Creative blocks are NOT the bees knees

[justiceischeap]

So, for the last 3 months or so, I've been trying really hard--maybe too hard--to come up with a long-term photo project and I'm having a heck of a time with it. I don't want to do the standard 365 project or the 50 strangers thing. I want to do something that I can create a cohesive portfolio of images from (not that you can't from the aforementioned projects).

I've read that you should base it on something that interests you (I'm interested in photography and politics), I've read that you should look at other photographers projects and I have (and I've found some great ones that I wish I'd thought of) and still, nada, zip, zilch. I can't seem to find a tie-in for politics that isn't journalism-y and I'm looking for more documentary/fine art I think.

My purpose for a long-term project, besides creating a cohesive portfolio of images that I can maybe use for a show some day, is to improve my skills and do something creative that isn't related to what I do creatively for a living (designing and coding web sites). Anyway, I feel like I'm never going to hit on anything. Grrr.

Anyone have any ideas for finding that elusive project? My last idea that I had (and didn't/won't keep) was photographing famous serial killer sites...I've been watching way too much true crime TV instead of coming up with project ideas.

[Solly Mack]

1. I think your abandoned places would make an awesome portfolio.

It can be both documentary and fine art.

Your photos of abandoned places tell a story. They have a history. And you do them so well!

[justiceischeap]

2. Thank you Solly

I feel I have a knack for abandonment photography, something about the spaces resonate with me (I don't even want to get on a couch about that) so I'm looking for something outside of that to make myself grow. I do have one solid idea if I can't think of anything else that has to do with abandonment photography but like I said, I want to grow in other ways if possible. But thank you again for your kind words and making me feel like I'm on track with that.

[Solly Mack]

3. Then how about people? Groups of people but you single out the one that looks alone even in the

crowd.

Candid portraits. The individual seen against the backdrop of the crowd. Never alone in the photo...always with the group/crowd as backdrop or scenery.

A lot of people have taken photos of people but when it comes to people there are never enough photos. Because a fresh eye can bring out something new. A different element. A new layer to our shared humanity.

They're photos we can all relate to and they speak to us.

Both editorial and fine art. Tells a story and each photo will tell a different story to different people.

And I think this is something you will be good at. Your very good eye for abandoned places allows you to pick out the right perspective to give those rooms and buildings character. To use the light to both create and minimize depth. You can bring that to those lost in the crowd portraits.

I'm a fan of your work.

[justiceischeap]

7. That's my other favorite form of photography

candid or street and I really like the idea of finding the "lonely" one in the photo. I'll have to add that to the list, thank you!

[ohheckyeah]

4. Since you've been doing abandoned

buildings, try doing the opposite. Refurbished or brand new buildings come to mind.

[Stevenmarc]

5. I came up with my last one

In the shower.

I had an idea for a grant that wasn't bad but I had this moment of clarity in the shower and did a 180 on the subject matter. I got the grant and am still working on the project.

So I guess what I'm saying is stop trying so hard, big ideas come when you aren't stressing out looking for them.

[alfredo]

6. First, play a bit. Just go out with no theme, no goal.

Just take pictures.

Ideas might hit you as you walk, or when you see your work when you get home.

Put limits on yourself. Shoot nothing but black and white, or shoot using manual lenses. Ideas will come from the change of routine/equipment.

[justiceischeap]

8. Thanks all!

You've all given me food for thought.

[NV Whino]

9. Things you wouldn't ordinary photograph

Like power poles or fire plugs.

Photograph the invisible, those things we generally walk past without noticing. Gas stations. Road signs. Bridges.