Why you should spend more time on a single photography theme

Work from 1Point4 Miles Heat and Intensity

We live in a world of instant gratification

We no longer need to save up for what we want: instant credit is always on tap. Next day delivery is no longer quick enough: Amazon has to experiment with same day options. Whatever it is that we desire, we need that feelgood factor right now!

Photography is no different. Not only is there the constant competition to get the latest upgrade for our equipment. Many photographers no longer want to put in the time and the effort to achieve the image that they desire. Instead, they often rely on photography workshops or tours that give them what they want instantly. A (hopefully) experienced group leader will take you on a trip round a set of honeypot locations. You’ll be told exactly when and where to stand or place the tripod to “get the shot”.

What do those people get as a result? The same image as everyone else. Now some people like to collect a portfolio of classic shots. If that’s your thing, then so be it. But meaningful images come from taking the time and working to get to know and understand a subject, whatever it may be.  

To create something meaningful needs time

There are photographers who spend years photographing the same people or the same still lives. Or they visit the same location time and time again. And each time they revisit their location or their subject, they learn a little bit more about it. As a result, the image says a little bit more.

It is more satisfying as well. There is pleasure to be gained from revisiting familiar haunts. There is satisfaction from learning a little bit more about it or from discovering a new secret. You feel that have earned your subject giving a little bit more back to you.

Would you sooner have a fleeting acquaintance or a long-term relationship?

It’s the same with photography. Creating a long-term project with your subject matter will mean you create that deeper relationship. You will end up with more control over the images you make because you will understand the subject better. And that means that you will achieve better artistry and deeper fulfilment.

Sure, you can grab a quick picture of something as you are passing. But you are dependent on the conditions at the time. You are also dependent on your mood. And on not messing anything up. It is a record or a memory of where you were at the time. But images like this are rarely insightful.

Here’s an example of how created a project with a long-term relationship

I like to make a daily walk from my front door. One of my regular routes is around just three lanes near where I live. They are all unexceptional. But I love seeing them change character according to the weather and my mood. I never get bored of them, despite walking there for many years.

But, as I have got to know them properly, these three lanes have provided me with a rich source of artistic inspiration. I have already created two zines of this walk. They are the start of my 1Point4 Miles project (the length of the walk). I have at least three more volumes in my head. You can find out more about the project here and purchase the second zine here.

However, the lanes are not just about the 1Point4 Miles series. I have made many of my Ice  and Staring At The Ground images there as well. And they have been the testing ground for a whole range of other ideas and projects as well. And it has been the starting point for some interesting conversations with those who live round there (even if the last one was tinged with disappointment that I was not from the council documenting the potholes!).

These lanes would be easy to pass by and ignore. They will certainly not be on any photography tour! But I have taken my time to get to know the landscape and have been rewarded by a true relationship with the place.

How can you create your own photographic long-term relationship?

Pick something that intrigues you. It may be a place. It may be a theme. You may choose a still life subject. Or a venue for street photography. You may ask someone you know to be a long-term model for you. Ideally, there won’t be much travel involved.

Next, spend some time with your chosen subject. Make sure you spend your initial time without a camera. There is no hurry. You have plenty of time. Get to know your subject. Think about what you will do when you do start making images.

Finally, it is time to start making your images. But, before you do, make sure you commit to your subject. If you do not feel you can do this, you may wish to consider an alternative subject. Remember, you should be prepared to spend months if not years on this project. Naturally, it doesn’t have to be your exclusive project: everyone likes a little variety in what they do!.

The results may surprise you

And I hope you’ll share them with me. But please don’t do this for a while yet, otherwise you’ve been too quick and you haven’t had time to start creating the right relationship with your subject. You’ve begun making images too soon.

One last thing: please stay away from instant gratification. Those honeypot location tours are bad for the environment. And I firmly believe that they are not any good for your photography either.