Starting a personal photography project is a great way to document everyday life, especially when you have small children. Day-to-day, I feel like my life is relatively routine and uneventful. And yet, looking back to last January, I can hardly believe how different my world is! This time last year, Ellie was a teeny tiny baby who ate every three hours and barely ever slept. Today, she’s a busy toddler who gets into all the trouble! Starting a personal photography project is an amazing way to help you remember your crazy, wonderful year and celebrate what’s most important to you!
Five Steps for Starting a Personal Photography Project:
Step 1: Pick a Theme
One way to stay focused on your photography project is to pick a theme. To pick a theme, I find it helpful to answer a list of simple questions including:
- What inspires or moves you?
- What’s most important in your life?
- What makes you happy?
I am most inspired by other film photographers and artists who find a way to make the everyday look beautiful. The most important thing in my life is my family. Specifically, my husband and my children. The things that make me most happy are: bright sunshine, date nights with my husband, exploring my city, strong cocktails, vintage cameras and bright colours.
With all of this in mind, I know my personal project for next year will involve shooting film, taking photos of my children and finding a way to incorporate lots of colour and joy.
Set 2: Pick a Duration
How much time do you want to devote to your personal project? One popular project is the 365 project, which involves taking a photo every single day for a year. A less involved a approach is project 52, which involves taking once a week. The world is your oyster here, you could choose to document a specific month, or even season. Over the past few years, 100 days of summer has been a popular project theme for moms with cameras.
I find the 365 format difficult to stick to. There are somedays where life is crazy and things just get away from me. This year, I am leaning more towards the 52 format and setting weekly photography goal.
Step 3: Pick a Medium
You don’t have to be a professional photographer to take on a project like this! The year Luca was born, I completed a project 365, which involved documenting his first year, with my iPhone. This was the first personal project I completed. Did you buy a DSLR when your baby was born? Maybe this project is the perfect opportunity to learn about your new fancy camera! Getting ready to go back to work after a year of maternity leave? With things getting busier, maybe your cell phone is the perfect tool for the job. Are you obsessed with film (this might just be me)! Pick-up a new vintage camera and learn how to use it to its full potential!
Step 4: Find a Way to Share
One of the best way to stay motivated and engaged is to share your photography project with others. Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook are a great way to share your photos. Your family and friends will love seeing what’s going on in your life and cheering you on throughout the project!
Step 5: Print Your Photos!!
If you take this project on, promise me one thing… you will print your photos! Last month, I wrote an entire post easy ways to print your photographs. Click here for stylish and easy ways to print your pictures!
Starting a personal photography project doesn’t have to be complicated or daunting. Taking a few minutes to plan out a project is one of the best ways to become your family’s historian and ensure your kids have photographs from their childhood! If you are starting a personal photography project this year, I would love to hear about it!
Leave me a comment below and tell me all about your plans!