I think I need a project

I'm trying to motivate myself to get back into photography lately. During the spring, I suffer from allergies from the pollen and grass seeds, so it makes it hard to get out and do some photography.

I think I need a project to help stimulate myself though. What projects do people give to themselves? How do you motivate yourself?

Cheers,
Dan

Self portraits...have fun with that and loved ones that are geographically separated from you will enjoy it too.

Family portraits if they are cooperative and patient. If not, pets make great models too.


Explore how photogenic your car is. Location shoots, if it's not a sports car, treat it like it is one and shoot it as such (Tilted horizon, low perspectives, alleys, tires turned).
I find it to be a blast taking my Volvo stationwagon out and shooting it like it's a sports car
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mistayuck/2967767115/" title="Power Boost 2 by Mista Yuck, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3146/2967767115_f0598e9734.jpg" width="500" height="393" alt="Power Boost 2" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mistayuck/2357440454/" title="Sound Investment by Mista Yuck, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2318/2357440454_f384d608d9.jpg" width="500" height="313" alt="Sound Investment" /></a>

I have lots of projects in mind and have had for a few years now.
So I can think of projects but motivation is another thing.
The one I really need to start on is Our Town's Doors. Its a small town and I think I can get just about every door in the business area plus a few others.

I have lots of projects in mind. To keep myself motivated I have several cameras I use. I will shoot with one for awhile and switch to another. Just take pictures of what you like and the projects or a series will take care of themselves.

Dan, try taking shots of subjects you don't normally take, I've done it lately in the area of nature and landscapes, tried also pano's, it's been fun and motivating me to do more of it. I've been throwing in a bit of architecture as well (though you do a bit of that already) and then there is always windows re: project forum on "windows". Good luck, S

I use photo books to give me ideas of projects to do, especially some of the learner style books which tend to based around themes,

Tom Ang,
John Hedgecoe...

Roger

Try some new things just outside of your comfort zone. Perhaps help out a local school with some photos for their yearbook, a sporting event, or some PR images.

I've done many of those for different schools and volunteer organizations and it is a great way to learn new aspects of photography as well as "networking". Quite a fun way to challenge yourself.

I've also taken up bird photography recently and have been quite obsessed with it for the last 2 years.

Thanks for all the idea's guys. I'll endeavour to get off my rear end in the next week or two and see what I can come up with. I do have one or two places I can head off to, I'll see what I can come up with.

Cheers,
Dan.

30 days 30 pictures 30 places one thing in all the shots.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by danic

I'm trying to motivate myself to get back into photography lately. During the spring, I suffer from allergies from the pollen and grass seeds, so it makes it hard to get out and do some photography.

I think I need a project to help stimulate myself though. What projects do people give to themselves? How do you motivate yourself?

Cheers,
Dan

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Dan,

I recall someone being in the same situation - needing an incentive to get out after a "lull" in shooting. He chose to begin shooting interesting and not-so-interesting subjects around his home town. He said at first he thought it would be boring since he lived there for so long. However, after a few days he said he began to see things in his home town that he never noticed. He also tried focusing at different angles, with different lenses. He used some of the people as subjects and began to get to know some people he never met before.

Another person did his "hometown" which was more urban. He definitely had a lot to choose from and went from graffiti to mansions and enjoyed it immensely.

Just a couple of thoughts.

Liz

Well, I don't have any project ideas, but I can suggest a book. Freeman Patterson, "Photographing the World Around You." It includes simple little assignments that will help you get rolling again. I thought it was pretty interesting and definitely worth reading. In fact, I should probably read it again.

From the Preface...
"This book is a workshop between covers. It's about learning to see and about using your camera to record and interpret what you see wherever you are. It's about exploring what's around you every day of your life."

Paul

Some good idea's. I'm taking the plunge, I'm shooting this afternoon! I'm off to a local school and do a re-shoot on some shots that didn't turn out right. Then off to the Cemetary. Hopefully I'll have something to show for my effort :)