Why Personal Photo Projects Crucial For Professional Photographers.

One of the many reasons personal photo projects are essential for all serious photographer is that it allows our voices to be heard - visually. 

But the main reason is simple; I love shooting personal projects – it brings back the enjoyment and the love I first had when picking up a camera all those years ago. But there are many other valid reasons why I shoot personal projects. Another one is that it informs potential clients how unique and individualistically my thinking and creativity can be. In addition, it gives clues about my standpoint, either politically, culturally, environmentally or otherwise. 

Finally, it informs people that I have something to say, that I have a voice. I'm hoping to alert others, to tell the world, look at this story, get involved with this issue, or learn more about this current situation. I'm looking to stimulate my audience, opening their minds to different subjects, communities, and issues happening right now and sometimes right in front of them. But it's also about stimulating my own curiosity and, above all, helping me figure out what life is like for others. 

The Banger Car Racers of Ipswich

Over the years, I've won a few great commissions from my self-produced project work.   

But before this, several things have to meet my general curiosity. First and foremost, what is it about the subject that draws my attention? Of course, ultimately, the stories first attract me to the issues. But, It's not always this way. It could be a pictorial essence that draws me into a subject, or maybe I want to make a point—for instance, bringing some measure of cultural awareness to the forefront. 

But on the whole, I have to feel a solid symbiotic combination or relationship between a compelling narrative and a visually arresting backdrop to this story. 

The Banger Car Racers of Ipswich

I'm looking for that 'thing' that draws me into the project. Usually, in my case, it's based on the people, individuals and their environment propelling the story. I then look into how I could proceed with the idea.

Secondly, my ability to construct a compelling vision of how I see this little corner of my world. How can I explore my unique idea for a particular subject? How do I show something in a different light? 

My photography should notify observers that another world exists, another world that exists outside our microcosm. For me, the ultimate compliment comes in the form of questions. Such as, "where was this taken or where do these people from? Can you tell me a little more about your project?" 

I know I'm producing something interesting when the viewer starts asking questions. I can measure the work's success by its ability to subtly guide the viewer into a world that's right under their noses, one which they would have never sought out for themselves or even realised existed.

The Forgotten Cowboys - Waco, Texas

In keeping with my awareness theme, I am currently dedicating much of my focus to stories based on communities. I often feel that these smaller groups' messages become muted or relegated to something akin to white noise, preventing the general public or those closer to home from realising what these communities have to say. So much more can be told from an enlightened visual perspective.

When I photograph for a living, I don't always have carte blanche over what I can produce; there are limitations on how I create each job. But this isn't always bad, as it encourages me to think outside the box, although it can sometimes take some creativity out of the work.

Shooting personal projects allows me to experiment with other themes and genres of photography, subjects that I don't typically get to work with. It also allows me to try out new techniques, such as lighting, using coloured gels and grids to enhance the shadows, without the risk of keeping a client waiting while I get the image I envisioned. 

It's my continued goal to help observers discover the same beauty and inspiration - sometimes in their own backyards, allowing the realisation that these stories are happening all around them, on their doorsteps; and that I don't have to travel across the world to find these people and their stories. 

But, I did travel when highlighting the black cowboys of America. 

I focused on them as a community, a backdrop to alert my audience of this unique, underrepresented community and culture that still exists but goes largely unnoticed. It's a subject and community that isn't just fascinating but wildly entertaining but also so inspiring. 

The Boot Hill Crew, South Dallas, Texas

Alternatively, I also wanted to focus my lens on the seemingly forgotten communities living in isolation and poverty in our rural villages around the UK. It's a subject I began becoming aware of driving through some of the most picturesque villages in Suffolk. But, do we stop to understand what might be a more accurate story behind the chocolate boxed or thatched roof country cottages?   

My images also offer a glimpse into some of life's disappointments and triumphs; I don't think you can have one without the other. Again it's about my curiosity; my camera has served me well as a conduit, allowing me to find out more about my community and those who live not only in my locale but also seemingly a million miles away from me. 

Part of photography's joy is finding new and exciting stories.

My only regret is that I can't photograph all the projects I hope to do, but I'll certainly give it my best shot. There's a long way still to go for me. 

If you would like to discuss a new project, a campaign or a concept idea with me, please get in touch; I'd be happy to collaborate with you or your team.