Developing a Photography Project
As photographers, we are often drawn to fleeting moments—a sunset, a candid smile, or the perfect light illuminating a subject. However, I think there is immense value in embarking on long-term projects that allow us to delve deeper into our craft and explore themes that resonate with us on a personal level. These projects are more than just an accumulation of images; they are journeys of growth, storytelling, and skill refinement.
One of the most rewarding aspects of committing to a long-term project is the opportunity for personal growth and creative exploration. When you focus on a single subject or theme over an extended period, you begin to see it in new ways. You’re no longer just taking pictures—you’re interpreting the subject through your unique perspective.
For me, photographing classical churches has been a deeply enriching experience. You know the ones. Classic lines. Brick or wood. But with a distinct steeple reaching up to the heavens. These architectural marvels are more than just buildings; they are symbols of history, faith, and community.
In addition to making classic architectural churches a long-term project for my photography, I want to take them all in a classic black and white look. Ultimately, I would love to have the steeple surrounded by dramatic clouds, but that may not always be possible.
Shooting in black and white will further challenge my creativity. Without color as a tool, I will have to rely on contrast, texture, and composition to convey mood and meaning. This limitation has pushed me to think differently about light and shadow, encouraging me to experiment with angles and timing to capture the essence of these churches.
Long-term projects also allow photographers to tell deeper and more nuanced stories. When you spend months or even years immersed in a subject, you begin to understand it on a level that transcends surface observations. You uncover layers of meaning and context that might otherwise go unnoticed.
In my project on classical churches, I find that each structure has its own story. Some churches stand proudly amidst bustling towns, while others sit quietly in rural landscapes. Their steeples reach toward the heavens as if echoing centuries of prayers and hopes. In some cases, I may find myself returning again and again to a particular church in order to see it in different light or weather.
The dramatic skies I seek are not just aesthetic choices; I think they will add emotional weight to the images I will take. A church framed against ominous clouds might evoke resilience or solemnity, while one beneath streaks of sunlight breaking through storm clouds can symbolize hope and renewal. These visual narratives give viewers a sense of connection not only to the architecture but also to the human experiences tied to these sacred spaces.
I think this project can also put me in touch with the history of these places. Researching their origins—who built them, why they were designed in certain ways—is an important part of my search. Each image becomes part of a larger story about faith, community heritage, and architectural evolution.
Long-term projects are also invaluable for honing your technical skills and diversifying your artistic approach. When you dedicate yourself to photographing similar subjects over time—whether it’s classical churches or any other theme—you naturally refine your techniques through repetition and experimentation.
Black-and-white photography has also pushed me out of my comfort zone technically. Without color as a crutch, I’ve had to work on mastering tonal range—ensuring that highlights don’t blow out while maintaining rich shadows for depth. This requires precise exposure settings and post-processing skills tailored specifically for monochrome images.
Embarking on a long-term photography project is an investment—not just in time but in yourself as an artist. It challenges you creatively by encouraging deeper exploration of your subject matter; it allows you to tell richer stories by uncovering layers of meaning; and it sharpens your technical skills through repetition and experimentation.
If you’re considering starting your own long-term project, I encourage you to choose a subject that resonates deeply with you—something that sparks curiosity or passion—and commit yourself fully to exploring it over time. The rewards are immeasurable: not only will you create meaningful work but also embark on a journey that enriches your craft and leaves a lasting impression on those who view your art.
So grab your camera—and perhaps an umbrella if you’re chasing dramatic skies like I am—and start capturing something timeless!
