Bulls are the worst. 🙂 A couple of months ago I discovered Tim Carpenter’s photography. What struck me there is the approach to time in his projects. Instead of spending months or years at a place, he shoots on a single day, sometimes a single morning. At first I did not get it, and the photos are also pretty striking in that they are of nothing specific. But every time I revisit his projects, I discover that these “photos of nothing” carry a lot of substance. I try to adopt his approach sometimes and do these “mini-projects” when I have some time to spare.
Thanks Jakob, and I’ll give Tim a look. Never heard of his work, so looking to being inspired. And yep, there are so many ways to approach a project. I think the most important thing is to do a project, whatever it is and however you approach it
Thank you for sharing this project and the insight into the commitment required for such an endeavor. This hit home in more ways than one, especially when it comes to building a cohesive body of work.
Beautiful piece, and gorgeous images. You have a great voice as well, and I really enjoyed listening to your voiceover! I loved the imagery and descriptive language you used to describe this project, as well as your transparency and vulnerability in sharing the ups and downs of committing to a long-term project.
A wonderful article and set of images, Michael. As someone who has two projects running that are both geographic and time based I can feel your pain about snow. I’m yet to formally complete a project, so it’s good to hear from someone who has gone before about what it feels like when it does. Oh and sorry to read your car got broken in to during it 🤬
Probably the best article I’ve read about doing photography projects. I have several unfinished ones, with not much effort put into them, tbh. After reading this, it makes me want to stop fucking around and do one from start to end.
thanks so much for sharing your thoughts. Not only did it come at the right time (I'm currently in the process of questioning) but also it's a great summary and answer to the WHY. At least for me.
And I like that you take the time and extra effort to add the audio recording, which I always enjoy listening to as I read along.
The photos are absolutely stunning!
Have a great day, too. I am having one right now, thanks to you!
Michael, I truly enjoyed reading this post. The way you described your evolving experiences and the ups and downs of your emotions throughout the project gave a vivid sense of what it feels like to undertake something like this. Over the past couple of months, I’ve been toying with the idea of doing a project about the area around the town where I live, so I appreciate getting a glimpse of what I might be in for.
Beautiful piece, thank you.
Thank you Caroline. I appreciate that.
Beautiful Work
Thanks so much, Geert. Very kind of you.
Great thoughts on long-term project life & excellent images.
Thanks Benjamin. I appreciate the, and yeah, I love longer projects
A wonderful read but a better listen as I feel the pressure of the changing of mindset and seasons.
Bulls are the worst. 🙂 A couple of months ago I discovered Tim Carpenter’s photography. What struck me there is the approach to time in his projects. Instead of spending months or years at a place, he shoots on a single day, sometimes a single morning. At first I did not get it, and the photos are also pretty striking in that they are of nothing specific. But every time I revisit his projects, I discover that these “photos of nothing” carry a lot of substance. I try to adopt his approach sometimes and do these “mini-projects” when I have some time to spare.
Thanks Jakob, and I’ll give Tim a look. Never heard of his work, so looking to being inspired. And yep, there are so many ways to approach a project. I think the most important thing is to do a project, whatever it is and however you approach it
Thank you for sharing this project and the insight into the commitment required for such an endeavor. This hit home in more ways than one, especially when it comes to building a cohesive body of work.
Beautiful piece, and gorgeous images. You have a great voice as well, and I really enjoyed listening to your voiceover! I loved the imagery and descriptive language you used to describe this project, as well as your transparency and vulnerability in sharing the ups and downs of committing to a long-term project.
This is an awesome body of work coming together!! Excellently done.
A wonderful article and set of images, Michael. As someone who has two projects running that are both geographic and time based I can feel your pain about snow. I’m yet to formally complete a project, so it’s good to hear from someone who has gone before about what it feels like when it does. Oh and sorry to read your car got broken in to during it 🤬
What a moving piece. Your authenticity exudes from every word. We need more photographers like you in the world.
Probably the best article I’ve read about doing photography projects. I have several unfinished ones, with not much effort put into them, tbh. After reading this, it makes me want to stop fucking around and do one from start to end.
Great thoughts on the peaks and troughs of a long term project Michael and some beautiful gritty images.
Hi Michael,
thanks so much for sharing your thoughts. Not only did it come at the right time (I'm currently in the process of questioning) but also it's a great summary and answer to the WHY. At least for me.
And I like that you take the time and extra effort to add the audio recording, which I always enjoy listening to as I read along.
The photos are absolutely stunning!
Have a great day, too. I am having one right now, thanks to you!
Michael, I truly enjoyed reading this post. The way you described your evolving experiences and the ups and downs of your emotions throughout the project gave a vivid sense of what it feels like to undertake something like this. Over the past couple of months, I’ve been toying with the idea of doing a project about the area around the town where I live, so I appreciate getting a glimpse of what I might be in for.
Michael,
An excellent post, wonderful images, and just what I needed to read this week.
I'm at the start of a long project that I anticipate will take me another 18 months, maybe a bit longer.
My first shoot - after a few months of planning & procrastination - was last week and went brilliantly.
Better than expected.
At least now, I know to expect some pain and problems along the way.