Finding New Photography Projects

Today I'm sharing a self-assignment, a practical exercise for all photographers.
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[@sawyerbush9581]

pls pls make self assignments a series. such a great idea and the photos from these two videos are incredible

[@Kaynan06]

I'm not joking, the picture at 9:28 might be the best picture ive ever seen. Incredible work Willem, your videos and photos are so great

[@billem16]

The photo in the window reflection was so cool. It looked like 2 paintings on a wall. More of this type of video please!

[@robbiemurrie7562]

That reflective image seems like one of those ones where you scan the negative and it’s just a joy to see come to life. I hope you print that in the darkroom because those colours are great.

[@paulschumacker9901]

For those of us who love photography, one of the challenges is finding interesting things to take pictures of. I can imagine that one of the challenges of running a KZbin channel is coming up with novel ideas for topics that viewers will delight in. I’m grateful that you have an ability to come up with new and interesting ideas for video topics, because these give me good ideas for things to find that are worthwhile subjects to photograph. Thank you!

[@jacobmaness7244]

9:33 could be one of my favorite images you have ever made...man..that one is STUNNING.

[@WillemVerb]

Thank you :')

[@sierrafromleone]

@@WillemVerb what settings did you use for this photo?

[@plasticwrapofdoom]

I agree that the concept of a self-assignment is really useful for giving yourself a central theme to explore and work around. I unintentionally did that last summer when I decided to take a camera along with me to the laundromat one day and take photos while I did my laundry. I liked how those photos turned out, so I got it in my mind to start taking my laundry to a bunch of different laundromats throughout the region where I live and take photos while I did my laundry. I went to 17 different laundromats in total, and that all culminated in a a really awesome body of work that I've since used to make my first photo zine and show a few pieces in a couple local gallery shows. It was a really fun and challenging change of pace since most of my other photography work is a lot more aimless without much of a unifying style or feel to it.

[@bobsykes]

Awesome, Willem. You have such a great eye for finding compositions and light. The first moment I saw you composing the photo with the two window reflections I instantly knew it was going to be amazing. I would probably have walked right by that too fast to notice that particular viewpoint. This seems like a great excersize you've come up with in learning to better see. Your channel never gets old to me. I think that alone is an really notable accomplishment you've achieved over the years! Cheers! ✌

[@WillemVerb]

Means so much Bob! Thanks for always checking out the videos. :)

[@graffsk8er]

I need that first shot of the window reflections on my wall! 🤩

[@ebmooy13]

Dido! That window reflection photo is definitely a winner

[@liam.chandler]

BRUH. 9:36 absolutely bangs. This is so inspiring my man, great video!

[@petermendelson5839]

Reminded me of Hokusai's 36 View of Mt. Fuji. Loved that shot of the window reflections.

[@Autofill120]

I really see this video working brilliantly on people who struggle to start new photography projects. Personally, what I struggle with the most is doing collaborative photography projects or shoots and not finding anyone to do them with. It's a real pain to have a great idea for a project but it falling through because other people involved just don't have the same passion, commitment, inspiration, etc. I've been trying to gather a crew for about two months now😮‍💨

[@ChristianElia]

seriously i'm never not amazed with your work man. "self-assignment" made a lightbulb click in my head and im about to have a lot more fun with personal projects. photo of the house windows was jaw dropping. absolutely nuts

[@allypeters5189]

the photo of the house with the two reflections literally brought tears to my eyes, thank you for continuing to inspire me and everyone else who watches these!! You make me want to create and that is hard for me these days! Beautiful images, I'll always be a fan of your art.

[@AlanExtinct]

That photo at 9:35 is freaking dope! what a composition

[@lukejohnson5486]

Morro bay is what made me get into Landscape Photography. One of my favorite places in the world ♥

[@hmuz8388]

funnily enough, the comp when you were drinking coffee at 7:14 was one of the best comps that includes the landmark you showed in the video imo haha

[@hunterfowler]

Yeah, that reflection pic is lovely. One of my favorites you have ever shared on here.

[@franciscopaz5952]

My God!! This work of yours is simply stunning to say the least!!! Jesus, that pic of the rock on the window reflection is simply too good!! Keep the god job up! Looking forward to the next video!

