“Planning a Documentary Photography Project: A Step-by-Step Guide”

Photography is one of the most powerful tools for telling stories and documenting the world around us. For those interested in capturing meaningful moments, a documentary photography project offers a unique way to connect with people, places, and personal experiences.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through how I’m planning a long-term documentary photography project—one that is deeply personal, as it honors the memory of my father. You’ll learn the step-by-step process of how to approach and execute your own documentary project, from defining the purpose to setting creative constraints and capturing authentic moments. Whether you’re an experienced photographer or just starting, this guide will offer insights to help you create a project with purpose.

The Importance of Personal Projects

Documentary photography projects are a great way to express your creativity while telling stories that matter to you. Unlike commercial or commissioned work, personal projects give you the freedom to explore themes and stories that resonate with you on a deeper level. For me, the project I’m currently working on is all about honoring my father, who passed away from multiple sclerosis. Before he died, he gave me a list of places that were important to him, and my goal is to document these locations through photography as a way to keep his memory alive.

The process of planning a long-term photography project isn’t just about taking pictures. It’s about understanding your purpose, setting clear goals, and approaching each shoot with intention. By the end of this blog post, you’ll have a solid framework to help you plan and execute your own meaningful documentary photography project.

Step 1: Defining the Purpose

Every documentary photography project begins with a clear purpose. For me, the purpose is to tell the story of my father’s life by capturing images of places that were important to him. This purpose keeps me focused and gives the project emotional depth. It’s important to ask yourself: What story do I want to tell? Whether it’s documenting a social issue, a place, or a personal story, having a strong purpose will guide the direction of your project.

When defining your project’s purpose, consider these questions:

What story do I want to capture?

Who or what is the focus of this project?

Why is this story important to me?

What impact do I want the project to have?

Once you have a clear purpose, it will be easier to stay focused throughout the project, even during challenging times.

You can see how I am planning my latest personal project in the video below:

Step 2: Setting Creative Constraints

Constraints are essential for any photography project. They help you create a consistent style and keep your work focused. For my project, I’ve set several creative constraints to guide the process and ensure that the final images tell a cohesive story. These include shooting only during golden hour and blue hour to ensure consistent lighting across all images and add a timeless quality to the photos. I will use a 3:2 aspect ratio for all images to maintain visual uniformity throughout the series. I’m shooting in Classic Chrome film simulation to give the images a muted, consistent look that fits the tone of the project. It helps me maintain consistency while also adding a nostalgic feel to the images. I’m keeping post-processing minimal, aiming for a natural, documentary approach. This ensures the images reflect reality rather than feeling overly stylized. The final session of the project will be captured on my father’s Praktica 35mm film camera, using just one roll of film with no reshoots. This adds a personal and tangible connection to the project.

These constraints are not just limitations—they help shape the story and give the project a unique voice. When planning your own photography project, think about what constraints will help you stay focused and produce work that feels authentic.

Step 3: Planning the Locations

Research and planning are key to any long-term project, especially one involving multiple locations. In my project, I’m photographing a series of locations in Devon and Cornwall that were significant to my father. To ensure the project runs smoothly, I’ve broken down the locations into manageable groups and planned each trip in advance.

Here’s how I approach the planning stage. I use Google Maps to organize the locations by geography and plan efficient routes. By grouping nearby locations together, I can focus on one area at a time. Street View allows me to get a preview of the locations before I visit, helping me visualize possible shots and compositions. The PhotoPills app helps me plan the timing of my shoots. I use it to track golden hour and blue hour, ensuring I’m prepared to shoot when the lighting is at its best.

Step 4: Combining Old and New Photos

A unique aspect of this project is that I’m blending both old family photos with the new images I’m capturing. My father had taken photos of these locations when he was younger, and incorporating them into the project alongside my new images creates a compelling visual narrative. This combination not only tells the story of my father’s life but also connects the past with the present.

If you’re planning a personal project, consider incorporating different time periods or elements from your subject’s history. This can add layers to the story and give the project more depth.

Step 5: Creating a Zine and Final Prints

The final outcome of this project will be a zine, which I’ll give to family members. The zine will include a mix of old photos, new images, and personal reflections. This format allows me to tell a complete story in a tangible way, something that my family and I can look back on for years to come.

In addition to the zine, I plan to print select images for display in my home and studio. I’ll be printing the photos myself using my Canon Pro 44” printer, ensuring that the entire process stays personal and hands-on.

For those considering a similar project, creating a zine is a great way to compile your work into a finished product. It can serve as a meaningful keepsake for family or as a way to share your story with a broader audience.

Why Documentary Photography Projects Matter

Documentary photography is about more than just taking pictures—it’s about telling stories. Whether you’re documenting a social issue, a personal story, or a specific place, photography allows you to capture moments that would otherwise be lost. By planning a long-term documentary photography project, you’re creating a narrative that goes beyond individual images.

Personal projects like this also allow photographers to explore themes that resonate with them deeply. In my case, this project is about more than photography—it’s about honoring my father’s memory and connecting with the places that shaped his life.

If you’re thinking about starting your own documentary photography project, I encourage you to start with a story that matters to you. Set your purpose, define your constraints, and plan each step carefully. The process of creating a meaningful project can be incredibly rewarding, both for the photographer and for those who experience the work.

Conclusion

Planning and executing a long-term documentary photography project requires careful thought, research, and emotional investment. For me, this project has been a way to honor my father’s memory while also exploring my own creative process. By setting clear goals and constraints, planning each trip, and blending old and new photos, I’m hopefully able to create a body of work that tells a personal story.

I hope this guide has provided you with insights