Photo Projects - How to Find Direction, Subjects, & Creative Ideas

In this video, I'm talking about my two current long-term photo projects and some things that helped me find direction and clarity with them after they both started out as very loose ideas. These are approaches and ways or working that also have helped me to find subjects and things to photograph, as well as creative ideas.

I hope this video gives you some food for thought, and helps you take action on your ideas.

►*DISCLAIMER*
Some of the links below are affiliate links, where I earn a small commission if you click on the link and purchase an item. The money I earn helps me make this type of content consistently.

►FILM PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR (*these are affiliate links):

[RobbieMaynardCreates]

I find it really compelling to hear you talk about balancing two projects at the same time.

[robbiemurrie]

Your transparency on how long it takes to formulate a clear idea for a project is good to hear. I feel a lot of people love the idea of a project but not so much the long development of one or even just putting boots on the ground and going to make it. I thought when I started my current work I had it figured out but it’s taken a year of trips, using different cameras, a workshop and mentoring one on one to realise it’s only just getting started now with some clarity.

[whosjozikolnik]

I have to say lately I've felt really connected to the work you put out here on youtube. no one else does something that resonates so deeply. the videos feel intimate and flow very naturally. you have way more influence than it may seem, I really appreciate the work you put into these videos. cheers!

[BryanBirks]

So true about talking with people and taking your time.

Can’t wait to see that portrait.

[kuzmanator]

Love that you’re making videos like this. So so valuable. More than any technical video. As someone whose personal work focuses on long form projects this video really hit home and is a good reminder of the value of work and dedications of time and openness to change.

[SamMcGhee]

This video was so perfectly timed in my life. I have been trying to identify the core personal meaning of a photography project I am developing. The moment I pushed play on this video the title came to me and I’m feeling inspired. This video was very impactful.

[Larpy]

Almost every one of your photographs is a visual poem. As I watched your video for the 2nd and 3rd times, your narration fell on me like light rain. It is your work that I couldn’t get enough of.

And: you’re working sometimes in digital. That’s reassuring as I’m thinking of adding that to my repertoire.

Others (in other YTs) have noted the very high level of your videography. I agree. Completely.

[magnusrasmussen]

Im so excited to follow along with these projects. Love the vlog style videos you do on your projects

[RussWeymouthPhotography]

Parallel to this, I've also been visiting the slate Quarries in Snowdonia over the past few years, photographing Dinorwic, Diffwys, Rhosydd, and Dorothea Quarry. I'll be returning later this year, taking in Cwmorthin Quarry and others, building up a body of work.
It's a good idea to have a project to focus on. It gives a sense of purpose, something to aim for.

[dmay]

Hey Kyle; great video, it helps to be reminded that not every time a photograph has to be created. I struggle with the mind set regularly, as well as direction of a project. I have a tendency to wander aimlessly at times and find other things to spark my interest. Thanks again for the video have a great week!

[thiagobnla]

the picture of the door saying "please close.." reminded me of the explosion in the sky's take care album.

[LandonWhitsitt]

Thank you for taking the time to explain this. Perfect timing for me.

[lukemerrill]

This is so helpful. Thank you for your generosity in taking the time to share this Kyle. Thank you!

[dan.allen.digital]

Thanks Kyle. Your videos have encouraged me to think about taking on my first photography project. I think a video about deciding what camera to use for a project (film vs digital) would be helpful.

[MakersTeleMark]

Good food. Thanks for sharing the meal.

[Drew_]

Needed this video. Had a project in my mind a while back after watching another video of yours. Wrote down some ideas and left it at that but after watching this I’m going to dive back in and see where it takes me. Thank you!

[liveinaweorg]

I have enjoyed your 'An American Mile' book but am finding your exploration of Britain to be eye opening. I'm familiar with some of the places and topics having lived close to an American Airbase in Suffolk and hiking through North Wales but the attention to detail and insights you bring are all so new to me.

In answer to your question about approach to a project, my experience on one project is quite different. I suddenly became aware that I kept being drawn to taking pictures of chairs when I stopped on an outing and took a few minutes to take a picture. Being in a farmshop restaurant at the time with my wife, son and a couple of friends made me think to myself: why is this shot important? I realised when I got home and started to look through my five star images (yeah, there aren't a huge number of those) that chairs in one form or another featured often.

A project about chairs? Well, I think it's about more than just the inanimate object just as your image of the wall painting of the US states is about much more than a bit of WWII 'graffiti'.

Wow! Haven't written a comment this long since someone claimed Freddie Mercury wasn't the best frontman ever

[devinpense]

Love An American Mile. I proudly display it in my office and look through it often. Thanks for the inspo. I work in the film industry and the development process is key to the success of the end result. Sometimes even developing something for a while and letting it go because it doesn’t have the juice to get across the finish line. I actually never thought about developing a photo project 🤦🏼‍♂️ I get wrapped up in taking too many pics. Thanks again for the tips! Looking forward to your new project. Cheers.

[ralfschoeneck]

Thank you! It helped me very much for rethinking how to approach my project. Especially to involve people who to get not only more background but provide also a emotional aspect to me and the project I am starting soon.

[ikechadmedia]

Thank you for sharing. I’m currently developing my first photography project. This was much needed advice