Discover Your Next Photo Project: 5 Unique and Inspiring Ideas

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In this video, I’m sharing five simple creative ideas that can help you find a subject or an idea for your next photography project. I think we often miss a lot of opportunities by only looking for the grand or dramatic, so I hope these ideas get the creative flow going and make you realise there are stories everywhere waiting to be documented.
►MENTIONED ARTISTS:
Chloe Dewe Mathews - Shot At Dawn: www.chloedewemathews.com/shot-...
Kyler Zeleny - Crown Ditch & The Prairie Castle: kylerzeleny.com/
Nicholas White: nicholasjrwhite.co.uk
Paul Graham - A1 The Great Road North: bit.ly/3LeG1vU
00:00 - Intro
00:34 - One
02:50 - Two
04:28 - Three
05:41 - Sponsor Message
06:27 - Four
08:15 - Five
09:45 - Closing Thoughts
📚 Pre-order my new book ‘An American Mile’: bit.ly/3Og6Z45
►Follow me on Instagram: / kyle__mcdougall
►Order my new book ‘An American Mile’: bit.ly/3Og6Z45
►*DISCLAIMER*
Some of the links below are affiliate links, where I earn a small commission if you click on the link and purchase an item. The money I earn helps me make this type of content consistently.
My '35mm Film Photography Course' on Skillshare (FREE with this link): skl.sh/2JrGhFs
My 'Medium Format Film Photography Course' on Skillshare (FREE with this link): skl.sh/3r7KLta
Where I source music for my videos (One FREE month with this link): fm.pxf.io/c/1953156/1347628/1...
Videos on this channel are filmed using the Fuji X-H2s: bhpho.to/3UEjFVs
►FILM PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR (*these are affiliate links):
My go-to medium format camera: ebay.us/GaK9Kp
My favourite 35mm film camera: ebay.us/82WyVI
My favourite 35mm film lens: ebay.us/u0V817
My favourite medium format travel camera: ebay.us/FVcfWk
My go-to light meter: ebay.us/QIFXF0
My favourite film stock: ebay.us/orbudp
My favourite 645 medium format film camera: ebay.us/ydY4HK
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[@piketubeman]

Kyle, it seems that you are one of the only KZbinrs that is posting non-gear related videos. making a video about photographic theory, and artistic preferences is incredibly useful. Thank you so much for making these videos.

[@christopherberkoben3800]

Not true, but I would agree mostly when it comes to larger photo KZbinrs

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Aidan! Gear is what definitely seems to be most popular, but if you dig around there's definitely a bunch of others out there touching on creativity and theory.

[@pauljenkin297]

@@KyleMcDougall I'll second Aidan's comments. Many of us aren't committed 'gear-heads' and would much rather hear someone such as yourself give us impetus / inspiration to actually get out and take some photos. Your comment about 'single images' is exactly how I feel. Yes, I have social media accounts butmy main interest is building a cohesive body of work rather than being a content provider for those sites.

[@georgewaller7080]

Excellent video. I think chasing single images is the first major thing people starting out in photography do wrong. I would like to add (as you eluded to) that the place you live may seem very mundane and uninteresting however it likely isn't for 99.999% of the world who have never even been to your country. It's a good thing to try and figure out what would be interesting to them and capture it.

[@thesilversurfer100]

As a Brit living in Canada to a Canadian living in Britain I completely agree with the taking photos of things that are close to you before they become normal and lost. I’m based in western Canada and have been photographing the abandoned prairie homes here. Taken for granted by the locals but fascinating to me. Love your channel.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cool to hear you can relate. Western Canada is amazing, especially the prairies!

[@codMasterMarc97]

I can relate too, been living in Portugal for quite some time now and the things that excited me before seem like everyday things now. I have to say that even doing short trips to other cities/ places and coming back changes perspective a lot again though!

[@LeeRatcliffe]

Another great informative vlog Kyle. Just goes to show there's much more to shoot than the tourist spots! I started a 'Village' project this year - all square format, trying to keep it Somerset/Wiltshire area, trying to aim more for detail scenes/colour/light rather than full houses/cottages..... The main aim is to get out, to new places, see things differently and hopefully make myself a book out of it all. Even if it's just for myself!! I mainly shoot digital & a bit of film on the side, but it's certainly you 'film' guys that give me more inspiration. Keep up the good work!

