The final chapter + A handy guide to help you start your long term project

Wrapping up the 'Long Term Photography Project' series

Nov 26, 2024

After finalizing your long-term photography project there’s still one crucial step left: sharing your work with the world.

How you choose to present your project will shape how audiences receive and connect with it. Should you turn your work into a beautiful photo book, hold a gallery exhibition, or go digital with an online platform? Each option offers unique ways to experience your photos, adding different dimensions to your narrative. And yet, diving into the complexities of presentation could be its own series of articles. Others have written beautiful pieces on how to make your own photobook, like Wesley Verhoeve did: start with part 1.

His book, NOTICE Journal Volume 1 is just released. This Sunday, Wesley organized a cozy book launch.

Let’s look at some essential considerations, followed by a practical checklist to guide you through the presentation and publication phase.

Considering the right form: Finding the best fit for your work

The decision of how to present your work isn’t a small one—it’s almost as personal as the project itself. The form you choose should resonate with your project’s story and bring out its strongest elements.

If you’ve documented the evolution of a close-knit community, for example, a photo book could offer an intimate experience, allowing viewers to slowly move through each image and absorb the narrative. A large-format exhibition might be ideal if your work focuses on expansive landscapes or architectural details, where scale can amplify the impact of each photo. Meanwhile, an online platform could work well for projects meant to reach diverse audiences globally, with the flexibility to update and expand the narrative over time.

This decision deserves careful thought and consideration, and it opens up a whole world of questions about design, layout, printing, venue selection, and even website usability if you’re going digital. But rather than diving too deeply into each of these aspects here, consider this a gentle nudge to begin exploring these questions on your own. If presenting your work to an audience excites you, you may find that presentation and publication is an art form all its own.

For now, let’s return to our primary goal—to get our work out there in a way that aligns with our vision. Below, you’ll find a checklist that’s been our companion throughout this series, now geared toward that final step: showcasing your work and connecting with your audience.

The Long-Term Photography Project Checklist:
A guide from concept to presentation

This guide will walk you through each step of a long-term photography project. Each question is designed to help you think carefully about each stage, so you can stay focused and inspired. Ready? Let’s get started!

Phase 1: Planning your project – setting the foundation

What’s your big idea?
Ask yourself, What story am I trying to tell? Your main idea is the core of your project—it’s what will keep you going, even when things get tough. Defining this purpose from the start will help keep you on track.

What inspires you?
Think about the topics that truly interest you. Is there a person, place, or issue you feel passionate about exploring? This passion will be your fuel when the work gets challenging.

Who’s your audience?
Who do you want to see this work? Are you aiming to reach a specific community, art lovers, or maybe people who relate to your story? Knowing your audience helps you shape the way you tell your story.

What’s your timeline?
Long-term projects need patience. Decide how much time you can realistically commit. Will it take a few months? A year? Setting a timeline can keep you motivated and give you a sense of progress.

What tools do you need?
Think about your gear, budget, and other resources. Do you have what you need, or is there something else worth investing in to bring your vision to life?

Who inspires you?
Spend time looking at work by other photographers, artists, or filmmakers whose style speaks to you. Seeing their work can give you fresh ideas and inspire new directions for your own project.

Phase 2: Getting started – The creative process

How will you organize your time?
Break down the project into small steps, and set deadlines for each part. This can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed and make the journey manageable.

Are you willing to experiment?
Long-term projects give you the chance to try new things. Experiment with different angles, techniques, and ideas. This is a time to play and push yourself beyond what feels comfortable.

How will you keep track of your progress?
Consider keeping a journal, making notes, or saving your test shots. Documenting your process helps you stay organized and lets you see how far you’ve come.

Can you go with the flow?
As you work, your original vision might evolve, and that’s okay. Be open to letting the project shift in new directions as you gain new insights and experiences.

Are you taking care of yourself?
Working on a long-term project can be intense. Make sure to take breaks and rest. Keeping yourself healthy and energized is just as important as the work itself.

Phase 3: Selection & editing – Bringing it all together

Can you give yourself some distance?
After each shoot, take a little time before reviewing your photos. Stepping back gives you a fresh perspective, making it easier to spot what’s really working.

Are you getting feedback?
Show your work to others—friends, fellow photographers, or mentors. Outside perspectives can help you see things you might have missed and inspire new ideas.

Is There a sense of unity?
Look at your images as a whole. Which ones fit together naturally to tell your story? Aim for consistency in style and theme to make your project feel cohesive.

Have you played with the order?
The sequence of your images can change the way the story feels. Experiment with different arrangements until you find the flow that works best.

How much editing is enough?
Editing can enhance your photos, but don’t go overboard. The goal is to bring out the mood and message, not to over-process. Keep it authentic.

Phase 4: Sharing your work – Showing it to the world

What’s your goal?
Think about what you want to do with this project once it’s complete. Do you see it as a photo book? An exhibition? An online gallery? Knowing your goal will help guide your choices as you prepare to share it.

What’s the best format?
Think about the nature of your project and the best way to present it. A photo book might give it an intimate feel, while an exhibition could make it feel more impactful. Choose a format that matches the story you’re telling.

What will you need for presentation?
If it’s a book, think about layout and printing. For an exhibition, consider location, framing, and lighting. If it’s an online gallery, make sure the website is user-friendly and shows off your work effectively.

How will you get the word out?
Your work deserves an audience! Think about sharing it on social media, submitting it to art blogs, or even creating a press release. Networking at art events or getting support from friends can also help spread the word.

What about the unused photos? Your “Killed darlings”?
Not every photo will make the final cut, but that doesn’t mean they’re wasted. Keep them—they might fit into a future project, or work as standalone pieces.

How will you reflect on this experience?
Once you’ve shared your project, take a moment to look back. What did you learn? What would you do differently next time? Reflecting on your journey can help you grow as an artist.

Each of these questions brings you closer to creating a meaningful story that’s ready to share. Use this guide to help you stay focused, but remember—every project is unique, just like your creative journey. Embrace each step, enjoy the process, and keep your vision alive!

I’m thinking on turning this series into a nice and compact e-book. Would you be interested in that?

Next week

A new interview in the Un/Taken series.

That’s it for this newsletter.

Till next time,

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