Photo Projects - How to Find Direction, Subjects, & Creative Ideas

I find it really compelling to hear you talk about balancing two projects at the same time.

Your transparency on how long it takes to formulate a clear idea for a project is good to hear. I feel a lot of people love the idea of a project but not so much the long development of one or even just putting boots on the ground and going to make it. I thought when I started my current work I had it figured out but it’s taken a year of trips, using different cameras, a workshop and mentoring one on one to realise it’s only just getting started now with some clarity.

Love that you’re making videos like this. So so valuable. More than any technical video. As someone whose personal work focuses on long form projects this video really hit home and is a good reminder of the value of work and dedications of time and openness to change.

I have to say lately I've felt really connected to the work you put out here on youtube. no one else does something that resonates so deeply. the videos feel intimate and flow very naturally. you have way more influence than it may seem, I really appreciate the work you put into these videos. cheers!

So true about talking with people and taking your time. Can’t wait to see that portrait.

This video was so perfectly timed in my life. I have been trying to identify the core personal meaning of a photography project I am developing. The moment I pushed play on this video the title came to me and I’m feeling inspired. This video was very impactful.

Hey Kyle; great video, it helps to be reminded that not every time a photograph has to be created. I struggle with the mind set regularly, as well as direction of a project. I have a tendency to wander aimlessly at times and find other things to spark my interest. Thanks again for the video have a great week!

Parallel to this, I've also been visiting the slate Quarries in Snowdonia over the past few years, photographing Dinorwic, Diffwys, Rhosydd, and Dorothea Quarry. I'll be returning later this year, taking in Cwmorthin Quarry and others, building up a body of work. It's a good idea to have a project to focus on. It gives a sense of purpose, something to aim for.

Almost every one of your photographs is a visual poem. As I watched your video for the 2nd and 3rd times, your narration fell on me like light rain. It is your work that I couldn’t get enough of. And: you’re working sometimes in digital. That’s reassuring as I’m thinking of adding that to my repertoire. Others (in other YTs) have noted the very high level of your videography. I agree. Completely.

Im so excited to follow along with these projects. Love the vlog style videos you do on your projects

Thank you! It helped me very much for rethinking how to approach my project. Especially to involve people who to get not only more background but provide also a emotional aspect to me and the project I am starting soon.

Thanks Kyle. Your videos have encouraged me to think about taking on my first photography project. I think a video about deciding what camera to use for a project (film vs digital) would be helpful.

Thank you for taking the time to explain this. Perfect timing for me.

Thank you for sharing. I’m currently developing my first photography project. This was much needed advice

Love An American Mile. I proudly display it in my office and look through it often. Thanks for the inspo. I work in the film industry and the development process is key to the success of the end result. Sometimes even developing something for a while and letting it go because it doesn’t have the juice to get across the finish line. I actually never thought about developing a photo project 🤦🏼‍♂️ I get wrapped up in taking too many pics. Thanks again for the tips! Looking forward to your new project. Cheers.

Really interesting Kyle and so good to hear about your processes. It's easy to get a bit lost with gear videos, but actually I think a lot of our imagery will end up looking the same regardless of what gear one uses. For instance I'm always considering whether I want to change up something, but when I look at my website I realise that all my imagery looks the same, regardless of what I used to create it. So for me, the best research is to challenge my own working process, not my equipment, and when I watch your videos I think about my normal processes with retrospection.

the picture of the door saying "please close.." reminded me of the explosion in the sky's take care album.

Needed this video. Had a project in my mind a while back after watching another video of yours. Wrote down some ideas and left it at that but after watching this I’m going to dive back in and see where it takes me. Thank you!

great video man! love the insights and sweet spirit with which you talk about and present it, brother!!!!!❤

This is so helpful. Thank you for your generosity in taking the time to share this Kyle. Thank you!