[@KyleMcDougall]

That's awesome, Lee. Sounds like a cool way to look at things in a different way and give yourself some direction. Cheers!

[@smlelikeyoumeanit3882]

Thanks Kyle, super useful and got me thinking ourside the box 🙏

[@KyleMcDougall]

You're welcome. Cheers.

[@runninblue9415]

I really appreciate your generosity in trying to inspire others rather than advance your own product. Rare these days thanks 👍

[@RostykMakushak]

Omg, immediately recognized Kyler Zeleny’s photo on your thumbnail (Canadian of Ukrainian origin btw 😉 just like Burtynsky). Kyle, you mentioned Chloe. She is one of my favourite contemporary photographers! I love all her projects, especially The Caspian and Thames Log. And OMG Paul Graham… The whole constellation of my favourite photographers in this video ❤ Lucky you to own his book now

[@KyleMcDougall]

Glad you enjoyed! And yeah, I would agree about Chloe-she's one of my favourites as well. Definitely one of the next photo books I buy will be from her. Thames Log looks great.

[@mattbray_studio]

ok man, the fact that you're living in the UK now and haven't tried Marmite is not ok. You can try it and hate it, that's fine, but you gotta try it. Come on dude. Great vid as always

[@KyleMcDougall]

Haha, one day, Matt!

[@StapediusReflex]

These are great suggestions, Kyle. You also do a great job articulating them. I’ve been in a rut and thinking I need some kind of project/direction to help get me out shooting. I also think these types of suggestions can help someone explore/discover new things in familiar areas. I’ve lived in New Mexico my whole but photography has led me to a ton of new places and people I wouldn’t have otherwise discovered.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@dandeakin945]

Fantastic video. Thanks - lots to think about!

[@finefornow_]

Inspiring work, thank you for making this!

[@nerwin]

These are all really great ideas. I think no matter where you are there is a story to be told. But...getting the motivation is actually do it is another thing in itself.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Experimentation is key. Just start and try things. See where it goes.

[@codMasterMarc97]

Double, triple like! Just what I needed to hear right now 🎉 thanks so much Kyle :)

[@gottanikoncamera]

Wow, 100k! Seems like forever since you were testing film emulsions and you made it interesting enough that I stopped and watched them. You’ve got the best content always.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers!

[@nickraypost]

Nice man, appreciate all the good content. Thanks for this one in particular! Loved your project with RB/medium format, and the workflow/mindset concepts lately. Super super helpful

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Nick! Appreciate you watching.

[@urbanimage]

Marmite thinly spread on buttered toast is wonderful.

[@ChrisTurnerPhotographer]

Fantastic video mate, I'm inspired

[@ThePhotoDept]

as someone who feels like they are spiraling in ADHD land constantly, this really helped. thank you. great video.

[@KyleMcDougall]

I can relate to the spiral. Happens to me often!

[@AustinInSeoul]

Really needed this video, photography is so much more than gear. Thanks for the dose of inspiration

[@KyleMcDougall]

You're welcome. Glad you enjoyed.

[@basstubert]

Some very interesting suggestions here Kyle, thanks! Using history as inspiration is certainly a big one for me. I've been thinking on and off about shooting 8mm/super 8 in addition to my photo work for some time now, cool to see how you've embraced this medium. All the best, Bas.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Bas!

[@ExpiredBren]

Wonderful video Kyle! Using history as a source of project inspiration has definitely been huge for me in particular

[@KyleMcDougall]

Glad you enjoyed. Yeah, that's been a big one for me as well!

[@Kardinal586]

Good ideas for those who are stuck. Thank you.

[@niallmiller9925]

Excellent video mate

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Niall.

[@mjhfilm]

This is so inspiring. Thanks!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@davidrothschild8913]

Thanks for this Kyle. Getting ready to go on a 8-10 day road trip in America to open me up a bit, but I’m still going to be drawn to the same things because I’m a bit obsessed with reinterpreting subjects relentlessly

[@KyleMcDougall]

I can relate to that. I don't think that's a bad thing though. Experimentation is important, but I think we definitely all carry with us certain preferences and ways of seeing that define our work.

