8 Tips for a Successful Photography Project

It’s that time of year again where we reflect on the past 365 days and how we want to do things differently for the next 365. Remember in the early days of January 2023 where you committed to a year-long photography project, and you went in full speed ahead? Only to lose steam somewhere in the middle…or maybe way, way sooner than the middle? Like maybe you only made it a month? I have 8 Tips for a Successful Photography Project that will make your next project a breeze!

Ah, the noble quest of embarking on a year-long photography project! It’s like signing up for a marathon with your camera instead of running shoes. No worries, I’ve got your back! Hi, I’m Angie, and I have multiple year-long photography projects (p52s, to be specific, which is a photo project where you take a picture a week) under my belt. I’m here to tell you that you, too, can make it past that halfway point (or month?) all the way to the finish line.

How, you ask? I have some tips to ensure you don’t end up trading your camera for a nap halfway through. Here we go…you ready?

1. Mix it Up

Don’t be the one-trick pony of photography. Mix it up! Take pictures of everything from pretty landscapes to the assortment of mismatched socks in your laundry basket. This will ensure you don’t get bored or run out of material. Plus, you’ll push yourself out of your comfort zone. Since photography projects are rooted in the desire to learn and grow, trying new things is a step in the right direction.

2. Theme it Up

It’s easier to stay on track if you have some sort of game plan. Themes help with this. Whether you join a community project where the themes are spelled out for you, or you create your own, shooting with intention will take you quite far in your endeavor.

3. Join Forces

Team up with fellow photographers. You know what they say, misery loves company. The participants in my p52 often grumble over the themes that are challenging them or they’re struggling with (ahem, November’s Room by Room, for example). On the flipside, though, they’re also inspiring, encouraging, and cheering each other on.

It’s harder to throw in the towel and quit when you have others right there in the trenches with you. I can’t emphasize this enough.

If you’re looking for a community project to join, I recommend with the utmost bias my own p52—52 Clicks—which starts up again in the new year. You can sign up now and visit with the people who are about to become your photography besties.

4. Time Management Magic

Don’t let photography take over your life like an invasive species. If you burn out too quickly, then you’ll surely fail. Shoot ahead for themes when you can and allow yourself to fall behind when needed. If you need to play catch up or even skip a week (or several?), that is completely okay. Jumping back in when life is easier is better than completely throwing in the towel.

5. Learn as you Snap

Use this time to upgrade your skills. Take an online course, read a photography book, or learn a new editing technique. The whole point of this is to grow, grow, grow. You’ll be surprised at just how much you grow at the end of the year. I see so much growth in the participants of my current p52 and it makes me smile like a proud mama bear.

6. Review & Reflect

Periodically look back at your work. Celebrate your victories and laugh at your less-than-stellar attempts. Remember, it’s a journey, not a destination. Also, laughter is great for the soul, especially when directed at your own questionable compositions.

You’ll learn at some point (maybe several?) that not every single picture is going to be a winner. You will have some duds. Studying our own work is a great way to learn, and you guessed it, grow!

7. Play with Editing

Experiment with different editing styles. Turn a mundane photo into a work of art by adding dramatic overlays or testing out Photoshop’s AI capabilities. It can’t be overstated how powerful a little bit of this (brushes) or that (color changing) can go a long way. Finding your editing style is important, but you can’t find it without experimenting!

8. Don’t Take it too Seriously

Remember, it’s just photography, not brain surgery. Have fun with it! If you find yourself stressing too much, take a break. The world won’t end if you miss a week or two. Your sanity is more important than that perfect shot of a pigeon eating a french fry (although, I mean, that would be pretty perfect for a food theme).

So, dear photographer, go forth with your camera and a twinkle in your eye. May your subjects be cooperative, your lighting be perfect, and your sense of humor never run dry! Happy snapping!

P.S. I’d love to reiterate tip #3 – ensure your project’s success by joining forces—you know, with my fellow 52 Clicks participants!

Join the 2024 52 Clicks Project today!

For more inspiration, follow Angie on Instagram!