Finding the sweet spot: How many photos make a series?

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Camille
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Hi everyone,​

I'm working on a few photography series and I'm wondering how many photos typically make up a strong series? Is there a magic number, or does it depend on the concept?

Looking for any insights or advice from photographers who have experience with photo series!

Thank you,
Camille
 
At the risk of sounding glib, it takes as many or as few as it takes to make the series look 'right'. A lot will depend on how the pictures are intended to be displayed. For example, a book will likely need more than a magazine feature or a grid display.
 
Until I saw such reference to 'photo series' I had no immediate understanding of the term..but having looked and purely my opinion.

The number can be as many as required on your interpretation of the theme and the message that you are trying to photographically express.

Therefore, and in regard to keeping the viewer interested. As few as 2 if the images are large and screen filling but if more thumbnail like perhaps 20 ???

So, are you talking about screen viewing and/or printed for wall display?

The number needed(?) IMO will likely be highly influenced on exactly your intent and message being conveyed.

Summary, no two photographers will present the same theme in an identical manner = pick a number that lets you express you want but don't expect everyone to agree with you!
 
Thanks all, that's what I figured! There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer. Should you choose the medium first, or focus on the creative idea and see where it takes you?

I guess it’s like songwriting. You can write a catchy tune specifically for radio with its format in mind, or you can create whatever music you want and adjust it later.

I think I'll follow my artistic vision and not be confined by a specific medium. The way I present the work can always adapt depending on its final destination.
 
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Ed Sutton said:
Picture sets don't have to be stories.
Click to expand...
Indeed not.

On the other hand, the more ideas you gather, the more possibilities may present themselves.
 
I don't think there is an answer to this really.

I tend to generally shoot with (what I call) a "set" in mind. For example..... If I'm at a lighthouse for sunrise, I'll try to get a few different angles or related shots. If I'm at a car event, I won't take one photo of every car there, I'll pick a handful of cars and take several different images of each car and its details to share as one post/upload/? .....

That's just how I tend to think whilst shooting.
 
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I certainly wouldn't think about how many shots do I need while you're shooting as you may waste time trying to fulfil a quota or on the flip side not get a killer shot because you think you've already got enough.

Like most people have said, I don't think there's a definite number.

I would say that it's as many as keeps people interested. Certainly no more. Arguably one fewer - leave them wanting more.
 
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