Having Your Own Project

I own a very small photography business, if I'm lucky I have a client once a month. But on top of that, I'm enrolled in three Photography classes so that's a lot of where my skills as a photographer get used. Sometimes I get overwhelmed, and don't feel like taking photos for days. I've learned that in those times I can not touch my camera once, or I can focus on my "project". I have heard from various people that you need to have a project that is entirely your own, its something that you get enjoyment from shooting and don't have any deadlines or clients. For my recent project, I've really taken to macro photography. So the other day I went out with my trusty camera and 50 mm lens, as stated in a previous post you can flip your lens around and create a macro lens. I didn't set out with any intentions in mind, that is part of the fun, and came up with some good shots.

 I love dandelion fuzz, it makes for a great macro prop. I love the water drops on this fuzz and the bokeh of the other fuzz makes it interesting.

One of the issues with using a flipped lens is that you have to be very careful not to move once you've got your focus. Even a millimeter of movement can change how the photo looks. It takes patience, and it might take a few shots to get a good one, but they come out beautifully when you put a little effort in them. Their will be some softness that will come with the photo but you can make it look good like with the previous photo, it almost looks like a painting!

I got as low to the ground as I could to look at the world from the eyes of a small critter, I came across a piece of bark that really caught my eye because of all the holes and texture it had.

No matter what your project is, make it your own, and have fun with it. Don't let it be a chore, and if you can don't have a set plan of things you want to shoot, or if you do don't forget to let loose and do something out of your normal pattern. You don't know what you'll find!