How to Start a Long Term Photography Project - Documentary Photographer Daniel Milnor

Daniel Milnor has worked on many long term photography projects, and is here to bring his tips to help you with what you need to prepare to begin a long term project.
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[@LuciusAugust]

I've never felt more motivated to start my new project than right now. Dan is a Dumbledore of photography and I've just found a lightning on my forehead ⚡

[@marcsilber]

🙌

[@michaellouw3482]

After a bit of investigative work, I hereby include the list of photographers mentioned by Daniel, in the same order he mentions them. Useful extra search term appear between parentheses, comments on the name between square brackets. - Rebecca Norris Webb & Alex Webb * - James Nachtwey [a.k.a. “Jim”] * - Anthony Chua [only name I am not sure about] - Gary Lee Boas - Eugene Richards [a.k.a. “Gene”] * - Norman Mauskopf * - Larry Towell (Magnum) * - David Taylor (Working the line) - Andrea Modica * - Greg Gorman * - Peter Beard * - Paul Fusco (Magnum) * - Jean Gaumy (Magnum) * - Maggie Steber (Dancing on fire) * - Art Brewer (Bunker Spreckels) - Monique Stauder (equator) - Glenn Denny (climbing) - Chris Steele-Perkins * - Edward Burtynsky * - Donna Ferrato * - Alec Soth [not “Alex”] * - Henry Horenstein * - Sara Terry (Aftermath) [not “Sarah”] You can include “photography” or “photographer” as an extra search term (for English page matches). Photographers with an asterisk (*) have a page on (at least the English) Wikipedia.

[@marcsilber]

thanks Michael! Would you like to write a blog post for us covering these with links?

[@marcsilber]

👍

[@jimmylee7422]

Thank you !

[@RalphStriewski]

Just great, simply compelling! Can't wait to watch part 2 and then start my LONG TERM project. Thanks Dan!

[@winedemonium]

Wow! Found you via a search on photo projects. Will watch pt 2... after a stiff drink.

[@BradleyHansonPhotography]

I’m watching all of these in random order, and this might be the best and most succinct series of points. I’m rethinking my entire website.

[@marcsilber]

👍

[@ronm6359]

Love the color tease... then B&W. YES!!!

[@tedmanasa907]

Best video and best advice this channel has published yet. Love it. Been formulating a long-term project for years and now will get back on that horse with this advice. Thank you !

[@DANIELMILNOR505]

Time to get back on that horse.

[@The_Mister]

This is one of the best “photographer advice” videos I’ve seen. I’m working on a project right now - for many years in fact, and it inspired me to take it more seriously and make it more professional even though I have no plans to ever sell or market it.

[@marcsilber]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ebouwens]

I will likely never achieve the level that you are aiming at, and yet, I feel there is a value in trying and failing. Thanks for the straight talk.

[@DANIELMILNOR505]

You never know. As long as you are enjoying the process nothing else matters.

[@Nicoleleclairphotography]

Eff. Aren't you a breath of fresh air??

[@marcsilber]

🙏

[@MrNdk76]

wow.....this is just so real!

[@4geckofeet]

The real video is so much better than the webcam talks you have had recently. I appreciate the encouragement to do an 'attached' project. I have started a project that I'm excited about, but I'm nervous/scared to take the next step, which is to make it an 'attached' project. Sounds like part 2 is exactly what I need!

[@DANIELMILNOR505]

Don't be nervous. It's just photography. Go take a few swings, see how it goes. Like swimming the English Channel, at some point you just have to start swimming.

[@TheAlatna]

for a long time I felt not wasting my time on youtube - thanks

[@CarlosSuarez-mc3is]

Daniel, it is an absolute delight to watch your videos! Thank you for your insights and your work is awesome, I checked your page :)

[@AliasJimWirth]

What an excellent video. Straight forward; little nonsense. Calling it what it is as it is. Good work. Thank you, Daniel.

[@vincentbrooker3062]

Thanks Dan. I had a one to one with a well know street photography in the UK last week. During the day I was told that I was not a street photographer but a documentary photographer. This was great as I knew something was wrong! To cut a long story short, I was recommended to watch your video’s, (I didn’t let on that I already did). This video reenforces all that I was told about documentary photography. I will be looking at your video’s with new eyes.

[@marcsilber]

Thanks 🙏

[@filmPhototoPhirom]

Thank you for sharing. Love it 😍

[@richarddorr32]

Thank God I found this. I actually trust this advice because on my own journey I realized that my work is empty because I have not been attached. I’m close to finding my voice, but I just love the realistic and brutal honesty of this. I hate those to-good-be-true nonsense videos that say do this one trick for success. They are hacks and just trying to capitalize on vulnerable people desperate to be photographers. Photography is not about the clicks or likes, but just wanting to say something important.

