Towards the latter half of 2016, my photography lost a bit momentum. In my post 2017 – It's About Setting Goals, I pointed out that aside from work commitments, it was largely due to a lack of planning as to what I wanted to learn and achieve throughout the year. But for 2017, I'm excited to get my photography back on track and have found some interesting photography projects from some of my favourite photography resources.

You never know, maybe they will inspire you to embark on your own personal photography project!

Photo Assignments – Art of Photography

If you've read my post Four Photography Resources You Need To Know, you will know that I've been watching Ted's videos ever since I embarked on my photography journey. I've never been someone that believed you need the most expensive gear or be technically perfect in every shot to enjoy the photo-taking process, certainly not starting out anyways and through his videos, I've discovered many great photographers, such as the late Fan Ho. 

I'm a bit late on the bandwagon but nonetheless excited to begin this series of photo assignments. I think the most important thing to keep in mind while doing photo assignments is not to be too self-critical, let yourself have the freedom to explore and learn, if the images aren't perfect, well they are not meant to be. Just enjoy the learning process.

 2017 Photography Challenge – The Photo Argus (TPA)

I thought I also throw in something from The Photo Argus, it is a subject based photography project spread over 52 weeks (of course, you don't have to stick to the 52-week program if you don't want to), the subjects are a guide or inspiration, I certainly see some room for creative exploration.

Perhaps it is a little ambitious tackling two photography projects at once, but I don't think they clash but rather one may serve as inspiration for the other in terms of subject choice.

Happy Snapping! 

You don't make a photograph with just a camera. (Kenting, Taiwan)

“You don't make a photograph just with a camera. You bring to the act of photography all the pictures you have seen, the books you have read, the music you have heard, the people you have loved.”– Ansel Adams

Black and White Photography

I noticed quite early on during 2015 that I have a particular liking for black and white photography (ha, my friends wouldn't be surprised) and have always found them to be more engaging, timeless and captivating. Though it's early days yet for me as a photographer and I have yet to develop my own style, but I'm very much inspired by the works of Ansel Adams, Henri Cartier-Bresson and perhaps my favourite Fan Ho.

Today it is so easy to convert any colour image to black and white with a simple click. But in actual fact it is much more complicated than that (as with most things in life), it is about having an understanding of what constitutes a black and white image, how does colour translate into a good black and white image and perhaps most importantly how you are able to see the world in tones. 

One Year One Lense  – Canon 50mm f/1.8

Who says NY Resolutions don't last? I'm proud to say I've stuck to mine and am still soldiering on into 2016!

When I started this One Year One Lense photography project at the start of the year I didn't have much of an idea as to what photos I would end up with nor an exact plan of execution. My only objective was to use my 50mm f/1.8 lense to take as many photos as possible. The important thing for me was just to get into the habit of taking regular photos.

For a full collection of photographs I took this year with the Canon 50mm f/1.8, check out my Flickr photostream or the album One Year, One Lense!

Top Three Things I Learnt

To see the interesting in the everyday
Before I started this project I used my camera for travel and special occasions because I believed they would provide interesting photographic opportunities. Wrong!

It is not about the occasion or the subject, but rather finding an interesting perspective; your own perspective! As a matter of fact my first photos were taken of everyday kitchen objects and simple acts like pouring the kettle. I soon realised that it is where you put yourself, how you compose the shot that create interest, it is really how you choose to see the world – creatively. Try it!

It is your own journey
Nowadays almost everyone owns a DSLR and as soon as you say "I'm into photography" they will tell you ( not ill-intentioned) what camera, what lense you should buy in order to take good photos. Wrong!

Learning photography is a journey and more importantly it is a personal journey! We all have different methods of learning, so despite what everyone else is telling you, you have to follow your heart and find the best method (and budget) that suits you. Think about it, there is a difference between a good photo and a good quality photo.

Composition
As I look back through all the photos, I'm definitely seeing improvement in terms of composition. Just a simple rule like The Rule of Thirds can make the difference between an okay photo to one that is more dynamic looking. But the most important thing is to practice and you will notice that with time you will develop a natural eye for what looks good and engaging compositionally.

One Year One Lense – Black and White

Final Thoughts and Tips

Practice. Practice. Practice. 
At first what you envisioned may not be what you end up capturing, but don't give up! Also setting up personal projects is a good way to start because you are setting yourself a goal and you will learn valuable techniques along the way. 

What's install for 2016?

I have a few thoughts on my photography goals for 2016, for details check out my post Photography Focus 2016.

What are your photography goals for the year?