Starting a Photography Project

Photo by John Moeses Bauan on Unsplash

Starting a photo project can be a creative and fulfilling endeavor. Here are some steps to help you get started:
Define Your Idea: Decide on the theme or concept for your photo project. It could be anything that interests you, such as nature, street photography, portraits, or a specific location. Consider that your project might be an exploration into something you do not know well. One, often overlooked recommendation is to consider how you will share your work (see more on this below) as the method of sharing could have significant impact on the ideation process. You might want to consider what you hope to learn from the process. Think about what you want to convey through your project and what message or story you want to tell with your photos.
Research and Plan: Once you have a clear idea, do some research to gather inspiration and ideas. Look for other photographers who have done similar projects and study their work. Consider the equipment, settings, and techniques you will need to achieve your vision. Create a plan that outlines the goals, timeline, and logistics of your project, including locations, models (if applicable), and any necessary permits.
Gather Your Equipment: Make sure you have the necessary camera gear and accessories for your project. This may include a camera body, lenses, tripod, filters, and lighting equipment. Ensure that your equipment is in good condition and ready to use. Take a moment to consider your safety when executing the project. Will you be on the street with expensive equipment, will you work at heights, what can go wrong that might hurt you or someone else. No project is worth risking your life or someone else's. 
Scout Locations: If your project involves shooting on location, scout the locations beforehand to familiarize yourself with the environment and find the best angles and compositions. Take note of lighting conditions, weather patterns, and any potential challenges you may encounter.
Capture Your Images: Start shooting! Use your creative eye and technical skills to capture the images that align with your project's concept and vision. Experiment with different angles, compositions, and lighting to create visually compelling photos that tell your story.
Edit and Curate: Once you have captured a substantial number of images, review and select the best ones for your project. Edit your photos in the darkroom to create a repeatable aesthetic. Toning consistency, development consistency along with obvious paper and display consistency is important to enhance their visual impact. Consider the sequence and flow of the images to create a cohesive story or visual narrative. To quote William Faulkner "Kill your darlings".  This is the hardest part...an image can be perfect but it might not fit well with your project....kill it. The photo might have been very difficult to capture but does not represent the best you could do....kill it.  
Share Your Work: After completing your photo project, share your work with others. This can be done through exhibitions, galleries, online platforms, or social media. If you are looking at a film photography project, then the tangible feel of a print might be important to you. If so, consider how you will share this.  I have had some great success with a thin box to hold the images so long as you are consistent with the boarder of the image. It is a nice way to show the images, unbound but still held together so they won't become lost.
Reflect and Learn: Reflect on your experience and what you have learned throughout the process. Evaluate the success of your project based on your original goals and feedback from others. Use this knowledge to further refine your skills and plan future photo projects.
Remember, starting a photo project requires creativity, passion, and dedication. Embrace the process, be open to experimentation, and enjoy the journey as you bring your vision to life through your photographs.