Ah, spring. That magical time when the world shakes off its icy slumber and bursts back to life with color, movement, and energy. As a photographer, I live for this season. The light gets warmer, the days get longer, and there’s inspiration literally blooming around every corner. If you’re feeling the itch to shake off the creative cobwebs and try something new, here are 10 photography projects I’ve either done myself or have on my spring to-do list. Hopefully, they’ll spark some fresh ideas for you too.
1. Macro Magic in the Garden
I’m talking flowers, insects, raindrops—anything tiny and detailed. There’s something meditative about crouching down in a garden or forest, looking for those perfect little scenes. Even if you don’t have a dedicated macro lens, try a reverse lens technique or get creative with cropping in post.
2. Color Hunt
Pick a spring-themed color each week—like soft pink, mint green, or sky blue—and challenge yourself to shoot only that color. I did a “yellow week” last year and ended up photographing daffodils, rain boots, road signs, and even a lemon-themed café I’d never noticed before. It’s wild how focused your eye becomes.
3. Golden Hour Walks
Spring golden hours are straight-up magic. Go on a 30-minute walk every evening and shoot whatever catches your eye. I’ve found puddle reflections, long shadows, dogs walking their humans—it’s like a new story every day.
4. Spring Portraits with Natural Elements
Instead of studio-style portraits, I like to take friends or clients into the woods or a field and use what nature gives me—flowers in the hair, dappled light through trees, soft petals as props. These shoots feel alive and organic, and people love how natural they look.
5. Before & After: Nature Edition
This one’s a long game. Find a spot—maybe a local park, tree, or walking trail—and shoot it at the beginning of spring. Then return once a week and capture its transformation. It’s a great visual diary and a solid lesson in patience.
6. Spring Street Style
Fashion comes alive when coats come off. I’ve taken to doing mini photo walks downtown and capturing people’s spring fits (with permission, of course). Bright sunglasses, flowy dresses, vintage sneakers—it’s like people are showing up for the camera without even knowing it.
7. Rainy Day Reflections
Rain is part of spring, but don’t let it kill your vibe. Some of my favorite moody shots have come from wet pavement, puddle reflections, or foggy windows. Toss a plastic cover on your camera or shoot from a dry car—you’ll find scenes others miss.
8. Spring Food Stories
Spring tastes different with its farmers markets, food trucks, and fresh veggies. As I photograph a dish, I like to show the whole “story” of it, from the market to the kitchen to steam rising from a plate.
9. Time-Lapse Bloom
Grab a tripod, set up in front of a budding flower or tree, and create a time-lapse. It’s not the fastest process, but watching nature do its thing in fast-forward is pure magic—and great content if you’re into reels or YouTube shorts.
10. Pet Spring Adventures
If you’ve got a dog, cat, or even a cooperative bunny, take them outside and capture their curiosity in action. There’s something joyful and totally unscripted about pets exploring grass and sunshine after months of snow or indoor boredom.
Final Thoughts
Spring is such a lovely season of renewal, and for me, it’s the perfect time to refresh my creative process. These projects are all about the journey, not just getting everything perfect—they’re about discovering new things together! Grab your camera, step outside, and let the season surprise you! If you give any of these ideas a go, feel free to tag me or leave a comment—I’d be excited to see what you create!
Here’s to fresh light, new colors, and creative energy. Let’s make some photo magic this spring.
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