Ideas for a photo essay?

[xanis]

I'm looking for some ideas for a photo essay. This isn't for school or anything, this is just for me to let me get more involved with photography and get some practice taking photos. I live in Philadelphia and I recently got a Nikon D40 with the 18-55mm kit lens. My favorite kinds of photos are black and white and depict people, urban landscapes, and graffiti. I have no doubt that there are great photo opportunities all around me. However, I can't seem to think of specific things to photograph. I have loads of concepts and visualizations for things that would make good photographs, but I can't seem to find any of these things in everyday life.

This is partly why I want to do a photo essay. I think having a concept (even a vague one) would give me that little bit of rigidity that would help me see more things and create better compositions. Basically I think it would be helpful to pick a direction and go there, rather than just try and sort through the tons of ideas going through my head at any given time.

Another thing that's stopped me thus far is that I'm kind of shy. I find it difficult to just take photographs of things, especially people, out in public with everyone watching. Any suggestions on how I could overcome this? Some of my favorite images are of people and I would love to create some of my own.

So basicaly what I'm asking of you guys is to give me some ideas that you think would make a good photo essay. Anything goes. Thanks!

 

[montanafan]

The Washington Post had an interesting photo essay called, "A Day in the Life of Africa". Maybe you could do "A Day in the Life of Philadelphia".

 

[Sassy Rabbit]

Check out JPG mag - they have a ton of themes for their submissions. You might be able to get some ideas from there.

 

[Alyx]

You could always go simple. Pick a color and walk around town looking for it. When you do find something of the correct color really try to get the best composition you can find, it might not be the best pictures in the world but as a set they'll fit together fairly well. And I think it helps not only getting your eye used to looking for specific things but also visualizing compositions of subjects you wouldn't normally try photographing. You might surprise yourself with one of the shots.

 

[xanis]

Originally posted by: Alyx
You could always go simple. Pick a color and walk around town looking for it. When you do find something of the correct color really try to get the best composition you can find, it might not be the best pictures in the world but as a set they'll fit together fairly well. And I think it helps not only getting your eye used to looking for specific things but also visualizing compositions of subjects you wouldn't normally try photographing. You might surprise yourself with one of the shots.

I really like this, it seems like a great idea. Thanks!