[@marcsilber]

🙏

[@inovartesmedialdainovartes2041]

Pure Solid Video 🫡💯👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿🥂☑️

[@colinosullivan930]

David, thanks for these great videos. Glad I bumped into your videos online. I’m really loving your explanations on the attached projects. Fantastic explanation. It may have taken a few camera takes on this video but you’re a natural on camera. Cheers ☘️

[@marcsilber]

🙏

[@garethphua9817]

Thank you for sharing this with no sugar coating.

[@marcsilber]

🙏

[@mariacalderon9737]

I'm working on a project it's taking me time. I started working on research and noticed the work has been done already. But one thing about my work it's personal. Thank you for your wonderful tips. For now my project is a secret.

[@marcsilber]

Good luck with it!

[@mach_media]

Thanks for the straight talking, no fluff here mate. I’m at the white knuckle stage for a project. Have made some contacts, now I just have to push a little I guess. Push in the area of research and checking who’s nailed this project in the past. Thanks for putting and emphasis on checking the history of our art. It’s good manners to pay respect to our peers, gain perspective and garner humility. Look forward to part two.

[@DANIELMILNOR505]

Andy, the white knuckle stage. Good way of putting it. Like butterflies before a fight. But, after the first few punches, you can relax and get to work. Have fun with it.

[@paultowers9459]

Brilliant.

[@pillarsofcreationuk]

Everything said here is so true. Too many are chasing likes and doing exactly the same as everyone else. Great vid/advice. Checking for part 2

[@winnyjstew]

Hey I know Columbo and I'm well under 50. In all seriousness, I NEEDED to see this. Thank you Daniel.

[@marcsilber]

👍

[@Guitar_Sounds]

Amazing, thanks for sharing..

[@leighd4908]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="262">4:22</a> “Go eat some vegimite” may be one of the best non-Aussie, Aussie sayings I’ve never heard before. Great ‘youtube content’ by the way 👍🏻

[@DANIELMILNOR505]

Damnit, I was going to order some and I forgot. Thanks for reminding me.

[@carrieannkouri2151]

This is great, Dan. My commercial work tanked during the pandemic and I’m burned out. I have recently started doing personal photography documentary projects again. Cheers!

[@marcsilber]

👍

[@israelh436]

This guy helps me a lot and I appreciate it

[@marcsilber]

👍

[@RodAllsopp]

I keep reaching for the like button, but I've already clicked it numerous times! Superb video. Thank you.

[@marcsilber]

🙏

[@StefanoBosso]

Lovely speech, especially the second half.

[@marcsilber]

👍

[@pokebrother2330]

Wow , iam really thankful for the great advice.

[@marcsilber]

Glad to hear that

[@Raychristofer]

Great job on this my man, I listen to this on headphones while bass fishing. This would make a great audiobook. Respect

[@DANIELMILNOR505]

No way. Where were you fishing? Fly or lure? I love fishing.

[@Raychristofer]

@@DANIELMILNOR505 yes sir , I was on the edge of the Florida Everglades using lures. West fort Lauderdale. Keep doing what you're doing my man. Months ago I shot a tutorial on my channel shooting infrared film and Ilford saw the video and liked it so much they added it to their playlist. It really pays to create our KZbin videos to best of ability. :)

[@the_dejesus]

God I loved this video. I will keep coming back to this video. Thank you so much for your words, I will take everything and run with it. Love to you man.

[@marcsilber]

🙏

[@alonzo2k]

Wow, great topic!! Say it how it is. We don't get enough of this out there just how he mentioned on the video mostly how many likescan I get on my photo on Social media. Thank you can't wait for part two. P.s. would love to see book reviews from your collection from the shelve lol

[@DANIELMILNOR505]

There are more book reviews on the way. I've very busy at the moment so everything outside of what I'm producing for work takes a bit longer...

[@debbiehartmann1467]

The best project video I have ever watched! Thank you! (...and as a side note, "For the love of God..." is one of my favorite exclamations ever!)

[@marcsilber]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@BMelendez23]

Love this guy! I crave this type of tough love 😭😭👏🏼

[@marcsilber]

He’s the best

[@filipemarques78]

I fell very inspired by this videos

[@marcsilber]

awesome!

