10 Summer photo projects

1. Make a photo book

We always intend to make one, but rarely actually do it. It doesn't have to be perfect. Pick a couple of shots from each day and get them into a book.

Chatbooks.com makes it unbelievably easy.

Social Print Studio have lots of formats.

PhotoBox.co.uk are popular.

Blurb if you want more control over layout.

Shutterfly if you like a big, square book.

2. Instagram hashtag project

Join in with a seasonal hashtag project on Instagram. There's our own #30DaysOfComposition that runs in August, but you could also try:

#The100DayProject - pick a creative endeavour and do it every day for 100 days

Do the Instagram Weekend Hashtag Project - it changes every weekend

On the first Saturday of the month (in 2018 that's 4 August, 1 September), join in with #1Day12Pics.

3. Practise visual storytelling

A holiday is the perfect time to tell a story in photos. Remember to have a narrative arc (a beginning, a middle and an end), some tension (what went wrong?) and a resolution (happy ending?). Include these shots:

- scene-setting establishing shots (leaving the house, how you travelled, the destination, your accommodation)

- the stars (who was there, what is their personality?)

- intimate detail shots (close ups of textures, things you found, books, things that wouldn't be at home)

- food and drink (any disasters?)

- sunrise, sunset, night time shots (good to mix it up a bit)

Put it all in a photo book when you get home (see item 1 above). Or try telling a story in just 3 shots.

4. Scavenger Hunt

This is a good one if you have older children or grandchildren. They can use their phone, or if you trust them, let them loose with your camera. Come up with a list of things they have to photograph, and then set them free. Guaranteed to buy you at least 30 minutes of peace.

Ideas:

- something older than you

- something you love

- the first thing you saw this morning

- something hidden

- shot with your eyes closed

- fill the frame completely with a single colour

- photograph the alphabet (either things that begin with ABC.., or things that look like the letters)

- something that's moving

- bird's eye view/snail's eye view

- something that's alive

- a shadow

- 3 of a kind

- breakfast

- show time passing

- natural black and white

5. Have a go at post processing

Try some editing software: Affinity, Polarr or Lightroom are popular with photographers.

6. Start a photo blog

Have you always wanted to start a blog? Do it this summer. It doesn't have to be perfect. I use Squarespace, and their drag and drop set up means you don't have to know any tech or worry about installing Wordpress. Try it free, and just pick one of their photographer's themes. You can change it in 1 click any time if you don't like it.

7. Pick a colour

Choose a colour and look out for chances to photograph it all summer. Make a collage or a poster at the end.

8. Try shooting film

Someone you know probably has an old film camera lying around. Ask to borrow it. Or buy a cheap second hand one, and give it a go. How to Shoot Film

9. Broaden your horizons

Take inspiration from new places. Watch some Photography TED talks, go and look at some fine art photographs or some Renaissance paintings, or some contemporary sculpture. Anything to jolt you out of your comfort zone.

10. Learn to shoot off auto once and for all

Join A Year With My Camera, my free online beginner's photo course. During August you'll be doing the fun 30-day project, 30 Days of Composition. And then in September you'll start the get off auto lessons. You'll be off auto by mid-October. If you've heard enough, join below. If you want to know more, read this post: What Is A Year With My Camera?

None of the links in this post, or anywhere on my sites, are sponsored.