Photography project ideas

How To Become a Better Landscape Photographer This Year

Jan 24, 2023

A few weeks ago, I mentioned the value of setting goals to grow and develop as a photographer. In that article, I discussed some essential tips to keep in mind when setting development goals. One of the points I mentioned was how important practice is to the developing photographer. Practice will help you grow in your technique and as an artist in your creative approach. One of the ways to practice photography is to start a project.

Before starting a photography project, it's important to consider how much time you can dedicate to your idea. Any attempt at learning will result in positive gains but remember; it's a lot more fun when it doesn't feel overwhelming. Choose something that you're passionate about. If you can commit to one passion project, you're more likely to be motivated to pick up your camera, even on days when you don't want to. Passion is a powerful motivator!

Here are a few ideas for photography projects this year:

1. Weekly project - Project 52 (P52)

Project 52s are doable with a focus on landscape photography and are a fantastic way in which to motivate yourself to pick up your camera. There are many different photography groups, both online and, likely, locally, that you can seek out and join. Sometimes the sense of community and connection in these groups is a motivator in and of itself.

The idea of many P52 groups is that you capture an image once a week. Having a deadline, such as a weekly commitment to creating an image, will motivate you to pick up your camera. Every time you pick up your camera and capture an image, you allow yourself to learn and grow in the craft and art of landscape photography.   

2. Shoot for a theme 

There are many different themes in photography. Shooting for a theme can change weekly or month to month and incorporate something important to you. Having a specific theme to focus on can guide your eye toward locations and scenes that fit into that theme feeding your creativity in landscape photography and motivating your development.    

Here are a few examples of themes. January, the theme could be snow or winter. February, the theme could be trees. March, the theme could be signs of spring, and so on. 

The options are endless, and I recommend you choose a theme specific to your environment. 

ISO 64, 18.5mm, f8, 1/60 sec

3. Choose a specific lens or focal length

Do you have a lens that's collecting dust? Perhaps you've always wanted to push yourself to learn how to freelens or maybe use a Lensbaby or vintage lens? Choose a specific lens and set a goal for how often you'll capture an image with that lens. Maybe you want to experiment with your macro lens? Or maybe challenge yourself to capture a landscape scene with a certain focal length.  

4. Photograph for a creative idea 

It's no secret that I adore creative photography. In fact, when my photography focus was capturing the everyday life moments of my growing children, I accidentally captured an image with sparkle bokeh created by light hitting a pine tree.

Since my sparkle bokeh moment, I developed a bit of an obsession with finding different ways to infuse that type of light into my portraiture. I looked for and saw sparkles everywhere!

Creative photography ideas are endless, even in landscape photography. Creative photography can help you step outside your norm and let go of the constraints we sometimes box ourselves into.

Creative ideas for the landscape photographer include long-exposure photography, shutter speed, multiple exposures, or even intentional camera movement. 

5. Change perspective 

Perspective in photography is a powerful tool. Is there a perspective that you find yourself particularly drawn to but don't often use? 

Don't be afraid to change up your usual perspective in landscape photography. Try a lower perspective, framing a scene, or even shooting straight up. These changes in perspective are bound to be a fun way to incorporate a project idea into your year. 

6. A similar scene in different ways 

 Do you ever feel like you are photographing the same scene over and over again? Start a project this year in which you photograph the same scene in various ways. I do this a lot in my landscape photography because I often capture the same ranges of mountains. I like to compose my images differently and photograph at different times of the day and night with different types of light and weather. Although I'm photographing the same scene, my images are different due to the variance in elements.

                        ISO 1000, 14mm, f6.3, 6sec                         
 
ISO 100, 17mm, f14, 3sec

Photography projects are a fantastic way to practice and develop your photography skills. I do hope you'll begin one this year. If you do start a project, be sure to share it with me! I'd love to hear what you're working on! 

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