[@robinbhairam7508]

Excellent video …. 😊

[@marcsilber]

🙏

[@suryaceg]

Thank you so much. Learned how "real-time sharing" is bad. I did share some of the iconic shots that I took to create a buzz as the subject was quite new & it did help me to gauge the interest in it. I think I am gonna stop doing that hereafter & trust my work.

[@marcsilber]

🙌

[@chuckjines67]

Dan is an AWESOME motivational life coach. He is an AWESOME writer.... however... Dan is NOT a documentary photographer. He's more a professional scrapbooker. I went to his website, and I didn't see anything that would suggest Dan is a doc photographer. Maybe I'm missing something, but I just don't see it. Thank you, Dan, for all the motivational talks! They have helped me to stay more focused on my documentary photography projects and publications.

[@lanceweeda1147]

inspirational. thank you

[@marcsilber]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@GIJen14]

"You're making content, not photography" yesssssssssssss sometimes I get so caught up seeing people post all the time and I'm wondering if they love photography anymore or are just shooting to post. I'm a hobby photographer it's truly my creative outlet and passion and I know for damn well if I did it more professionally that I would hate it pretty quick lol

[@marcsilber]

could be, I hope not!

[@yvonnerichard6099]

Thanks for yet another interesting talk. Looking forward to part II. One thing I'd really like to hear you discuss is how to structure a project. I have been working on a project for a while but I struggle with finding a balance between context shots, subjects, moments that show the emotions, in other words building the story. Don't know if I'm making sense. Anyway, just a thought.

[@DANIELMILNOR505]

Hey Yvonna, maybe I"ll add this to my next Q&A. It's a good question.

[@yvonnerichard6099]

@@DANIELMILNOR505 That's be great! I'd love to hear your thoughts. Thanks :)

[@jennifer0847]

me: thank you for filming in color it feels so relatable and warm- You: did you think I was going to film this in color? no. Me: warm feeling gone Thanks for the content. That’s why I watch.

[@marcsilber]

Thanks Jennifer, you might see him in color from time to time 😎

[@AvaSilvery]

Hello Daniel. Where's your mentee application form... this was really good. Thank you for not sticking to the questionable convenience formula of this platform. I look forward to part two, best wishes from the Alps.

[@DANIELMILNOR505]

Hey Ava, my mom's family comes from the Alps area... Part Two is done...will be out soon.

[@GreenMorningDragonProductions]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="794">13:14</a> I've heard you make this statement several times now Daniel, it resonates, and I'll tell you how I really believe can make it work for me. I am, up to now, a camcorder-based amateur KZbin history documentary maker. My work is very rough around the edges, but I cheerfully get it done. I'll spend a year, making clips, and then cobble them together to make a (hopefully) coherent documentary, several hours long. But I'm yearning to do something much more polished. A year ago, I bought my first ever system camera (a Pentax Q10) as backup in case my camcorder broke, because most cameras have video capability now. And then I thought about a fantastic book which I own: "Kyoto - seven paths to the heart of the city", written by Diane Durston and photographed by Katsuhiko Mizuno, which inspires me constantly, but which is so good, I wouldn't, when I bought it, many years ago, have thought I would even dare to try to emulate. But that's where I am now - in the "confident and willing to try" zone. A large part of the puzzle is completed by your "don't put your work online" mantra, because I can continue the "where I'm going and what I'm doing" part of my shtick on my KZbin channel, recorded on vidcam, which actually helps me get up on freezing cold Sunday mornings, but hold the photos back for the book I intend to publish - working title: "MIURA - How a small Japanese peninsula shaped and changed world history". So while I'll be looking to upload my travails to KZbin, I'll be holding the photos themselves back, in view of your advice, and furthermore, your advice to work hard, research and not to rush it is advice I will definitely adhere to. Finally, I'm standing on the shoulders of giants, taking this project on - over a century ago, the amazing Italian photographer Felice Beato became the first westerner to extensively photograph this amazing Miura peninsula - somewhere I'm fortunate enough to live.

[@DANIELMILNOR505]

You have a solid plan. And a great story to tell. The rest will work itself out. When you stop sharing in real time it's akin to getting out of prison. You get your life, and more importantly, your mind back. I can't stress it enough.

[@pauljenkin297]

IMO - great delivery and I really get the message. I have to transition away from Instagram. I'm a very keen amateur - shooting film since hitting my teens in 1974. I'd already come to the realisation that, for me, Instagram is nothing more than a quick fix and a way to keep up with some buddies and spend a little time flicking through photos. However, I'm going to have to commit to engaging with a more meaningful project and putting it into print. I like the idea of a collaborative approach - to keep the cost don and to broaden the appeal of the finished magazine. Anyway, keep up the great work....

