer story than you get by going there every now and then.
Good luck! I would love to hear about your journey with your project!
That's really insightful and sounds like a great project, thanks Jonathan!
I’m glad to be helpful. I’m excited to see what you decide to try out.
I'd suggest looking at your archive of photos. There will be clues within the photos you've already taken. Any project needs to be something which will sustain your interest as a project is a longer term commitment so you'll need it to be continally stimulated. It's not good losing interest half way through and leaving it unfinished.