[@S__123]

Inspirational as always Kyle.

[@MikeyMacPerth]

Great video Kyle!

[@Roasty83]

You just gave me a great idea! Thanks!

[@jamesmeasom6790]

All great points! Funnily enough I preempted you mentioning Chloe’s work, her other long form projects are also super interesting and very much research led to add a bit more substance to them. Rob Hornstra is another great example.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, James! Yeah, all of Chloe's work is great. Very inspiring to me.

[@stevemurch3245]

Very informative, creative, clear and inspirational. Thanks for taking the time.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mikeoneill9069]

Thanks for sharing this, I’ve been taking one or two photos as I’m out and about but recently was thinking about how other photographers seem to put projects together. This has been a great help. Also your light meter video has made me realise his important it is to making better images, thanks!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Glad you found it helpful, Mike!

[@matthieurobin7411]

Thank you so much Kyle for making this video. I am currently in a rut and I am trying to find direction for my photography, these suggestions are really valuable and helpful. Thanks a lot !

[@KyleMcDougall]

Awesome, hope they help you out, Matthieu!

[@chawanya]

Simple but effective ideas 📸🤓🙏

[@ChrisToombes]

Awesome video and some great tips to trigger the creative juices. 👍📷👍

[@KyleMcDougall]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@rikkografi]

Thanks Kyle, I have been stuck for a while, but now I know what my next project is so thank you :)

[@KyleMcDougall]

You're welcome!

[@carbonejack]

Another super video. I've just started to think about a project and doing a zine about some of the old buildings and places around me. I need to have something to break the boredom. I love your suggestions.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Glad you enjoyed, Jack.

[@gonzotravelling]

This is very inspiring. I'm doing a trip to Japan in a months time, and I think I need to pick a project or two, and probably just take my digital medium format with no more than three lenses. So tempted to overload with my 35mm and film cameras too! I was going to suggest you get into Marmite, but then I'm going to Japan and hate sushi and seafood in general. Keep making these fabulous videos.

[@flytrueproductions1018]

Thank you for making videos that are not all about gear. This was a useful and informative video.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Glad it was helpful!

[@user-jn1mj3yb6j]

Thank you for this video

[@sfenwick]

This is some of your best work, Kyle. Thank you. :)

[@KyleMcDougall]

I appreciate that, Scott. Thanks.

[@Casualfulltime]

Dude! Another brilliant video. Thanks

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Paul!

[@lsamoa]

You can't live in the UK and not know what Marmite tastes like! Go on, try some! Great video btw :)

[@andrewgifford7740]

Marmite cheese on toast is worth a spin. See also: Bovril.

[@KyleMcDougall]

😅 Maybe one day!

[@stephenreynolds6414]

Marmite is an acquired taste, but better than Vegemite here in Australia. I second the idea of Marmite cheese and toast.

[@stevenharper6888]

Great video with great tips! So good to see may home town of Leigh on sea featured too! Oh, and locally canvey island 👍

[@KyleMcDougall]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@hankfoto]

Thank you. I've been looking at projects like you refered to and now I have to get off my ass and make time to do them.

[@DennisFreeland]

Being in my 70's I am from the Marmite generation and in moderation I like it as does my cat. It also sometimes a term used to describe something as a bit of a "mash up" That could be used to describe my photography as wandering from one subject to another without any real focus. So having re-discovered my photo mojo post covid (hopefully ) I have applied boundaries one of the essentials of any project. In my case its geographical my home town Eastbourne as well as nearby Hastings and Brighton and points inbetween. Within that there are subject based chapters like street, events, culture etc. I am more people focused than say buildings . So yes thanks Kyle your vid is very timely for me.😀

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Dennis! I'm very familiar with those areas. Lot's to see around there!

[@ThatShaunBoy]

I've just moved to Eastbourne! Trying to get back into the swing of photography after a stressful move.

[@TheGuigotz]

This is really nice Kyle, really inspiring, I´ve been thinking about personal projects since I made the habit to document day to day in Portugal but only doing single images

[@KyleMcDougall]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@hostynphoto]

I´m working on a photography project about the pre WWI defenses in Belgium. Super fascinating history. Always glad to share.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Definitely sounds interesting!