[@DANIELMILNOR505]

I would be curious what happens if you turned off the app for a few weeks. cold turkey. My guess, you will detox a bit. I sure did.

[@JammiYork]

Great video

[@marcsilber]

👍

[@bioliv1]

I will continue to share all my work on Wikimedia immediately, so that future generations can make projects and articles from my images. Already hundreds of Wikipedia articles use my images, and I just got a 550d in 2010, shooting jpeg until recently. If I don't share my images the next 10 years, hundreds of new Wikipedia articles will miss my images!

[@milanmedek3555]

If your goal is being a wikipedia photo star, go and don't waste your time watching these videos.

[@bioliv1]

@@milanmedek3555 I regard myself as a coming star on Wikipedia and am proud of it, just this one photo is used in several articles on several languages: commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Frakteb%C3%A5t_i_Skagerrak.JPG I'm surprised how often this happens!

[@bioliv1]

@@milanmedek3555 By the way, my projects are for people not yet born. People today, at least in the West, are just abstract fragments. First our society has to collapse, and thereafter a new kind of humans will arise. My hope is that some of them might find my projects, maybe stored away in some abandoned house 150 years from now.

[@AmaSharapova]

Really love the tough love)

[@marcsilber]

👍

[@wallywo7392]

Hi, just a quick message to say thanks for your videos, o think they're great. I don't do Instagram and its reassuring to hear someone talk about the importance of print and not producing work to just get likes. You knowledge regarding photography is astounding. I recently bought a book buy a photographer called Tish Murtha called the Elswick Kids, if you haven't got it I would strongly recommend it. Again many thanks, love your philosophy and approach, it's refreshing to hear some commonsense.

[@marcsilber]

👍

[@DANIELMILNOR505]

Wally WO7 Always up for a good book. Just read “My Salinger Year,” which has nothing to do with photography but was a great read. Fun, easy and describes some of the craziness of the publishing world.

[@wallywo7392]

@@DANIELMILNOR505 I'm presently reading magnum magnum which as I'm sure you know provides a great overview of different photographers, perhaps you could recommend or do a video of your top five books for novices like myself which serve as an introduction to photographers.i have decided to pack in 500px as a result of your videos and have firmly concluded that putting your pics on these websites is a load of bollocks.

[@doubleletter]

What glasses are those? Pretty cool!

[@NiKBrain]

cool glasses!

[@marcsilber]

He's just coool😎

[@imAnsar]

it would be nice if you can add those names to the list in the description

[@mohamed_amine_errami]

Who is this MAN and where can i find his work/books/projects.. I don't mind tough love if the mentor is really good

[@mohamed_amine_errami]

​@@DANIELMILNOR505 Thank you. I've been watching all kinds of photography related videos ( tutorials, editing, tips, rules, inspirational..you name it), for years ,even before i got my first camera, but for some reason, your video might be the most powerful one that includes specific practical elements to keep in mind. i'll be going back to it in addition to others of yours every now and then. best wishes

[@raymondludlow5970]

Great video and advice one question those prints behind where were they framed

[@bertsoehn]

Hey! Could you write down the names of the photographers in the descrption? That would be amazing! Maybe also for future videos 🙌🏻

[@gui4j]

Take a tranquillizer .! ... hahaha 😎

[@marcsilber]

why slow down his🔥?

[@gui4j]

Advancing Your Photography he said It I’m laughing at what he said

[@robertvarner9519]

My favorite photographer is George Tice.

[@chrisperceval193]

Doesn't get much more involved and connected than Richard Billingham's 'Ray's a Laugh'

[@marcsilber]

👍

[@travelrecordmusic8265]

Great advice, point after point! Story, engage, emotional investment, do your research, take your time, don’t share it in real time, etc. I’m just about to start documenting what might be described as a ‘long term assignment’ - a two month journey - and I’m so glad I stopped to watch this video. I’m currently clutching a piece of furniture…

[@marcsilber]

Fantastic let us know how it goes

[@travelrecordmusic8265]

@@marcsilber For sure, if I survive the ordeal LOL!

[@JeffWalshPhotography]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="443">7:23</a> can you clarify? I'm guessing what you mean is that you'd never go back and work as a photographer for a company, but rather do your own photo projects.

