Photography Unscripted: How Personal Projects Elevate Your Art and Business
Shoot more, suck less. It's not just a mantra, it is a way of creative life!
When was the last time you picked up your camera just for the sheer joy of it?
I mean, without a client breathing down your neck and without the constraints of a deadline.
Can't remember?
Well, that needs to change.
Here's why.
Personal projects are the secret, magic ingredient that can spice up your professional journey.
When you're always behind the lens for someone else, you're shooting their vision, their story.
But what about yours?
Your vision and your stories are in the personal projects you create
Imagine a playground where the rules are yours, the subjects are yours, the creativity is purely yours. That's what personal projects are.
They're the canvas for your unadulterated imagination. It's where you get to play, experiment, make mistakes, and grow.
It's your lab, your studio, your stage.
The power of personal projects isn't just confined to you.
They extend to your professional realm as well.
How?
Think about your portfolio.
It's the first interaction potential clients have with your work. When they see your personal projects, they're not just seeing your skills but also your passion, your creativity, and your unique perspective.
And when you share these projects, you're sharing a piece of yourself.
And you'd be surprised how many clients, collaborators, and like-minded peers resonate with that authenticity.
You've created a magnetic force that attracts opportunities, growth, and connections.
How much time should you invest in personal projects?
Well, there's no one-size-fits-all answer here.
You could dedicate a couple of hours a week, or maybe one day a month.
The point is not to clock in a specific number of hours but to maintain a consistent rhythm, a steady connection between your professional commitments and personal explorations.
The goal here is not to add more to your plate, but to add more to your soul, your self-esteem, and your portfolio.
Keep these points in mind:
1. The Art of Mastery
Photography is a craft.
And what does a craft require?
Mastery.
And where does mastery come from?
Practice.
Self-assigned projects provide you with an invaluable opportunity to practice without pressure.
2. Unleash Your Creativity
Photographers are not simply content providers.
You're an artist. A creative entity.
Client work, as necessary as it is, can sometimes become a cage for your creativity.
Personal projects are the key.
Experiment, explore, make mistakes, and learn.
3. Rekindling the Passion
Even the most ardent love can fade in the face of monotony.
Photography is no different.
Shooting on a theme or subject that truly speaks to you can reignite the passion that sparked your journey into photography.
It's not simply the work; it's freaking therapy.
4. Showcase Your Brilliance
What do clients see in your portfolio?
Your skills?
Absolutely.
But what about your vision, your unique perception of the world?
Personal projects can be that window.
They demonstrate your ability to conceptualize and execute projects solely based on your creative vision.
5. Expand Your Network
When you share your personal work, you broadcast your voice to the world.
And you'd be surprised who may be listening.
Potential clients, future collaborators, mentors, or just peers who resonate with your work
While you are creating art; you're also creating connections.
6. Personal Growth
Personal projects can be your most profound teachers.
They challenge you, push you, and mold you into a better artist and a better individual.
Stop waiting for the phone to ring to make photographs.
Embrace freedom.
Embrace creativity.
Once you spend all that time making personal work, there must be a way to monetize that stuff, right?
Yep.
1. Sell Prints: If your personal projects capture unique, compelling, and high-quality images, consider selling prints. You can sell directly from your website or through online platforms dedicated to selling art prints. Offering various sizes and framing options can cater to a wider audience and potentially increase sales.
2. Host Exhibitions: A physical or virtual exhibition can not only put your work in front of a wider audience but also potentially generate income. Charge an entry fee or sell prints directly at the exhibition. It's also a fantastic opportunity to network with potential clients and collaborators.
3. Photography Books or Zines: If your personal project revolves around a specific theme or story, compiling the images into a photography book or zine can be a profitable venture. These can be sold online or at local bookstores, art fairs, or even during exhibitions.
4. Stock Photography: Stock photography sites are always in need of high-quality, unique images. By submitting your personal project photos to these platforms, you can earn royalties every time someone downloads your image. Just make sure you retain the rights to your work!
5. Workshops and Webinars: Use your personal projects as teaching tools. Conduct workshops or webinars where you guide aspiring photographers through the process of conceptualizing, executing, and editing a personal project. This not only generates income but also helps establish your brand in the industry.
So there you have it, my take on why you should all be doing a personal project or two.
Maybe you work on a project that could take years or something that could take a weekend or two.
I can’t make that call; after all, it’s your project.
PREMIUM MEMBERSHIP PERKS
You know, there’s a premium membership offered here. Here’s what we discussed in the premium membership posts:
A script template for making very specific offers to clients that meet all of their expectations before they ask them. Powerful stuff.
Scripts and ideas for pitching clients to sign up on a subscription model
Five frustrating truths about what is holding your photography back.
How to establish value-priced pricing. This is the future of visual businesses.
And all of that in the last couple of weeks.
It’s like having a workshop in your email box showing you how to make better photographs, do better business, and make more money.
Think about a paid subscription. It also comes with access to your own Project 52 Pro System assignments.
And access to my newest book and a free workshop.
Big news on the workshop front.
Thirty-Day Portfolio Slam where you conceive, produce, and shoot a full portfolio within a month. This is one of my more popular classes. It won’t be offered again until next spring.
And The Creative Class is ready for early bird pre-enrollment with a bunch of goodies.
ONE-ON-ONE MENTORING:
Ten reasons to choose a personal and professional mentor.
To receive personalized guidance and feedback on their work.
To gain insight into the industry and build connections.
To receive support and encouragement in their creative journey.
To learn new techniques and skills from an experienced professional.
To benefit from the mentor's experience and expertise.
To receive advice on pricing and marketing their work.
To gain a fresh perspective on their work and creative process.
To receive support and motivation to stay focused and overcome creative blocks.
To develop a professional network and build relationships with other artists and industry professionals.
To receive constructive criticism and advice on their career trajectory.
And all of this is created specifically for you, the individual artist.
See ya’ll next time.
(photos from Death to Stock)
I love this. In an ideal world, the personal work and the assignment work overlaps, but that’s easier said than done. It all goes back to shoot what you love, and in my experience when you neglect it, there becomes less that you love to shoot.