A Conversation about Photographic Projects with Sam Abell & Leah Bendavid-Val

Sam, what’s the difference between a project and simply a collection of photographs?
Collections of photographs, no matter how distinguished, have no cumulative power. Projects do.

Leah, how should a photographer choose a project?

Appropriateness. Does the photographer care deeply about the subject? Is the project doable?

You say “doable”. Leah, what does that mean?
Well, a common mistake is excess of scale. It’s possible that a well-done small project enlarges the world more than a poorly done large project.

So a project is a high-minded endeavor. Can you comment on that, Sam?
A project gives you a chance to concentrate your ability on something meaningful. Why else become a photographer?

If they are meaningful, Sam, why do so many projects wither?
Isolation. Photographers working alone reach the end of their inspiration. One of the reasons to gather with others is to end that isolation and re-inspire this important work.

Learn more from Sam and Leah in their workshop
The Project Workshop

September 22 - September 25, 2010

Visit Sam’s web site www.samabell-thephotographiclife.com to see what he’s up to.