As a photographer, I always underestimated the power of ‘body of work’ and long term projects. However, through reading literature and engaging in photography courses, I am more than convinced that if I have to really grow as an artist, I must move beyond capturing isolated images and instead focus on curating a collection that tells a story or explores a concept over time. Speaking with artists who regularly showcase their work in esteemed galleries, I understood the importance of a unified ‘body of work’ centered around a specific theme or idea.
In the vast realm of photography, your personal projects serve as the heartbeat of creative expression and narrative exploration. They are the manifestations of your deepest passions, offering a canvas for unfettered imagination and emotional resonance. From iconic landscapes to intimate portraits, personal photography projects encapsulate the essence of your vision as an artist, shaping not only your craft but also your identity. While taking striking individual photos is essential, to tell a compelling story through a photography project, you’ll need to string together many images to create that narrative.
In this blog post, I have tried to delve into five reasons why you must pursue personal photography projects, hoping to inspire you with the transformative journeys of renowned photographers who have left an indelible mark on the art form. Through their lens, you can witness the power of personal projects to evoke empathy, provoke thought, and capture the ineffable beauty of the human experience. Furthermore, I have taken the liberty of providing links to my personal projects for your reference. I trust they will offer additional insight into my approach and commitment to the craft of photography.
I find the photographers who best become “discovered” are the ones who work on meaningful projects, that have a cohesive concept and theme, and publish it as a “body of work.”
– Eric Kim
1. Creative Exploration and Expression
Engaging in personal projects lets you dive deep into your creativity, expressing your distinct perspective without any client expectations or commercial pressures holding you back. It’s in this space of creative liberty that some of the most innovative and heartfelt work often blossoms.
Sally Mann’s project “Immediate Family” captured intimate and raw Creative Exploration and Expression of her own children, exploring themes of childhood, family dynamics, and the passage of time. Mann’s deeply personal approach resulted in photographs that resonated with audiences worldwide and established her as a renowned photographer.
After Sally Mann’s Memoir, a New Look at Her Most Famous Photographs
Nan Goldin’s “The Ballad of Sexual Dependency”, a deeply personal project documented her own life and the lives of her friends in New York City during the 1970s and 1980s. Through candid and intimate photographs, Goldin captured moments of love, loss, addiction, and resilience within the LGBTQ+ community, creating a raw and honest portrayal of urban life during that era.
Goldin continues to produce deeply personal work that explores themes of love, intimacy, and self-discovery. “Eden and After” is a visual diary chronicling Goldin’s life experiences, relationships, and struggles with addiction, offering an unfiltered glimpse into her inner world.
Nan Goldin by Stephen Westfall
Nan Goldin: ‘I wanted to get high from a really early age’
Immerse yourself in the vibrant streets of India through my street photography project, focusing on the resilient and culturally rich world of street vendors. Each frame captures the essence of urban life, revealing the ingenuity and spirit of these unsung heroes and narrating a story of everyday resilience and cultural vibrancy.
Explore “In the Shadows of Time,” my captivating photography series blending old Bombay with present-day Mumbai. Experience the city’s enduring legacy through vibrant snapshots of charming streets and timeless architectural treasures.
2. Skill Development and Growth
Personal projects are like playgrounds where you get to try out new tricks, hone your skills, and push your creative limits. It’s all about that journey of constant experimentation and growth, where you can really see yourself evolving and getting better at what you love to do.
Ansel Adams‘ lifelong project focused on capturing the beauty of the American West, particularly its landscapes and natural wonders. His meticulous attention to composition, lighting, and darkroom techniques not only produced iconic photographs but also elevated the standards of landscape photography as a whole.
“Cape Light”, Joel Meyerowitz’s project focused on the coastal town of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, capturing the interplay of light, color, and atmosphere in the region. Over several decades, Meyerowitz returned to Cape Cod to photograph its landscapes and inhabitants, producing a body of work that evokes a sense of tranquility and timelessness.
Alec Soth’s, “Sleeping by the Mississippi” and “Songbook” explore the complexities of American life and landscape. “Sleeping by the Mississippi” is a photographic journey along the Mississippi River, capturing the people, places, and moments encountered along its banks. “Songbook” delves into the culture of community gatherings, celebrations, and performances across America, offering a poignant reflection on the shared experiences that bind us together.
A Conversation With Alec Soth About Art and Doubt
Alec Soth’s Obsessive Ode to Image-Making
3. Meaningful Storytelling
Personal projects are your chance to share stories that truly matter to you, whether they’re about your own experiences, important issues close to your heart, or narratives that often go unnoticed. It’s all about digging deep, connecting with your subjects on a personal level, and capturing images that really strike a chord and get people talking.
Sebastião Salgado‘s project “Genesis” took him to remote corners of the world to document pristine landscapes, indigenous communities, and endangered species. Through his powerful photographs, Salgado aimed to raise awareness about environmental conservation and the importance of preserving our planet’s biodiversity.
Sebastião Salgado: ‘I was transformed into an environmentalist’
While Steve McCurry is renowned for his photojournalism, he also pursued personal projects that showcased his fascination with different cultures and landscapes. His iconic portrait “Afghan Girl” became emblematic of the plight of refugees worldwide. Additionally, his project “Monsoon” documented the dramatic effects of the monsoon season across South Asia, revealing the resilience of people living in the face of extreme weather conditions.
