The Importance of Long Term Photography Projects

In this video I'm sitting down to share some thoughts on the importance of committing to a photo project long term and also sharing some images/process from a personal project of my own!

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GEAR

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MUSIC
The music in this video was all sourced from Musicbed -

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MY BAG COMPANY:

[osprey_]

Despite how much I love film, I appreciate that you never emphasized that as the medium used in this video. I think film is great for those who have a fine synergy with it's process, but ultimately we are all just capturing light at a specific moment of time. Photography itself should be the highest priority and you demonstrated that knowledge with this vid, great stuff Willem, keep it up!

[gabeblanco]

always wanted to put out a book, but felt like I was rushing it. glad to say that my project i've started will take at the least, 1.5 years. i'm glad it'll take that long, cause I know i'm breaking the surface and digging deeper into what i want to exemplify

[URBONED]

Really appreciate how real you are. It might only be a 10 minute video for YouTube, but I know I get a hell of a lot out of it. Don't stop killing it Willem 🙏

[BryanBirks]

I know this video won’t do stupid numbers but just know you’re killing it and your progression as a photographer has been very cool to watch.

Excited to see where this project goes. Curious if you’re going to be taking or including portraits of people as well. I think that would tie it together nicely.

[jeanvayssié]

Totally agree with you Willem, I think influence from others photographers is a healthy process but only sparingly. Instagram is giving us way too much images to process and it can break our internal creative process.
It's alway a pleasure to watch your videos Willem, keep it up !

[newhillroad]

this touches on topics i've quite recently been pondering and learning about, things i've just learnt from myself when working with photography. having a subject in mind can be so much more valuable to yourself, because it makes you constantly look for a specific thing. whether you're focusing on a feeling or something else specifically, it more so comes from inside of you than from an external source. i find it almost transcends your subconsciousness to your consciousness, which in turn makes you understand yourself better.

[lightleakss]

I think you really touch on the divide between media as content and media as art. You mentioned that in the past you started to tailor your photos for an Instagram audience but now with your long term projects your tailoring them to your own tastes and attempting to show the subject in a complete and varied way that demonstrates immense understanding. That, to me, is the definition of art. All creatives should strive to fully understand their subjects and strive to create works that they love, because that's the most fulfilling work you can do.

Your artistic expression will undoubtedly shine through in the finished collection of Morrow Bay and the Outer Banks and I'm looking forward to the day we get to see your perspectives all together in print.

[tedphillips]

I have been shooting for a long time & I really felt this video was very helpful for my photography going forward. Thanks!

[lissymay]

this is so beautiful ! and this project is reminiscent of Monets "Haystacks" and "Rouen Cathedral" !

[SteffenMiethke]

Your videos about Morrow Bay have been some of my favourites!

Long term projects "rock"🤞🏻

[JBMotorrad]

Kudos to you for staying the course on your journey! Slowing down and being deliberate in our choices nearly always leads to better results for ourselves. You are wise to realize this in your younger years. I enjoyed this very much!

[trippwilsonphoto]

I'm finally getting close to wrapping up my first longer project. I've been working on it for about two years so hopefully I'll finish by August.

[shanestorozukphotography]

Love your perspective on photography and progressing as an artist in today's social media focused realm. I can really relate to the effects of sharing and consuming images on Instagram as this is something I have been thinking about a lot lately in my own process. Thanks for sharing your truth, great video Willem!

[ralphbrandi]

Your timing on this could not be better. I'm just finishing a one month break from certain social media networks (basically my Twitter replacements) after realizing how they were influencing my photography in ways I wasn't comfortable with. Thanks for sharing this.

[ronhipwell]

Good talk Willem! Appreciate your thoughts on your mindset and approach almost as much as the art you create. Best to you!

[DrewWillson]

I grew up in a strange little part of East Tennessee called Pigeon Forge. Now when I visit, I can't believe how many things I missed all my life. Gotta return again and again, great video and advice!

[wintrymix]

When I get back my film photos, I absolutely love many of them. When I share them in groups, they get a lukewarm reception while photos I find mediocre get so much attention. But I refuse to change my methods. It's less of an issue for me than it is for someone who's trying to build an online presence. Additionally, there are photography styles I admire and enjoy looking at, but would never want to do that type of photography myself.

[john.mathews]

love it. more of these thoughtful or introspective videos would be great. cheers willem.

[bngr_bngr]

I don’t follow photographers on Instagram. I do look at photography in books.

[broadwaysunshine]

such a wonderful video!! its so important to view your art as something that can be sustained, so excited to see more of your journey :)