The long haul: Triumphs, challenges and collaborations in long-term photography projects
Part 7 in the series 'Long-Term Photography Projects'
Another part in my series on long-term photography projects. This time I focus on some of the ups and downs you may encounter during your project. At the end of this post you will find links to the other parts of this series
Starting a long-term photography project is like exploring uncharted territory. The horizon is vast and full of promise, but the journey is fraught with unexpected challenges, exhilarating triumphs and the occasional need for a helping hand. As someone who has navigated these areas, I'd like to share some stories and insights from my own experience of long-term projects, focusing on the triumphs, the trials and the power of collaboration.
The highs: Triumphs worth celebrating
There's a special thrill that comes with the completion of a long-term project. I remember the sense of accomplishment I felt when I finished my ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) series - a project that took two and a half years to complete. Each photograph was a milestone, representing the result of numerous times of thinking, shooting and refining.
One of the greatest triumphs is the deep connection you make with your subject. Over time, you become more attuned to the nuances and subtleties of your subject. This deeper understanding translates into richer, more resonant images. For me, capturing the raw, unfiltered essence of ASD was like peeling back the layers of an onion - each shoot revealed something new and profound.
The lows: Overcoming challenges
But let's face it - long-term projects aren't all sunshine and rainbows. There are moments of doubt, frustration and even despair. There were times during my ASD project when I questioned my vision. Was I really capturing the essence of what I wanted to convey? Did my work have the emotional depth I was hoping for?
One of the biggest challenges is keeping the momentum going. The initial excitement can fade, and staying motivated over months or years is difficult. There have been times when I have felt stuck, creatively drained and unsure of my direction. These moments of inertia can be demoralising, but they're also part of the process. They force you to dig deeper, to go beyond the superficial and find new layers of meaning.
Another major challenge is the practical side of things. Long-term projects take time and effort, and balancing them with other responsibilities can be a juggling act. Finding time to shoot, edit and simply think about the project while managing everyday life is a skill in itself.
The power of collaboration
That's where collaboration comes in - a beacon in the fog. Working with others can inject new energy into your project and open doors to possibilities you hadn't considered. Collaboration doesn't just mean working with other photographers. It can include writers, musicians, designers and even your subjects.
Collaborating with your subjects can be incredibly rewarding. Spending time with them, hearing their stories and involving them in the creative process can lead to more authentic and powerful images. It transforms the relationship from a photographer-subject dynamic to a co-creative partnership.
Not for the faint of heart
Long-term photography projects are not for the faint-hearted, but they are incredibly rewarding. They push you to grow as an artist, deepen your connection with your subject and collaborate in meaningful ways. The journey is just as important as the destination. Every triumph, every challenge and every collaborative effort shapes the final narrative, turning your project into a web of shared stories and insights.
So fellow photographers, embrace the journey. Celebrate the highs, learn from the lows, and don't be afraid to lean on others. In the end, it's the stories you uncover along the way that will make your long-term project truly remarkable.
Long-Term Photography Project Series:
Part 1 | Embrace the journey: The beauty of long-term photography projects
Part 2 | Unveiling the soul: Discovering meaning and purpose in long-term photography projects
Part 3 | The dance of patience: How patience has shaped my long-term photography projects
Part 4 | Building authentic connections: Forging meaningful bonds in long-term photography projects
Part 5 | Selective alchemy: Weaving your magnum opus through the art of choosing
Part 6 | The afterlife of your 'killed darlings': Crafting a narrative beyond the series
Part 7 | The long haul: Triumphs, challenges and collaborations in long-term photography projects
Part 8 | Evolution of vision: Adapting style and capturing change over time
That’s it for this newsletter.
Till next time,
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Thanks for this, Marcel. Good timing for me. My one long-term projects has me questioning myself sometimes... ups and downs... and I've had some doubts lately. I appreciate your perspective. One thing for me that has been helpful has been to remove as much friction as possible from creating when inspiration strikes. Seems obvious, but it took me a long time to figure that out. I'm going to go back through the other posts in your series.
So rewarding, but, yes, it’s hard work, And I agree with @Mark White, the excitement comes down rather quickly. That’s when we realize the art making is hard work.