I’m writing this article while on a big roadtrip. Specifically, I’m traveling Route 66, photographing the neon signs, abandoned gas stations, old hotels, and whatever else I find interesting. This is a project that I’ve wanted to do for a very long time, and finally the time was right to do it. Even though I’m taking my time exploring The Mother Road, I also haven’t found much time to write. In fact, I’m typing this out on my phone while in my hotel room.

Projects are important for photographers. There is a real benefit to undertaking them. In my opinion, everyone should have at least one photography project that they are working on. Undertaking a project has three main benefits, which I’ll discuss below.

First, it gives your images purpose. You are not just wandering aimlessly with your camera (although that can be both enjoyable and beneficial, too); instead, you have a specific purpose. You have a goal, and your pictures have meaning. It gives you both a subject and a reason.

Above: Neon signs in Tucumcari — Fujifilm X-T5 + Vivid Velvia Recipe

Second, it forces you to use your camera. It’s easy to just let your gear collect dust, but a project makes it necessary to pick it up and use it. You can’t work towards completing your project if you aren’t actively photographing. The more you use your cameras, the better of a photographer you become.

Third, it allows you to create a consistent and cohesive body of work. A lot of times our pictures can feel disjointed, and that’s because they are. They’re oftentimes standalone. There’s nothing wrong with that, but a group of photos can tell a larger, more meaningful story.

If you aren’t currently undertaking a photography project, I encourage you to start soon. Think about what interests you—what you find fascinating—and begin with that. It doesn’t have to require travel, but (like in my case) maybe it does. It can be short or long term. There’s a lot of different ways to accomplish it, but what’s important is starting your project’s journey. Think about what project you’d be interested in doing, and begin working on it right away.