3 tips to get the most out of a personal photography project

Although summer isn't quite over, my #12weeksofsummer2017 project ended last week. This was the first personal project I've done in collaboration with another photographer (Myriam of Farah Photography). With the past weeks still fresh in my mind, I wanted to put together a list of things I've learned to help get the most out of these projects.

1) Stay on track by partnering with someone else
I didn't always feel like carrying my camera or taking photos. Knowing that I was doing this project with someone else kept me accountable - the buddy system really does work. The proof - since finishing this project, other than for work and a birthday this past week, I didn't reach for my camera. Myriam and I were able to bounce ideas off each other, push and encourage each other when we were struggling. I had tried other photography projects before but had a hard time staying motivated. Having someone there who was counting on me is what made the difference.

2) Get creative
One of the best things about a personal project is that you don't have to please anyone but yourself. You can be creative, try new techniques and challenge yourself. Take a few steps outside your comfort zone. This really helps strengthen your skills, develop your style and discover ways to breathe new life into your work.

3) Give yourself a constraint
Start with a clear idea of what story you want the project to tell and stick within those limits so that you don't lose focus. Myriam and I had outlined certain general criteria for the photos we were allowed to submit. They had to be taken within the week (no cheating) and they had to include our children. We also decided to limit the project to 12 weeks which seemed manageable (and it was even if some weeks were easier than others!). Constraints can really force you to be creative.

This project resulted in not just these 12 photos but many more that I plan to put together in an album. It really helped me to both document moments with my family and reminded me of why I'm a photographer in the first place - to tell stories and to find beauty in the everyday.

I Finally Got a Professional Headshot Done!

I recently met up with Myriam of Farah Photography with the plan to take photos of each other. As photographers, we aren't often in front of the camera and realized we hardly had any recent photos of ourselves. We both wanted something natural so we settled on meeting at a coffee shop. We found a corner that had great light and shot each other as we talked. Very simple. Myriam is amazing. She makes you feel comfortable and uses her warm personality to get you to relax, laugh and have fun.

As much as I was a bit worried about a public setting for the photos, it didn’t take long to forget about everyone else. Something as simple as having a cup of tea to hold helps to get past that “what do I do with my hands” feeling. 

Before the session, I think: I hate having my photo taken, I’m more comfortable behind the camera, I’m not photogenic, this is going to be so awkward, maybe I should have worn the other shirt? Sound familiar? Looking at photos of myself is kind of like hearing a recording of your voice for the first time – it can feel a bit strange and you ask yourself, is that really how I sound? However, as a mom, I’m realizing I need to get over it. I need to accept how I look on camera if I want to pass that positive self-image on to my kids and to be more accepting of the things I may not completely love about myself. As a photographer, I need to practice what I preach. Hiring a professional photographer to take your photo is a great step to get passed this. Photographers are trained to capture good angles, to try different poses and compositions to help you see yourself in a different light. 

Typically with photos of myself, I pour over them and find all the things I don’t like instead of focusing on what is good about them - what is good about me. With the photos that Myriam took, I can honestly say that there is nothing I would change. Even my “over smiling” (see this photo right above...this is my "oversmile") which typically makes me cringe when I see myself like that…but this shot actually turned out to be one of my favourites. Her talent for composition and light makes it work. 

What comes to mind when you think of the word “headshot” ? I like to think about redefining the headshot to be less formal. I think people are looking for something that feels real and shows a bit of personality. Choosing a casual setting really helps to create that. Letting some of your character shine through is a good thing. 

It was fun to do something just for me and to come away with photos of just me, being me.  

I highly recommend hiring someone you trust to take photos of just you!