20 Photography Assignments for Personal Inspiration and Final Photography Assignments for Students of All Skill Levels

These projects range in complexity, and while some require advanced technical skills, they encourage creative thinking and experimentation. Providing opportunities to push boundaries, explore different genres, and showcase your artistic vision:

Levitation Photography — Experiment with levitation techniques to create the illusion of floating subjects, combining precise timing, composition, and post-processing skills.
Multiple Exposures Collage — Merge multiple exposures into a single image to create a visually captivating collage, blending different subjects or scenes in imaginative ways.
Cinemagraphs — Bring images to life with motion or looping elements to create animated GIFs.
Long-Term Documentary — Engage in a long-term documentary project exploring a social issue, cultural phenomenon, or personal journey. Showcasing a local small business is a good start.
Creative Light Painting — Use long exposure techniques and various light sources to paint or sculpt with light, crafting ethereal and dynamic images in dark environments.
Environmental Activism — Use photography to raise awareness and advocate for environmental causes, documenting the impact of human activity on the natural world or showcasing conservation efforts.
Composite Self-Portraits — Create elaborate self-portraits by blending multiple images, incorporating props, costumes, or digital manipulation to express different facets of your identity.
Experimental Techniques — Explore unconventional techniques like pinhole photography, infrared photography, or DIY lens modifications to produce unique and visually striking results.
Architectural Abstracts — Seek out intriguing architectural details, patterns, or structures, capturing abstract compositions that challenge viewers' perceptions of familiar environments.
Local Old Buildings — Capture the character of historic buildings in your neighborhood or town, while delving into their deep-rooted history. Research their origins, architectural details, and the stories they tell about your community’s past.
Night Sky Photography — Master the art of astrophotography, capturing stunning images of stars, planets, and celestial phenomena, combining technical skills and patience.
Photography with Alternative Processes — Experiment with alternative printing processes like cyanotype, platinum/palladium, or gum bichromate, creating tactile and unique photographic prints.
Caffenol Film Development — Hand-develop black & white film with coffee and vitamin C as an eco-friendly alternative for vintage-inspired results with a distinct and artistic flair.
Document a Month of Your Life — Take one photo every day on a 36-exposure roll of film. A camera with a date imprint feature makes this project even more meaningful.
Document Your Family — Capture the daily lives of family members, such as your Mom, Grandma, or siblings. This project not only enhances your skills but also gives you an opportunity to spend meaningful time with loved ones.
Nighttime Photography — Dive into nighttime photography, capturing the unique atmosphere of the evening. For a classic touch, shoot on black-and-white film to emphasize contrast and mood.
Underwater Photography — Take your photography beneath the surface, capturing the beauty and mystery of underwater worlds in pools, oceans, or aquariums; collaborate with a swim team member to elevate the project with underwater portraits.
Photograph Your Neighborhood — Document your local neighborhood as if it were an exotic travel destination. Treat familiar mundane streets and corners with the curiosity and wonder you’d bring to a far-flung location—you’ll be surprised by the stories and beauty you’ll find.
Disposable Film Camera — Limit yourself creatively by using a disposable camera, a Holga, or a reusable film camera. Embrace their simplicity, fixed settings, and unique imperfections to focus on composition and nostalgic storytelling rather than technical precision.
Document Your Commute — If you take public transportation to work or school, bring a camera and document your journey both ways. These seemingly mundane moments, from crowded buses to quiet train rides, will become cherished memories years later when you’ve moved on to a new job or graduated.

What is a Personal Project?

A personal photography project is a self-driven endeavor fueled by your unique perspective and creativity. Free from external constraints or expectations, it’s an opportunity to explore ideas that inspire you and reignite your passion for the craft. Personal projects thrive on self-reliance, allowing you to create spontaneously with the gear you already own, fostering a sense of freedom and ingenuity without significant financial investment.

The value of a personal project lies not in recognition or monetary gain but in the fulfillment and growth it brings. These projects don’t need a specific theme or to align with your usual style—they’re a chance to break away from the familiar and experiment. Whether it’s a cohesive story or a single image, the goal is to create for yourself. Sharing your work is optional; the true reward comes from embracing the process and reconnecting with your creative instincts.

Why Personal Projects Matter

Personal projects nourish the creative soul, free from deadlines, social media metrics, or client expectations. As Jonathan Canlas, author of Film Is Not Dead, reminds us, these projects stem from the pure desire to create, rekindling the passion that first inspired your artistic journey. They can help overcome burnout, refine your style, and spark new inspiration—after all, your style is simply consistent self-plagiarizing.

Beyond reigniting creativity, personal projects provide a safe space to experiment with techniques, equipment, or concepts, fostering growth without the fear of failure. Whether they raise awareness for meaningful causes or lead to unexpected collaborations, their primary value lies in personal fulfillment. Keep your setup simple and focus on creativity, but don’t shy away from tools that spark joy—because the best gear is what feels right in your hands and inspires you to create.

Practical Benefits of Personal Projects for Students

For photography students, personal projects can be a game-changer for final presentations. They alleviate the stress of last-minute inspiration hunts and provide a unique outlet for exploring techniques and subjects that resonate with you. By working on a personal project alongside academic assignments, you cultivate independent thinking, self-discipline, and creative problem-solving—skills essential for both academic and professional success.

Personal projects also add depth to your work, especially when paired with a thoughtful statement explaining their purpose and vision. A project that steps outside conventional themes shows your willingness to take risks, leaving a lasting impression on instructors and peers. This dedication and originality often lead to higher grades and recognition; while helping you develop a deeper connection to your craft.

Semiotic Nights: My Personal Project of Los Angeles at Night

Personal projects often evolve over time, as did my own project, Semiotic Nights. It began unexpectedly in 2006 when I moved from South Central L.A. to the Antelope Valley. Inspired by Blaqk Audio’s debut album, CexCells, I picked up my Nikon D200 and photographed my new neighborhood at night. At the time, I didn’t have any specific plans for the photos—it was simply a way to get familiar with my new digital SLR and explore what the A.V. had to offer. Along the way, I stumbled upon King Photo Supply in Downtown Lancaster, where I would later work.

Years later, in 2018, during my final semester at East Los Angeles College, my instructor challenged me to develop a personal project alongside my portfolio. This led me to revisit Semiotic Nights with fresh eyes. This time, I photographed the lonely streets of Los Angeles at night on 35mm black-and-white film. The project culminated in being showcased at the Vincent Price Art Museum during ELAC’s student art exhibit—a moment of validation, though never the original goal.

Keep in mind that personal projects aren’t about fame or financial success; they’re about creating something meaningful for yourself. Sometimes, however, they yield unexpected dividends. Jonathan Canlas, in Film Is Not Dead, recounts how a single photo led to a commercial campaign. Similarly, my photographs of the neighborhoods I grew up in, initially shared casually on Instagram, inspired this very blog, This Summer Imperfect. And while my wedding portfolio has opened many doors, this blog has led to unexpected connections and opportunities I never anticipated.