[@hostynphoto]

@@KyleMcDougall There´s a few black and white images in the (only) video on my channel if you want to take a look.

[@darrenc8]

Another great one Kyle. Would be interested in a video of you discussing your approach to your ideas, how you make contact with people etc. cheers brother

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Darren. I'll keep that in mind for a future vid.

[@jakobquick1598]

Your Idea is amazing Kyle

[@KyleMcDougall]

Glad you enjoyed, Jakob.

[@Joel_Ulises]

Hey! Just wanted to pop in and give you a shoutout for your latest video. It was seriously informative and helpful, so thanks for putting in the time and effort to create such great content. Your stuff is always on point and I love how you share your knowledge with us. Keep up the awesome work, you're killing it! Greetings from Spain and hoping you have a fantastic day!

[@KyleMcDougall]

That's awesome to hear. Thanks for the message!

[@Joel_Ulises]

@@KyleMcDougall Not at all. I hope you have a nice weekend!

[@LikeButtahApparel]

Needed this, bought a bunch of 120 film im ready to make a project with

[@lezapzap311]

So many good ideas 😮

[@KyleMcDougall]

Glad you enjoyed, Oscar.

[@jresin_photo]

Tried that Marmite stuff in the UK last time i was there, I'm not trying it again next time... Curiosity almost killed this cat :D Great video! Thanks.

[@p_aulwhite]

Nicholas!

[@marcel_b]

Congratulations on 100k and thanks for another inspirational video! May I ask where you got the assets for your title animations from? I really like that “handwritten” style.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you, Marcel! The animations are from here: sickboat.com/zh-tw/collections/animated-text-packs/products/animated-fonts-kit

[@MisterBPhoto]

Some great ideas here Kyle, thanks. BTW, whoever spread that Marmite on the toast in the video has a very heavy hand! You’ve got to give it a try, but go easy as it’s potent stuff. I moved to the US around the time you moved to the UK and Marmite is the only British product I truly missed. Found a local supplier now, so panic over 😂

[@KyleMcDougall]

So much love for Marmite in the comment section, hah! May have to give it a go.

[@markrammers8406]

Great video as Kyle, some interesting tips especially for people who tend to think waayyyy to much about things without a direction and because of that forget to actually go out and explore/shoot. Who, me?

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Mark. Glad you enjoyed this one.

[@RobbieMaynardCreates]

As a Carp fisherman.... PLEASE explore that subject :)

[@KyleMcDougall]

One day!

[@navarrog]

I was just thinking what should I photograph next and then this video popped up, thanks Kyle! Ps. Where are those text animations from? Liked them a lot!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Glad you enjoyed! Text is from here: sickboat.com/zh-tw/collections/animated-text-packs/products/animated-fonts-kit

[@navarrog]

@@KyleMcDougall thanks a ton!!

[@LucaLombardiPhoto]

And what do you do once you have a project ready? You post it on instagram? You try to make an exhibition somewhere? You self publish a book?

[@PhilMakesThings]

Marmite is food of the Gods. Also, excellent advice. But mainly this comment is about Marmite.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Haha, I knew there would be some Marmite fans in the comment section!

[@Jacob-nn9in]

7:03 That's A LOT of Marmite

[@KyleMcDougall]

😂 I just figured it was a normal amount.

[@Jacob-nn9in]

​@@KyleMcDougall 😂 For a Marmite fiend maybe

[@evi9929]

How do you make a boring person interesting in a short documentary 😭? I made the mistake of picking someone that’s boring and now I have to film him being interesting

[@KyleMcDougall]

If it's not working, stop the project. Not a good idea to make someone do or be something they're not.

[@evi9929]

@@KyleMcDougall thank you. I might’ve came off harsh but I’m stressed out 😭

[@mcutler71]

Great video. I might send you some marmite :-)

[@KyleMcDougall]

🤣 I'm good!

[@synlfo7828]

If you like Paul then you may well like Jem Southam.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Definitely familiar with Jem's work. Fan of his as well.

[@johnarnsdorf]

Great advice! I’ve been in a rut lately and wanted to start a more comprehensive project to give myself more structure by introducing limitations (ie focus). Love your suggestions for zeroing in on themes. Thanks!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Glad it was helpful!