[@rafaelafernandes8353]

Omg the reflection in the window!!!! Too beautiful ❤️

[@Coal354]

Willem, the photo at 6:29 is mint. You’ve impaired me to get out and shoot more and get into film. Keep it up.

[@kristoffergo6294]

Always a delight seeing your photos man. I can't explain it, it just hits differently.

[@beachtapes]

LOVE this. Feels like the makings of a book. Excited to see where this series goes.

[@e.h.a.r.a]

How does he find such amazing things to photograph each time!! its sorcery!!

[@TimothymakeupsDitzler]

That deer sweater is top notch

[@dontknowanythingingg]

Woa really enjoyed this @Willem! The pacing and subject of these 12 minutes has given me energy and a sort of insight in what personally my next steps may be! Thank you for this, and wish you a great week!

[@WillemVerb]

Thank you

[@Casualfulltime]

Great project and chill vibes. The house and window reflection is a BANGER!

[@philsmith2193]

I find these videos really valuable. As a hobby photographer who's been going out shooting for about 3 years, I've got to that point now where I'm ready for more intention in my work. I look longingly at locations like California or Europe but know these valuable and original projects are where I am too (Toronto). Thanks Willem.

[@jacob.b.barnes]

That window reflection photograph is absolutely brilliant and beautiful.

[@Heyfrendoo]

5:21 Godzilla taking a nap 😴 Great shot !

[@dantecrichlow]

I also really love the constant of this large rock, it feels grounding.

[@francesco93vr]

That picture is SICK! Well done Willem, you're great!

[@sirwaynekitt]

9:37 has to be one of my new favorite photos from you. WOW

[@buickboy92]

The Morro Rock reflection photograph is golden Willem. Love the idea of this photo series, rock on! 🤘

[@george_edward_]

the shot at 7:10 just has the rock sneaky chilling in the background.... nicely done willem 🤣🤣

[@george_edward_]

also photo through the windows one orange one blue... absolute gas

[@chrisdowswell]

That was great Willem!!! I got pumped when I saw you lining up that shot towards the reflective window... did not disappoint!

[@Jsoberon]

I started my first self-assignment this year. Technically my first photography project. I will take a full year to complete but only 4 months in now I have learned so much about shooting and have felt more productive than I have doing many other shoots.

[@max-mkl]

Beautiful framing especially 5:17 got to be my favorite picture

[@reg1m0nz83]

i love that you spent some time in morro bay! the town is really sentimental to me and my family, whenever i'm driving down the coastal highway i'm so captivated by the way morro rock pulls out of the fog or the way the sunset catches on it. when school ends, i'm hoping to get down there to take some photos myself, so this is great inspiration

[@uRenegadeHD]

How on earth are those reflections even real at 9:34 ? Insane man

[@Bonsees]

Love it ❤ the rock is definitely giving main character vibes

[@AurelienBayo]

Wow, love this one, as well the previous video about self-assignment which are both about building a personal body of work while ultimately discovering your inner voice as a photographer/artist. It's very cool to see how you drew inspiration for this from 200 Views of Mount Fuji by Hiroshi Masuko and maybe to a lesser extent from Manifest Destiny by John Humble in your project about plant nurseries. Two photo-books that you got to tell us about. Fascinating to see how these mentors of yours translate to your own work/craftsmanship, but also how we can borrow an idea, a concept, a technique or just anything really from someone else while making it our own. If these projects turn into books in the years to come, I'll definitely get them. Thanks

[@adebambzinthehills]

that window photo is one of the best ever - insane job man!!!!

[@sebastianfichtner1876]

Love the shot with the two reflections in the window!!! Would love to see this hanging in my living room!

[@tyjwilliamson]

that reflection is art my boy

[@wesley_b]

I know exactly that feeling of waking up camping and being stoked where you are and.... best part yet, you got coffee! ;)

[@kspencera]

Reminds me of Monet painting his neighbors haystacks 30+ times over 2 years because he was obsessed with capturing how the light changed throughout the day and seasons. Gorgeous captures! Wonderful vid as always!

[@donnamhopkins]

Your videos remind me why I love being a photographer. I'm delighted I've found you and have the opportunity to learn from you. I love your way of seeing and the practical and encouraging way you teach. Every video feels like a gift. Thank you!