Rinko Kawauchi’s projects, “Ametsuchi” and “Halo” are characterized by their poetic and introspective approach to everyday moments and natural phenomena. “Ametsuchi” explores the intersection of nature, spirituality, and human existence in Japan, while “Halo” captures fleeting moments of beauty and wonder in the mundane details of life.
Embark on a monochromatic journey through Mumbai’s streets with my captivating black and white series. Each frame captures the city’s vibrant life, revealing stories in shades of contrast and emotion. Join me as we rediscover Mumbai’s soul in a new light.
Explore the raw essence of Bihar’s streets through my black and white series, from bustling markets to quiet alleyways. Join me in uncovering the candid moments that define the vibrant tapestry of Bihar’s spirit.
4. Building a Distinctive Portfolio
When you dive into personal projects, it’s like building your own artistic universe. You get to shape a body of work that’s uniquely you, showcasing your style, vision, and the themes you’re passionate about. And guess what? That portfolio of yours isn’t just a collection of photos—it’s a magnet for the kind of clients, exhibitions, and opportunities that resonate with your creative soul.
Dorothea Lange‘s project “Migrant Mother” captured the struggles of migrant workers during the Great Depression, portraying the resilience and dignity of the human spirit in the face of adversity. This iconic photograph not only became synonymous with Lange’s name but also became a symbol of empathy and social awareness.
How Dorothea Lange Defined the Role of the Modern Photojournalist
Mary Ellen Mark – “Falkland Road” and “Streetwise” delved into the lives of marginalized communities around the world. “Falkland Road” documented the lives of sex workers in Mumbai, India, while “Streetwise” portrayed homeless and troubled youth in Seattle, Washington. Through her compassionate and unflinching photography, Mark shed light on the struggles and resilience of these often overlooked populations.
Gregory Crewdson‘s meticulously staged photographs blur the lines between reality and fiction, often evoking a sense of eerie surrealism. “Beneath the Roses” presents cinematic tableaus of suburban life in America, while “Cathedral of the Pines” delves into themes of isolation, connection, and redemption within rural landscapes.
For Gregory Crewdson, Truth Lurks in the Landscape
Alone, in a Crowd, With
Gregory Crewdson
“Ultimately any photo project that you do isn’t
– Jason Eskenazi
really about the subject matter, it is about you –
and revealing yourself. If you don’t reveal anything
about yourself, you are boring everyone. It is a confession in some ways.”
5. Self-Exploration and Reflection
Personal projects become a bit like soul-searching journeys, giving you the space to dive into your own emotions, experiences, and views on the world. When you’re behind the lens, capturing moments, it’s not just about the photos—it’s about unraveling deeper insights into who you are and where you fit into this vast world.
Diane Arbus‘ project focused on capturing marginalized communities and individuals who existed on the fringes of society. By immersing herself in these unconventional environments, Arbus confronted her own biases and challenged societal norms, resulting in photographs that provoke introspection and dialogue about identity and acceptance.
Vivian Maier‘s personal project involved capturing everyday life on the streets of Chicago and New York City during the mid-20th century. Although her work remained largely unknown during her lifetime, her vast archive of street photographs was discovered posthumously and garnered widespread acclaim for its candid and empathetic portrayal of urban life.
Pieter Hugo‘s projects often confront societal norms and challenge perceptions of identity and belonging. “The Hyena and Other Men” documents the lives of itinerant performers who keep hyenas as pets in Nigeria, while “Kin” explores the complexities of family and community in post-apartheid South Africa, reflecting on themes of race, class, and cultural heritage.
‘I’m Finished When I Start Looking at the World in a Different Way’
A street photography project on finding dignity in decay, where discarded objects tell tales of resilience and repurposing.
Tips for Working on Projects
- Keeping distractions (gear, technicalities) aside and being truly present can help you create more meaningful projects.
- Adopt one camera-one lens approach.
- Keep the editing style consistent throughout the body of work. Don’t mix black and white and color photographs in the same project.
- Consider yourself a filmmaker, not just a photographer. This mindset shift is crucial because creating exceptional photography projects isn’t solely about capturing images; the editing, sequencing, and presentation hold equal significance. (Alec Soth)
- Don’t stop your project too soon. When Josef Koudelka worked on his “Gypsies” project, he traveled and lived with the Roma people for around ten years. “Think decades for your photography project, not years, months, or days.” (Eric Kim). Having said that, if a project no longer excites you, continue along a new path, instead of being chained to it.
- If you find working on projects daunting, shoot without a theme to begin with. Simply photograph what you like, and discover your “project” as you go. (Eric Kim)
Conclusion
Personal photography projects are not just about snapping pics—they’re about unlocking your creativity, refining your skills, and telling stories that really mean something. Take a peek at legends like Sally Mann or Ansel Adams—they’ve shown us how diving into personal projects can shape your portfolio into something truly special. From intimate portraits to epic landscapes, each project reflects a photographer’s unique perspective and passion for storytelling. And it’s not just the old-timers—today’s photographers are keeping the tradition alive, pushing boundaries and stirring up emotions with their diverse styles and themes. So, what are some cool photo projects you’ve been itching to try out but haven’t given it a shot yet? Let me know in the comments.
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More Projects
- “Gypsies” by Josef Koudelka
- “Subway” by Bruce Davidson
- “In the American West” by Richard Avedon
- “I-95” by Zoe Strauss
- “The Americans” by Robert Frank
- “On the Night Bus” by Nick Turpin
- “Humans of New York” by Brandon Stanton
- “In the Blink of an Eye” by Matt Stuart
- “Grit and Glamour” by Alan Schaller
- “London” by Nils Jorgensen
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