How an idea for a photography project becomes a reality
Birth of a New Project – how this one came about
At the Barbican in London last week for another photo visit. I started off the day with my 24mm prime and it stayed on the camera nearly all day. I was well and truly into “street” mode, which for me is not normal. As the morning progressed, at the back of my mind the notion of a project was evolving. By the end of the morning the notion had become a reality; all around me were opportunities to capture images that would fit my project concept. I could see how it might work in a broader sense. I could imagine coming across the subject matter pretty much anywhere, certainly in an urban environment.This is how projects often start, for me.
Birth of a New Project – so, what’s the idea?
Simply, the idea for this project is image compositions with a physical line, including a person or people, coherent with a title that includes the word “line”. The person or people interact or fail to interact with the line, as is appropriate to the title. The title itself is a recognised phrase using the word “line” in a general rather than concrete sense. For example, “crossing the line” , or “offline” fit the remit, whereas “washing-line” or “fishing line” do not. Black and White or Colour. I had nine images from the Barbican that convinced me that there was merit in the idea. And I realised that there are images from my back catalogue that definitely fit the remit, though that isn’t the point; it’s about new work.
Birth of a New Project – what next?
The beauty of a project like this is that the subject matter is scattered randomly everywhere. I won’t be going on an outing specifically to shoot for this project. Instead, as I am out and about I will just have this idea at the back of my mind and grab the opportunities when they present themselves. This way I will build up my project gallery bit by bit over a period of time and get a lot of enjoyment along the way. Having this as a project will make me see subjects and compositions that might have otherwise gone unnoticed. My “line project” antennae will be scanning and quite possibly spot a photo opportunity that would have otherwise been missed.
Over the Line?
Birth of a New Project – ten things to consider when contemplating a new project
- The idea for a project can come anywhere at any time – be receptive, keep notes
- A project should fire your imagination and give you a sense of purpose
- Discuss your project idea with others – they may have insights that will help you get the most out of your idea
- Flesh out the idea of your project so you know the boundaries, connections, depth you want to go
- Projects can be short, medium or long term – your choice
- A project outside your normal genre will broaden your photography development, and stretch your limits
- A project will help you maintain or even re-kindle your photographic motivation
- Your project is for you – if you like the concept, that is all that matters
- Be realistic about your project goals; time, access, capabilities, gear, all come into it
- Most important, you have to get started before you can finish!
Birth of a New Project – the final word
When I got home from the Barbican, I brain stormed possible “line” phrases and came up with 38 of them. Some will almost take themselves, like “online“; others will be more of a challenge like “toeing the line“. It would satisfy my sense of order to have a nice, round, 50 phrases to go at; we will see. It’s early days for a new project gallery, but watch this space. Below are images on the theme of ” __ line” from last week in and around The Barbican. And I forgot to mention the name of this project: “On Line”.
Mike Hawkridge Photography 
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