[@berndvandecruys]

That reflection in the window. The balance of the cold and warm tones. Awesome stuff 💯💯💯

[@TommyGrisselFilms]

this new era of willem verb is so good

[@diegojosesoriano]

Wow. That picture with the two windows showing two different views is incredible.

[@freeroamtravel]

the photograph @ 9:35 is stunning man. hats off

[@Kokorba6iqta]

Your videos are the ones I am most excited about and you never fail to deliver something interesting and inspiring. You are such an amazing creative with a great eye for telling a story, seeing interesting compositions and so on. You managed to make such a variety of interesting perspectives just from one simple subject. Apart from the window reflections I especially liked the composition with the tree in the middle, the rock at one side and the factory on the other. Such a strong and thoughtful image that tells a whole story.

[@thefilmdaddy]

Would honestly watch this man shoot leaves at this point. Too dam good as always, Willem!

[@adriennpatanyi6501]

I was just there in February, doing a Cali road trip, also camping in our car. Took some film photos of the rock as well. Love your channel, was really cool to see how you photographed something I also did :) I needed some inspiration today, and I just got exactly that, will do a self-assignment in my new city this week, thank you!

[@slo369]

Bro you have single-handedly convinced me to pick up a film camera and loads of film(which costs like gold) My wife is gonna be pissed

[@ElenGlazova]

9:34 This one is just amazing!

[@niranjanbade6299]

I liked this idea of a new assignment. And the images captured in the windows of a house were great. 👍

[@tommygladwell]

Watching this right before work. Inspirational, got me really in the mood to shoot something.

[@hpurein]

You are the inspiration for many of us Willem

[@FachyMarin]

Love your videos so much Willem! Specially because they follow a simple but effective formula. Find something interesting to shoot, go to that place, get the shots, done. No over-phylosophical chit chat, just you describing what you learn from the self-assignment while showing us great photos with some nice phone bts footage. Great work!

[@aarontimm]

There was a skateboard museum in Morro Bay appropriately named the Morro Bay Skateboard Museum. Unfortunately it shut down a couple years around the start of the pandemic I believe, but in 2016 (I was only 14 at the time) Jack, the owner of the museum, planned to skate an electric skateboard across America, as he had done before first in 1976 (and a few times from then on) on traditional skateboards. I sent him a GoPro battery for him to use on his journey. Unfortunately, he cut that journey short due to the danger of riding a skateboard along roadways after multiple near misses (though it seems he successfully completed the journey in 2019!), and when he sent my GoPro battery back, he sent along a few stickers, one of which read "Three Stacks and a Rock". I'd always wanted to visit, then being to visit the museum; I was still skating at the time, but now because it seems to be such a beautiful place to be. This comment ended up being far longer than I intended lol

[@kevinscotton]

Just here to cheer on my buddy Willem, thank you for consistently pursuing new work, trying new things, and sharing those experiences. The work you do is invaluable 💕

[@Rsurect]

Loving these self-assignment videos! Has definitely driven me to seek my own self-assignments. Would really enjoy hearing about more technical aspects of your shots, like exposure and your method behind it. Keep these coming.

[@SavagexSteve]

Willem, the photo of the reflections with two different perspectives is why you are the GAH DAMN GOAT. I was literally blown away and kept yelling “Jesus Christ!” Thank you for doing what you do. Thank you for inspiring as always! 12:17

[@kennymcleish]

Loved it. Really like the idea. Gave me things to think about. I've been clicking refresh on KZbin for a while now waiting on a new video from you. Don't leave it too long until the next one!

[@towhid.b]

9:32 this shot is so beautifully captured. awed

[@zackkribbet1106]

This is where I come to regain my passion and drive for photography, and these last few videos have been so inspiring and helpful. Thank you very much for your work.

[@dan-le-brun]

I’ve only been to the states twice in my life. The first time we stayed in Los Osos with my friend’s uncle and borrowed some bikes to ride up to Morro Bay. Happy days

[@mattbray_studio]

the reflection shot was total fire

[@adriennedyke]

that photo of the house w/ the sunset in one window & the rock in the other is just spectacular.

