Why Every Photographer Should Start a Personal Project (Yes, Even You, Pigeon Watcher)

Ever found yourself wandering around with your camera, unsure what you’re actually looking for? You click the shutter, review the photo, and think, “Meh.” We’ve all been there, wondering aimlessly with my Canon EOS R6 Mark ii. That frustrating middle ground between loving photography and not knowing what to shoot.

That, my friend, is exactly why you need a personal photography project.

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Wait, What’s a Personal Photography Project?

Think of it as a creative challenge you set for yourself. There are no clients, no deadlines (unless you want one), and no pressure to perform. Just you, your camera, and an idea. It could be anything from “100 strangers in black and white” to “photographing the same park bench every week”

I currently a bunch of projects including ‘reflections’, ‘moody scenes’, ‘stairs’ and as I write this I realise I have a ‘collecting projects’ project.

I love to shoot moody corridors

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1. It Gives You a Reason to Shoot (Beyond Chasing Likes)

Let’s be honest: sometimes it’s hard to stay motivated, especially when the weather’s grim or you’re stuck in a creative funk. A personal project gives your photography some direction. Instead of aimlessly wandering with your camera, you’ve got a mission. A purpose. A reason to go out and to keep looking.

Even something simple like “shooting moody scenes on my daily walk” gives you a lens (pun absolutely intended) to view the world through. You start spotting light, shadows, characters, and moments you’d usually walk right past.

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2. It Helps You Find Your Style (Without Overthinking It)

When you focus on one theme or idea, patterns start to emerge. Maybe you realise you’re drawn to muted tones, or that you subconsciously frame everything off-centre. A personal project helps you refine your style naturally, without forcing it.

For example, I didn’t realise I had a “moody aesthetic” until I looked back at a series I shot in a forest. Apparently, I like trees that look like they’re about to drop the next indie folk album, or shadowy corridors that conceal murderous bunnies.

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3. It Builds a Portfolio with Depth (Not Just Pretty Pics)

Scrolling through Instagram is great, but most feeds are just a highlight reel. A personal project shows depth. It tells a story. Whether you want to land paid gigs or just have something to be proud of, a well-executed project looks way more impressive than a random gallery of nice sunsets (no offence to sunsets—they try their best).

Your project becomes something you can showcase on your website, enter into competitions, or even turn into a photo zine if you’re feeling extra ambitious.

Moody images with inky black shadows and slightly saturated colours also excite me

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4. It Connects You with Other Humans (and Possibly Pigeons)

Sharing your project on social media or your blog invites people in. They get to follow your journey, see your progress, and maybe even chime in with ideas. Some of my favourite conversations started because someone said to me , “I love that photo of the old man and the seagull—it reminded me of my grandad.”

It’s a chance to find your people. And your pigeons. (Honestly, if you’ve never tried photographing pigeons in dramatic lighting, you’re missing out.)

Old man seeks forever home

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5. It’s Good for Your Mental Health (Like a Walk, But With Purpose)

Having something to focus on outside of work or daily stress is hugely beneficial. Photography projects can be grounding. Whether you’re capturing quiet streets, stormy skies, or candid moments with strangers, you’re connecting with the world in a meaningful way.

Some days, it’s not about getting the “perfect” shot—it’s about showing up with your camera and seeing what happens. Like street photography therapy, just with fewer couches and more coffee.

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Getting Started: A Few Easy Ideas to Kick Off

If you’re thinking, “Okay, cool—but what would I even shoot?” here are a few no-pressure ideas to spark inspiration:

• Take one photo everyday– doesn’t matter what. This one woman I watched on YouTube took a photo of her children everyday for four years. One photo I am sure would have been nice, but the collective body of work showing her kids grow up. Priceless.

• Strangers & Stories – Portraits of people you meet, with a quote or snippet of their story.

• Light Chasers – Explore how different lighting transforms familiar places.

• The Pigeon Diaries – Daily portraits of your local pigeons, rated on attitude and fluffiness.

For my Reflections Project

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Final Thoughts (Because This Blog Needs a Grand Ending)

You don’t need a fancy camera, unlimited free time, or a dramatic location. For years I shot with my camera on my phone, but that is still photography. You just need an idea that excites you. A reason to go out and press that shutter with purpose.

Whether you’re photographing gritty city corners, soft forest light, or dramatic pigeon encounters, your project is yours to shape—and that’s what makes it so powerful.

So, what will your next project be?

Let me know in the comments or tag me if you post it—I genuinely love seeing what people create when they give themselves permission to play.