The Power of Personal Projects
These projects have more potential for growth than you may think.
In professional photography—especially the commercial side—personal projects are the fuel that keeps us inspired and evolving. These self-driven endeavors offer a playground for experimentation, a personal canvas where we stretch our boundaries and explore fresh techniques, styles, and narratives without the leash of client expectations or the weight of a campaign brief.
Personal projects give us something invaluable: Freedom.
Freedom to dig deep into our artistic vision and follow instincts and ideas we might otherwise have to curb on commercial shoots. Here, we can test out the lighting, angles, or concepts that seem too bold or unconventional in a client’s eyes.
Not only will this sharpen skills, it will also create a portfolio of work that represents our truest voice, our authentic voice — a collection that can make the difference when a brand or agency wants something distinctive, something beyond the cookie-cutter.
Cookie-cutter imagery is easily handled by stock, or… (gulp)… AI. And it surely will be. But authentic imagery will be what is needed when clients realize the stock stuff ain’t moving the needle, and they need some sales to keep the business afloat.
These projects often act as a mirror, reflecting our growth and evolution as artists. They push us out of those soft and cozy comfort zones, introduce new subjects, and may even surprise us with a whole new direction we hadn’t anticipated.
So, personal projects aren’t “passion projects”; they’re foundational to staying ahead, keeping creative hunger alive, and cultivating a style that’s both unmistakable and uniquely our own.
1. Creative Freedom
Personal projects provide photographers with the freedom to experiment with new techniques, styles, and subjects. Unlike commercial work, which often has specific guidelines and client expectations, personal projects allow photographers to pursue their interests and passions. This creative liberty can lead to innovative ideas and unique perspectives that may not emerge in a structured environment.
I used my GLOCAS project to have a bit of fun and create a sandbox for play; GLOCAS = Girls Looking Off Camera At Stuff. The photos were taken at various shoots over a period of years.
This project, A Solo Motorcycle Trip to Wyoming, was shot on the road over about 10 days.
2. Skill Development
Engaging in personal projects is an excellent way for photographers to hone their skills. They can improve their technical abilities and artistic vision by challenging themselves with new concepts or techniques. Whether mastering a new camera setting, exploring different lighting conditions, or experimenting with post-processing techniques, personal projects encourage continuous learning and growth.
Jennifer Arce has been building her motion portfolio by trying different ideas.
3. Portfolio Expansion
Personal projects can significantly enhance a photographer’s portfolio. They provide an opportunity to showcase work that reflects their true style and interests, which may differ from their commercial projects. A diverse portfolio that includes personal work can attract potential clients who resonate with the photographer’s artistic vision, ultimately leading to more opportunities in the industry.
Ligia Cuevas Johnson has turned personal projects into books.
4. Building a Personal Brand
In a competitive market, establishing a strong personal brand is crucial for photographers. Personal projects allow photographers to define their unique voice and aesthetic, setting them apart from others in the field. By sharing their personal work on social media or photography platforms, they can engage with a broader audience and build a community around their artistic identity.
Upstate New York photographer, Larry Felton, has built a formidable portrait portfolio by working with real people around his town. It started as a project and is now his forte.
5. Emotional Fulfillment
Photography is not just a profession; it is also a form of self-expression and emotional release. Personal projects can serve as a therapeutic outlet, allowing photographers to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences through their lens. This emotional connection to their work can lead to greater satisfaction and fulfillment, making photography a more rewarding pursuit.
Alex Baker was examining some of the issues of motherhood when this project emerged.
6. Networking Opportunities
Working on personal projects can open doors to new networking opportunities. Photographers can collaborate with other artists, models, or creatives, fostering relationships that may lead to future projects or referrals. Sharing personal work can also attract the attention of industry professionals, leading to potential partnerships or collaborations.
Carla McMahon decided to do a book on Gin Distilling. That led to a lot of introductions and many of those turned into clients.
Should You Do a Personal Project?
