Ten Eleven Handy hints for participating in a Weekly Photo Project

Ten Eleven Handy hints for participating in a Weekly Photo Project

As we get ready for the 2016 Weekly Photo Project, I thought I'd share some of the things I've learnt over past few years.

First - Don't be shy - we really don't care what level of experience or quality of gear you have. We have absolute beginners and full-time professionals taking part, with everything from high-end DLSRs to 2MP smartphones. The point is to take part - to paraphrase one of my author friends "If you want to be a photographer, take photos!", and this is as true for those just wanting to improve their skills as for those looking to turn (or are already) pro.

Second - Make sure you create a new album for the project at the start of the year, and (this is the important bit) add each photo to it before you share it. And include the theme in the caption of the photo before you share it - it makes it a lot easier when you are reviewing your work.

Third - Please re-share your posts! After posting to the community category for that month, why not reshare your post publicly? And, while you’re at it, add that post to a collection of your own. This serves two purposes,  firstly it shows your work off to people not in the project, and secondly it promotes the project to people who might not know about it.

Fourth - Print a copy of the themes and keep it in your camera bag or wallet. Cross off themes as you post them. That way you can avoid accidentally doubling up - which is something I did in Weekly Photo Project 2014.

Fifth - Remember the deadlines are only guidelines. In 2014 I posted my photo for the Week 6 theme in week 52! 

Sixth - Keep it up! Just because you missed a few weeks, get back to it, and keep going - even in the last week you have time to catch up!

Seventh - Have fun. The project should not be a chore, it should be a joy and a reward. If you find it being a drag, take a break and then come back to it - it will wait. Maybe take part in a couple of the short challenges that pop up from time to time on G+ to keep yourself fresh.

Eighth - If you are planning on posting from your phone or tablet, email the cut-and-paste lists to yourself from your desktop. On my tablet at least, you cannot select-and-cut from the G+ application from someone else's post.

Ninth - Ask for help if you need it. The other participants and the curators will cheerfully offer advice if you ask. This is the one I find hardest. With the new community set up, there is a discussion category where you can ask for advice about any of the themes.

Tenth - At the end of the year, share out the whole album that you've collated. You've put together a year's worth of photos - that is something to be proud of.

Eleventh - Don’t feel constrained by the themes - there is almost always some approach that has not been used. (That said, I’m still waiting for someone to post a photo of a cocktail for Sunrise/Sunset :) )