Hey Reader,
Lately, I’ve been realising something about the photographers whose work stays with me:
Their strongest images never stand alone.
Instead, they often belong to a series.
nd once you notice that, you start looking at your own work a little differently.
Let’s dive in!
Why a Series Works
Most of us think and shoot in singles. One idea. One photo. Then we move on.
But a series, on the other hand, kind of slows things down.
A series gives your images room to breathe and allows different images to complement each other while letting you share more of your work!
Think about Instagram carousels, photo exhibitions, or even the TV shows we binge.
They work because the pieces connect seamlessly. And a good series in photography does the same thing, all whilst making your work feel more intentional.
And look, a series doesn’t need to be complicated either.
It can simply be a mood, a place, a colour, a subject, or a feeling you keep noticing.
Two Ways a Series Begins
Some series appear after the fact.
My first Zine, ‘Some Place Warm,’ came together this way.
I didn’t plan anything before a 3-month backpacking trip.
I was just shooting whatever caught my eye, and only later realised the images were all part of the same (convenient) story.
Other times, your series idea may come first.
You head out to shoot with a concept in mind, and you look for images that support this.
Now this does take more energy, but oftentimes the result feels much more focused.
In my experience, the best place to be is somewhere in the middle.
A loose umbrella idea to guide you, with enough space to stay flexible.
It’s a nice balance that stops you from feeling boxed in by your own ‘creativity’.
How to Build a Series
Now, a good series has rhythm… a sort of flow that you know has been created deliberately.
The images somehow sit well together and don’t outdo each other.
Obviously, there’s no right way to do it, but here’s a simple shot list I use when putting together a photo series.
Shot 1: Emotion - drawing the viewer in with some kind of emotional hook is a great way to kick off a series, it should also try hint at what’s meant to come.
Shot 2: Wide - this will help set the context for the series: where it’s set, who might be involved.
Shot 3: Action - here’s where you can introduce the story itself: what’s happening and what it’s about.
Shot 4: Portrait - showcase the characters involved. This shot is essential for connection.
Shot 5: Details - here’s your opportunity to draw your viewer further in! Think tight focal lengths and textures.
Obviously, don’t feel you need to stick to this sequence, but having a guide will make your next series easier.
Essentially, the goal is to add a variety of compositions that serve your series idea.
Your Content as a Series
The idea of building interest carries over to your social content too.
These past few weeks, I’ve been sharing a new series on my short-form channels called:
‘7 Lessons That Changed My Photography’
The idea is simple: I talk about things that helped me as a photographer and why they might help others.
And it’s been good in two ways. My audience gets something useful, and it’s quietly been helping me too.
Here’s how.
This series gave me seven clear pieces of content that bring people back, help new people find my work, and open the door for them to step into my world.
And because it sits under one umbrella, it’s made ideation easier.
The result: this series alone has racked up close to two million views.
Finding Your 'Signature Series'
When you think about a series, think about what you keep returning to when you shoot.
It might be a type of light, a feeling, a subject or a place.
A good series is something you can repeat without forcing it, and something that fits your photography and your content.
Look at the things you already notice in your work and ask which one you could follow for a while.
If it feels natural to keep shooting it, that’s usually the start of a signature series.
If you want help finding yours, reply to this email, and I’ll help where I can.
Catch you next week,
Matty 📷 🚀