[@alonzo2k]

I think that's what he meant in today's world. There are more outlets to pursue photography as a passionate hobby. You can create and release your work. Just like music you can record and release an album on Spotify on your own without a record label

[@HowTheNovelStarts]

Great stuff. I love the documentary approach. Still thinking about a topic I want to shoot, but it's a long-term goal nonetheless. Constructive criticism from an ex-radio producer: be careful about smacking your lips, especially when you are excited and enthusiastic. This happened a lot in the first half of the video. With a bit of practice this can be solved; just swallow the excess saliva between sentences then open your lips for the next sentence. Again, not trying to make fun, just thought I'd point it out to make the message shine brighter ;)

[@DANIELMILNOR505]

It's not about smacking my lips. I took antibiotics for Lyme for two years and it destroyed my intestinal track and my mouth. So, I don't produce saliva like a normal person. Gonna be like this for the rest of my life.

[@HowTheNovelStarts]

@@DANIELMILNOR505 Ah, so sorry to hear that. Hope I was not too insensitive with my comment.

[@DANIELMILNOR505]

@@HowTheNovelStarts Nope. Happens all the time.

[@scottgibbs5903]

Daniel, I’m a 65 year old who has worked his entire life in a profession unrelated to photography. I have basically no photography experience although I enjoy writing. I have an itch that needs to be scratched. I want to create something that speaks to me. There is a topic that I am very interested in. I want to embark on a long-term project to explore this topic in both writing and pictures. I have been reading extensively about this topic. The nagging issue is that of photography. How would you suggest I begin learning and developing photography competency? Any thoughts would be deeply appreciated. I can’t share this dream with my family and friends circles. I can only imagine the rolled eyes and negative feedback. Thank you for the inspiration.

[@marcsilber]

Hey Scott, I know exactly what you mean! We just did a show with Dan covering this point kzbin.info/www/bejne/bmqlq6Gwmcl3otU you should join AYP+ to be in a group of like minded folks facing and solving these dilemmas together courses.silberstudios.com/aypplus

[@darryld9719]

Start of project tips starts at <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="305">5:05</a>....

[@marcsilber]

👍

[@azzalos]

Write the name of the photographers you refer to in the video in the description of it please so we can look them up.

[@DANIELMILNOR505]

You mean I have more work.....let me see if I can even remember who I referenced...

[@alonzo2k]

@@DANIELMILNOR505 yes please

[@azzalos]

Daniel Milnor you’re either in or out. Halfway in is no good

[@Burritosarebetterthantacos]

Im a fulltime firefighter so my list of creative mentors is short. I wouldnt dare share any of my projects with the guys so safe on that point😂

[@marcsilber]

👍

[@sharonleibel]

Yeah, When it started with color I thought something's wrong with my screen.

[@marcsilber]

haha

[@andrewcribbin656]

the hardest thing here is access & permission. I have a long term project which I've been on for about 9 months. Success is tempered by limited access and no permission. I can get somewhere because part of it is street based. Taking the project further though would require more access and definitely permission which I will struggle to get.

[@DANIELMILNOR505]

Andrew, it's getting more difficult just about everywhere. The US is getting really bad, and we are such a litigious society everyone's first thought is "Oh, maybe I should sue." This is one of the reasons I left photography ten years ago.

[@robmcd]

As an Australian, do you mind if I have vegemite and stick around?

[@marcsilber]

sure mate!

[@retnuh3144]

Anyone wonder how cold that room was?

[@marcsilber]

😱

[@SirPhoebus]

Boomer hates the “internets”😂 just joking tho. Loved the video the guy is so knowledgeable and thank you so much for sharing.

[@marcsilber]

Truth!

[@beautifulmanclub2512]

I don't see Alex Webb as "attached". Quite the opposite.

[@pokebrother2330]

I love god so no problem if you use that phrase... :)

[@peterjp2058]

Me: I wanna be a photographer… After watching the video: I’d better keep my job at McDonald’s 🙄

[@dronejm6021]

Ok, I'm beginning to like you...

[@raymondtan2415]

Hi Daniel, I wonder why you're posting the same video on two different channels (both of which I'm subscribed to) It's annoying.and isn't it kind of diluting the value/identity/whatever-marketing-people-call-it of both channels?

[@marcsilber]

nope we have different audiences, like someone who subscribes to itunes, might not to spotify, etc. More importantly how was the video for you?

[@DANIELMILNOR505]

Marc has an audience. I do not. And to Marc's point I post about cycling, Lyme Disease, books, etc. and I'm about to expand my content even further. Only so much photography I can handle.

[@marcsilber]

Haha I dig it!

[@kingphil1969]

Like asking why MacDonalds and Burger King both sell Coca Cola.

[@NeillRobinson]

I was freakin out because I knew i'd seen this but its saying uploaded today... thanks for your comment Raymond I can now put down the tin foil hat and pick up my camera again!