It all began in the late 70s and 80s when paramedic Chris Porsz would spend hours walking around shooting photos of random everyday people in Peterborough, a city in eastern England. Friends posed together, fashionistas cat walked in front of store windows, fellas with funky mohawks flashed sheepish grins, and gentlemen were seen running in the streets. They were all captured as they went about their lives by a man dubbed the “paramedic paparazzo.” These images captured moments long forgotten by most of the subjects.
Until 40 years later when, in an epic undertaking, Porsz decided to track down those subjects to recreate those pictures. He spent seven years finding and convincing people to help with his project by recreating their original poses. It took a fair bit of sleuthing, with a healthy dose of luck and coincidence, to make it all happen, but he managed to pull it off. And in the process of doing so, he was not only able to reconnect with his subjects but also to bring together many of those friends that time had since drifted apart.
It was a great experience for him and for all involved, and you can read more about it and see the pictures here:
Man Tracks Down People He Photographed in the Street 40 Years Ago to Recreate Their Picture
Coming up with your own creative project is a great way to stay on top of your photography game and build a portfolio you’re proud of.
Coming Up With Your Own Creative Photography Projects
Having a creative project to work on can give you a fresh perspective and renew your passion for photography. And you don’t necessarily have to become a master sleuth to come up with your own creative photography projects. In choosing one, think about what drew you to photography in the first place.
Did you love landscapes? Were you obsessed with animal portraits? Looking back at where you came from might give you valuable insight into who you are today and possibly inspire you.
What are your other passions in life? Is there a way you can incorporate them into a series? What brings you joy? Is it your friends, family, favorite coffee spot, or working out? What if you photographed all the gyms or coffee shops in your city? Perhaps you could have the proprietors stand in front of their business (do owners come to resemble their businesses??)
The great thing about your own personal project is that there’s no deadline to meet! You can take all the time you need to figure out where you want to go and what you want to do. Plus, you have the freedom to try things out and decide if they work for you or not. It will focus your mind and your eye and bring a new discipline to your shooting.
When you start to work on your own creative photography projects, you get to shoot the things that inspire you. Looking at your life through the lens, what do you see? And how does it all work together to form a bigger picture?
Learn and Travel with Steinberg Photography
Have you ever considered honing your skills on a photography adventure? Now is a great time to go with professional photographers Jim and Lori Steinberg of Steinberg Photography. We offer numerous exciting workshops and tours that are great for photographers of all skill levels.
Thanks for reading!