MISS WILSON'S TOP TIP
My advice to students when choosing a title, is always to choose something you have a genuine interest in (so you don't get bored) and something that you have regular access to (so it is realistic to take photos within the theme!)
Photography project ideas
Everyday Objects:
Starting Points:
Self-Portraits:
Starting Points:
Color Studies:
Street Photography:
Nature and Wildlife:
Black and White Photography:
Shadows and Silhouettes:
Patterns and Textures:
Reflections:
Portraits in Natural Light:
Everyday Objects:
Starting Points:
- Take close-up shots of textures on everyday objects.
- Capture the play of light and shadows on objects around your home.
- Create abstract compositions using common objects.
Self-Portraits:
Starting Points:
- Experiment with different lighting setups to capture various moods.
- Use reflections in mirrors or other surfaces to create unique self-portraits.
- Explore self-expression through clothing, props, and facial expressions.
Color Studies:
- Starting Points:
- Focus on a single color (e.g., red, blue) and find objects or scenes dominated by that color.
- Experiment with color contrasts, such as complementary colors.
- Create a series that transitions from one color to another.
Street Photography:
- Starting Points:
- Document people going about their daily routines in a busy urban setting.
- Capture moments of human interaction and emotion in public places.
- Look for interesting architectural elements and street art.
Nature and Wildlife:
- Starting Points:
- Photograph local flora and fauna in parks or natural areas.
- Capture the beauty of changing seasons in the same location.
- Explore the world of macro photography by focusing on tiny details in nature.
Black and White Photography:
- Starting Points:
- Find subjects with strong contrasts between light and dark.
- Emphasize texture and form in your monochrome images.
- Experiment with long-exposure techniques for surreal black and white landscapes.
Shadows and Silhouettes:
- Starting Points:
- Shoot during the "golden hours" (early morning or late afternoon) to create long shadows.
- Use natural or artificial light sources to cast interesting shadows.
- Frame subjects in such a way that they become silhouettes against a bright background.
Patterns and Textures:
- Starting Points:
- Seek out repetitive patterns in urban environments, such as in architecture or street pavement.
- Capture the intricate textures of natural elements like tree bark, rocks, or water ripples.
- Play with depth of field to emphasize texture in your photos.
Reflections:
- Starting Points:
- Photograph reflections in water bodies like ponds, lakes, or puddles.
- Experiment with glass surfaces, mirrors, and other reflective materials.
- Capture the world through the reflection in a person's eye.
Portraits in Natural Light:
- Starting Points:
- Use window light to create soft, flattering portraits.
- Experiment with different times of day to capture the quality of natural light.
- Pay attention to the direction and quality of light to enhance your subject's features.
Themes inspired by current issues
Environmental Conservation:
Social Justice and Inequality:
Healthcare and Pandemics:
Mental Health Awareness:
Cultural Diversity and Inclusion:
Homelessness and Housing Insecurity:
Online Activism and Social Media Movements:
Food Security and Agriculture:
Technology and Connectivity:
Climate Change Effects:
- Starting Points:
- Document local environmental initiatives, such as tree planting or cleanup events.
- Photograph the impact of climate change on your region, like extreme weather events or melting glaciers.
- Showcase the beauty of nature to raise awareness of its value.
Social Justice and Inequality:
- Starting Points:
- Capture images that highlight the diverse faces and voices of your community.
- Document protests, rallies, or community actions advocating for social justice.
- Tell the stories of individuals or groups affected by systemic inequalities.
Healthcare and Pandemics:
- Starting Points:
- Photograph frontline healthcare workers and their efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Showcase the impact of the pandemic on individuals and families.
- Highlight acts of kindness and support within your community during times of crisis.
Mental Health Awareness:
- Starting Points:
- Create a photo series that conveys the emotions and experiences of individuals dealing with mental health issues.
- Document support groups, counseling sessions, or mental health awareness events.
- Explore the idea of breaking stigmas around mental health through visual storytelling.
Cultural Diversity and Inclusion:
- Starting Points:
- Celebrate cultural diversity by capturing cultural festivals and events in your area.
- Document stories of immigrants and refugees within your community.
- Challenge stereotypes and biases through portraiture and storytelling.
Homelessness and Housing Insecurity:
- Starting Points:
- Shed light on the challenges faced by homeless individuals in your community.
- Document the efforts of local organizations and shelters to provide support.
- Explore the concept of "home" through images of different living situations.
Online Activism and Social Media Movements:
- Starting Points:
- Photograph activists and influencers who use social media for positive change.
- Document digital campaigns and online movements advocating for various causes.
- Explore the power of digital storytelling and its impact on society.
Food Security and Agriculture:
- Starting Points:
- Capture the work of local farmers and food banks in providing for the community.
- Document food distribution efforts during times of crisis.
- Highlight the importance of sustainable agriculture and its role in food security.
Technology and Connectivity:
- Starting Points:
- Showcase the role of technology in education, work, and daily life.
- Document digital divides and efforts to bridge them, such as providing internet access to underserved areas.
- Explore the impact of social media and digital communication on society.
Climate Change Effects:
- Starting Points:
- Document the consequences of climate change, such as rising sea levels or natural disasters.
- Highlight efforts to reduce carbon footprints and promote sustainable living.
- Showcase the beauty of natural environments threatened by climate change to inspire conservation.