[@mdgdm]

I laughed at the coffee scene. I go out on my bike and make coffee at a local picnic table the same way: hand grinder, butane stove, Aeropress Go.

[@holaisaaa]

Maybe one of my favorites were of the reflection of the water with the Morro Bay Rock in the background! I loved the direct vertical composition a lot, and the light gives off a great feeling of dawn. You’re a good teller through your vids and a teacher in a way, through giving a glimpse into your life on how you shot the self assignment. I would want to see more of the sky, if you ever are able to capture that, the direct changing of light would be an awe to see! 👏🏻

[@ericgotz5368]

Duuuude that window shot!! Like what are the chances. So good

[@johnenjulia-6664]

Heel mooie film . De foto’s van de rots zijn indrukwekkend 👏🏽👏🏽ook de reflex in het raam 👍👍

[@user27278]

The photo from inside the restaurant thru the window was the best in my opinion. You should re do it by stacking exposures!

[@willysheepskin]

Ello mate just stopping by here a bit late to let you know I saw that shot at 9:30 in your night photo viddy and spent an age hunting this one down haha, ABSOLUTE ZINGER

[@CubaL1bre1]

I get more inspiration by watching your videos than by the whole photography course I'm doing, so thank you for that! And of course, the window reflection photo stole my heart, bravo!

[@miavonlange9192]

Thank you! This video inspired me a lot and I would actually just start in this very moment with a photography project. And this photo in 9.33 is amazing, wow, absolutely love it.

[@ryanbhangdia]

great video and awesome to see the continuation of this series (and perfect timing on my end I guess haha). There are so many ways to tailor this exercise to just about anything anywhere, maybe that's in part what helps so many people connect to it? pic at 9:34 is incredible, wow.

[@WillemVerb]

Thanks Ryan!

[@chaneyross]

bro deer head sweater is SO swag. love that you’re photographing this area and the rock, this was my childhood vacation spot, sweet nostalgia :) next time you go to Morro, there’s a small shop in Hofbrau on the wharf called Krills II, try that place if you haven’t. best cinnamon rolls on the west coast.

[@soccerjockey]

that window shot! holy cow!!

[@DanailStoianovArnould]

Great inspiration and excellent photography. Especially liked the reflection shot. Amazing! Thanks for sharing those stories.

[@andretim75]

Some great shots you took here ! Very nice perspectives and good way to teach oneself a bit !

[@tasia8754]

Great video. I love the image with the windows reflection of the rock!

[@artstudionagoya9605]

Nice photos! It reminds me to 100 views of Mount Fuji. By Hokusai. I think you may find inspiration in his project, he also worked to find diferente perspective of a single mountain.

[@ShawnPBruce]

This was fantastic. Love the reflection photo.

[@shaunsanders5401]

An inspiring video. Looking forward to seeing your photos in the coming year. Thank you.

[@alexkingphoto]

Loving the self assignment videos!

[@robjkim]

Wowow, beautiful images. Such a great idea doing these! Need to do some myself, thanks for the inspiration!

[@willmccleland2383]

That image at 9:35 is so good!

[@SamJessop]

The photo down the driveway at 11m22s is especially nice.

[@fotografi4fun]

This was actually a great idea. Will try something like this during the summer. Thanks 😊

[@mayank40994]

indeed, the reflection image was one of my favourites.

[@grantaday]

These are some of my favourite photos of yours.

[@samprstn]

This is really fantastic, lots of incredible photos in here, can't wait to see what the final project looks like

[@MattsMyndVideos]

Was just there last week, Morro bay is a easy place to shoot. So many opportunities for unique shots and interesting lighting. Right off the PCH it's a great place to stop and hang around.

[@alang253]

I swear I saw you randomly walking around my Morro Bay neighborhood ~1 year ago and then I saw your accompanying video. Sadly my relationship ended up there and I had to leave town. This video makes me a little depressed but nostalgic to see you walking through all the different spots I used to photograph. nice work

[@aihaibara1699]

please make a series of these videos it's super fun and interesting to watch, maybe I'd like to make one of my own :)

[@drakerobs25]

the photo at 9:33 is absolutely beautiful. wow.

[@CameraNostalgiaClub]

The window reflection shot is a banger 🤯📸🔥