RE: Off Topic Request - Process for sustained photo-projects

Many thanks to everyone for the suggestions and comments about my
little student, semester-long project.

We've begun the semester and this is what I've come up with so far...
it's a work in progress.

We're currently working through different ideas, no photography is
allowed to begin until the idea/planning/budget/proposal steps are
complete. Some are already complaining they want to start shooting...
I just grin.

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Photo Project Guidelines and “Rules”

A. Planning Phase
        1. Idea generation
                • Brainstorming individual ideas with word-maps
                • Identify visual and non-visual possibilities of
these words
                • Continue to work on visual threads developed,
identify more visual possibilities
        2. Develop a list of probable themes you’ll incorporate into
the project
        3. Make a shot list (optional)
        4. Prepare a list of project needs, with careful consideration
for the visuals
        5. Compile the list of needs with costs and estimate
quantities -- this is a rough budget
        6. Write a proposal including the concept, strategy, format,
budget and presentation

B. Testing Phase
        1. Identify a small portion of the project which is manageable
within a small span of time and expense
        2. Run through the entire planning process
                • Scheduling
                • Organizing
                • Make checklists
                • Shooting
                • Developing/Printing
                • Analyze ideas vs results, review costs
                • Trouble-shooting exercises and retest if needed
                • Adjust project (if necessary)
        3. Save results, including written remarks, for later scrutiny

C. Working Phase
        1.Schedule your work to coincide with critiques
        2. Commit to the project
                • Schedule of shooting days and times, make
appointments as needed
                • Organize thoughts, equipment, film,
locations/studio, and any transportation
                • Make checklists for each shoot (AND USE THEM)
                • Shooting
                • Developing
                • Printing
                • Proofing
                • Make workprints
                • Analyze results, keep track of costs
                • Trouble-shooting problems arising, as needed
                • Adjust details of project (if necessary)
        3. Save workprints, including written remarks, for critiques

D. Completion Phase
        1. Select 30-40 workprints which accomplish your goals
        2. Formulate a mock-up of the final form - book layout,
journal, exhibition, portfolio, etc.
        3. Analyze results, include feedback of friends and
strangers... do not seek compliments
        4. Edit total number of images down to 20 finished images
total
        5. Leave work out of view for 24 hours, then review before
final presentation
        6. Finish as appropriate
Received on Wed Sep 8 22:23:42 2004