And for your photography.
Even if you are busy (and we are all busy), a project such as Project 52 provides you with a plethora of benefits unavailable to you on your own.
First of all, you don’t come up with the assignments. Naturally this means that you have to shoot something you may not be familiar with, or comfortable doing, or even subjects that you don’t like to shoot. But this is really beside the point. The advantage to you is that you must solve a problem. And in solving that problem, you get exposure to subjects and discover techniques – or refine techniques – that will help you in other areas of your photography.
I can’t emphasize this point enough. Not only does this help you directly, but it can demonstrate to potential clients that you have this ability. At least some of the images from a project like this should make it into your portfolio, and those images can show both your range as a photographer and your skill in solving particular problems (like photographing shiny objects, or food, or a perfume bottle).
A unique attribute of Project 52 is the critique. You get feedback from a professional photographer with considerable experience. You also receive feedback from the wider audience of other participants as well. Understand that you don’t have to agree with any feedback you receive – it is, after all, your photograph. However, exposure to other points of view, as well as the analysis of details that you may have overlooked, can only help you.
This differs – or can be used in conjunction with – feedback received as comments on sites such as flickr. A concern I have on flickr is that often times comments are geared more towards the subject of the image, and not necessarily to the value of the image as a photograph. Also, I know that I am reluctant to provide negative feedback. And some of the negative feedback that I receive is not very valuable.
You also get exposure to the problem solving ability of other photographers who were charged with solving exactly the same problem that you were. The goal here is not necessarily to produce images that are well received by others, but ideas that help you improve your own ability to express what you want to in your photography.
In the end, you are the ultimate judge of how satisfying your photography is.
For a working photographer, it is true that “he who writes the check is the ultimate critic.” But it is also true that people come to you for what you bring to the table. Your skill. Your ability to execute a concept. And your vision.
A project can help you address areas of your photography that you know need work, or by exploring areas that you never have. And do so within a common framework that gives you the ability to study the approach others take, as well as your own. This can only help you as you continue to hone your craft.
In the end, a project is really about you.
Great post Don. Very true. There are so many benefits from involvement in this project. I can’t believe how much I learned last year.
Plus, when you try to match up against other fantastic photographers, like you, it helps you push yourself to your best work.
Well written piece.
This is an exceptionally good illustration of the benefits of this project. It’s amazing how much you can broaden your horizons with the support structure of a coordinated effort like this. Can’t thank Don enough, nor the rest of the group for that matter, for everything. As I head toward the close of the first Project52, I’ve become acutely aware of my strengths, weakness, and direction going forward. I’ve pushed this project at every one of our studio groups (here in S. FL) in the hopes that other local shooters will take advantage of this opportunity to bring some real clarity to themselves and their work.
Very nice article, Don. I was debating on whether to do this or not this year. I am a complete amateur with no aspirations of going pro, but I am very passionate about my photography. I think your article was the final push to tell me that I really need to do this.
I did a live workshop with Don, and enjoyed it very much. My main source of trepidation in committing to the project was time. I work third shift, also in graduate school, teenage son, all the life things that get in the way. After reading what you and others have written, I have decided that this is definately worth the time, and even if I can’t do every assignment, I will still benefit.
Thanks to you, and to Don.