When shooting on the street most people aim for individual images. I do too, most of the time. However, photographers should find time to pursue their personal projects and create a series. The commitment to issues close to our heart along with long-term project management and concentration on one subject provide a break from the “one shoot – one reward” mentality. But it also forces us to produce content-rich photographic material. It is articulate seeing, indeed.
I’ve noticed that working on longer-term projects such as Augmented Eye or R-A-I-N is very different from shooting a single image. Such projects not only help my seeing become more consequential but also ingenious. I push my seeing to approach routine issues and visuals in new, eerie ways.
Kasia and I are currently working on two new mega projects; details will be announced soon. However, you don’t need to start with anything big and profound to enrich your photography. I’ve found that even small, private and fun visual projects benefit my seeing a lot. Here is an example.
After observing for a while how light interacts with my working space – my desk to be exact – I decided to photograph everything visible from my desk. This restriction is forcing me to play with the same elements (the biggest change is likely the coffee cups arriving and disappearing daily) when the only real change is the light.
Here are the first images from the fun project called “RIGHT HERE.” I would love to hear about your own mini-projects. Feel free to leave a link to your project in my comments section for others to see.
Most images were shot with the X100F.
2017 © OLI Publishing Inc. All rights reserved.
Great article Olaf ! Beautiful images as I mentioned via Twitter. I was kind of forced down this route a little a imho can confirm everything lol
Started being serious about photography about 18 months ago, mainly as a consequence of having 2 energetic rescue dogs who get me out for 2 / 3 hours a day.
For various reasons I haven´t got away from this small city for most of this time but have taken about 100,000 images. I post a lot on social media every day so to avoid boring my followers, I think I have shot most buildings / things in every light and from every angle…..well I always think that but still going strong and posing 20-30 fresh images most days.
Anyway, loving your blog and work – keep it up :)) You´re helping my creative processes
Thank you so much for connecting on so many levels. Talking about dogs – Bailey – my constant companion is having a nap near my desk as I write this – I love dogs!
Looking forward to your future comments and online interactions.
All the best,
Olaf
Quick question Olaf, did you convert these images to B&W in post or were they a camera preset?
Thanks…John (PS you have a fine blog)
John,
I converted the images to B&W later in LR. However, my preview was setup for the ACROS + R film simulation.
Appreciate your kind comment,
Olaf
Hello Olaf,
you are right, as a photographer you should get away from the “one shot-one reward” approach. The light in your working room is amazing, I adore how you see and photograph the light.
Last year, I had a little project called “on the trails of history”. I started it because of the political refuge crisis in Europe and the upcoming xenophobia all over Europe. As a German, I am very aware of my history, so I took a day off and went to the concentration camp Dachau. The aim of this project is to capture this place in a timeless way as nationalism and xenophobia will always play a role in every society. Besides, it is my own political statement concerning the actual situation in Germany and Europe event though the newspapers do not cover that problem anymore.
https://www.kevinpilzphoto.com/on-the-trails-of-history/
BR,
Kevin Pilz
Kevin,
What a powerful story and imagery! I was raised in Poland and still remember my grandparents telling me countless stories from the war.
I applaude you for choosing this difficult subject and presenting it in such a powerful way. Thank you for doing this. We all need it – especially now.
Hats off to you,
Olaf
Olaf
Kevin,
I also want to mention that you have a great eye for photography. Like your imagery a lot.
Cheers,
Olaf
Hello Olaf,
I can only imagine what stories your grandparents told you. Thank you so much for your kind words, I appreciate them! Have a nice day and I am looking forward for your next blog update 🙂
kevin
Excellent thoughts, Olaf. I agree that having a photographic project keeps you moving forward. Absolutely necessary if you want to continue to improve.
Thank you for your kind note. You are right on!
loving it. Interpretation and insight is top class. Hope to shoot together someday with tomash ofcourse 🙂
Thanks Raj! Appreciate it a lot.
Indeed, shooting together would be amazing. You have an amazing photographic eye.
With Tomasz? I am not sure, he is such a #seeinginsquare troublemaker 🙂
Cheers,
Olaf
Interesting coincidence, im in the middle of a longterm project around people and personalities that I encounter at drag strip baed car shows. I agree with you it alters the mindset its also meant I got a few shpts that I would have missed if I was thinking in terms of one shot
Jonathan,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Make sure to provide us with a link to your project when you are ready. Would love to see it.
All the best,
Olaf