Personal projects are an essential aspect of a photographer’s progressive journey. They provide creative freedom, facilitate skill development, enhance portfolios, build personal brands, offer emotional fulfillment, and create networking opportunities.
By dedicating time to personal projects, photographers can not only grow as artists but also find deeper meaning and joy in their craft.
Some ideas for personal projects
Deciding on a personal project as a photographer isn’t as simple as jumping on any random idea — though sometimes, an impulsive leap can bring a fresh spark. However, most photographers find that a mix of intuition and intention yields the best results.
Here’s a structured approach to help find that “just right” project that aligns with both your curiosity and creative goals.
How do we decide on a personal project?
1. Reflect on Personal Interests and Passions
Start by thinking about what truly excites you outside of photography. Maybe it’s travel, music, architecture, or stories from history. Passion often brings depth and persistence to a project, and audiences can sense the authenticity of the work.
Start: Make a list of three non-photography things you love or are deeply curious about. These may provide a thematic anchor for a meaningful project.
2. Identify Areas for Growth
Personal projects are ideal for experimenting with new techniques or refining skills that feel “rusty.” Think about what you want to master — maybe it’s lighting control, posing, macro photography, or maybe even post-processing. A project with a technical goal gives you a target to focus on and keeps the work purposeful.
Start: Ask yourself, “What’s one skill I wish I were better at?” Use the answer to shape the style or theme or goal of your project.
3. Consider Practicality and Feasibility
Balancing ambition with practicality is key. Consider factors like time, budget, and access to locations or subjects. Personal projects shouldn’t be a source of stress — they’re meant to inspire. A project that’s possible within your available resources can still be incredibly impactful. it’s what you do with it that matters the most.
Start: If a project idea seems too big, break it down. Find a way to start with a “mini-project” that allows you to test the waters without a massive commitment.
4. Challenge Yourself to Step Outside Your Comfort Zone
Personal projects are a chance to explore unfamiliar territory, which often leads to surprising growth. Choosing something that stretches your current abilities or subjects you’re not entirely comfortable with can push your creative boundaries.
Start: Reflect on past shoots that made you nervous or uncomfortable. Was it directing people? Trying extreme lighting? Consider a project that tackles this head-on. This can open more creative ideas for you while gaining practical skills.
5. Think About What You Want to Say with Your Work
Photography is a powerful storytelling medium. Ask yourself if there’s something you want to convey — a feeling, a commentary, or an exploration of a theme that resonates with you. Projects with an emotional or conceptual backbone tend to have a deeper impact. Perhaps your story can be helpful to a community that needs it.
Start: If you could tell a stranger one thing about the world through your photography, what would it be? Use that answer as a compass for your project’s direction.
But… Should You Think It All Through or Just Do It?
If an idea strikes that you feel passionately drawn to, give yourself permission to just do it — without overthinking it. Let the project evolve organically — you can always adjust as you go. As of this writing, you can still follow your heart in this stuff.
On the other hand, a little planning can be a game-changer for more elaborate projects. When a project is complex or resource-intensive, some pre-planning around logistics, timeline, and objectives can make it sustainable.
For instance. I have seen personal projects that were shot in a very short amount of time:
Scott Montgomery
Robin O’Neill
And some projects expand over time, some even using time as part of the project:
Lars Schneider
Beth Galton
The bottom line is there’s a balance — let your gut point you toward an idea that resonates, then give it just enough structure so it doesn’t fizzle out.
Personal projects are about exploration, growth, and creative play. Whether it’s a meticulously planned endeavor or a spur-of-the-moment pursuit, a good project feels personal, nearly obsessive, and ultimately keeps you excited.
There is a lot more information about personal projects on my website. I have a complete deep dive for you. There is no cost involved, and this page will be continually updated through March 2025.
Hi, I’m Don Giannatti, a photographer and mentor for up-and-coming photographers. You can find me on my website, Don Giannatti, and at my Substack site, where I also publish for creative people.
