Having recently completed Project 366 (creating 366 consecutive photographs each day in 2008) inspired by the flickr group, I’ve felt a great sense of accomplishment, coupled with a huge sigh of relief. I’m now honeymooning over the fact that there is no pressure to shoot every single day. And yet, I’m still shooting every day.
If you’ve thought about taking this project on, I highly recommend it. Simply put, it changed my life. It taught me to see. To push myself creatively. And it forced the discipline I needed to bring clarity to my future – ultimately giving me the courage I needed to trade a comfortable career to follow my dream of being an artist full time, focusing on photography and digital media productions.
If you decide to start your own Project 365 (and I hope you do), here are a five tips to guide your journey:
1. Take your camera out with you every day. I purchased a small, inexpensive backback big enough to fit my DSLR and turned it into my purse. Sometimes I would stuff an alternative lens in the bag, but more often than not, it was sort of fun to use the lens I had at the time and to find creative ways to make an image work with the lens I had on hand.
2. Shoot at least one shot in the morning. Let’s face it, there are days that zoom so fast it’s easy to forget essential day-to-day tasks like reminding one’s child to brush his teeth, transfering wet clothes into the dryer, meeting an unreasonable client deadline, shuffling papers on your kitchen counter, etc. If you shoot at least one shot in the morning before your day gets out of hand, you’re covered.
3. Set up a method to organize and share your series as you progress. When I initially started, I uploaded and titled each of my daily image selections on flickr (i.e., Day 1, Day 2, et.) and contributed the images to the Project 365 flickr group. Being a part of this group kept me inspired and engaged. It felt great to know that so many other folks around the world were traveling on this journey with me. When I first saw someone’s image in the group labelled Day 365, I could visualize completion despite the long road ahead. The group also offers weekly challenges to inspire image ideas.
4. Use this opportunity to get comfortable with your camera. If you typically shoot in Auto mode, you might consider learning one new feature of your camera each month. For example, during month one, you could learn to use Aperture Priority mode and experiment using different aperture settings. Month two, you could try different ISO settings – shooting indoor shots with a higher ISO setting instead of using your flash. You could grow to love that grainy texture in certain situations.
5. Never say “I have nothing to shoot.” You are likely to think this around Day 62, but don’t say it. There is always something to shoot. Walk outside. Lie down on the floor and look up. Turn over onto your belly and rest your camera on the floor. Look in the mirror. Take the long way home. Tell a stranger you are looking for an image of the day and see what comes to his/her mind. Use this opportunity to seek out and celebrate something unique each day.
If you’ve done Project 365 or if you’re in the process of this project, tell us about your experience and share your tips. And if you are leaning on the edge of this amazing journey, will you leap?
Yay! I loved your 365 series last year. (hmm that makes it sound so long ago…) I just started with flickr so I can keep motivated.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/28479290@N05/sets/72157612036043227/
I can’t wait to see how this will challenge me and discipline me to get a well-thought-out shot on my busiest days and a likable shot after dark or during this gray gray winter. January is my busiest month of the year at work, so I’m already making excuses, haha! I’m excited to try out themes and new techniques. Also, I’ve been having trouble with photo overload and I’m trying to use this as an excuse to save only one or two shots out of my day’s series. I know I’ll be way more motivated to look back on (and make a coffee table book of) 365 shots than 3,650. Sometimes I get a little carried away saving two (or ten) nearly identical photos because "I like them both in their own way." :O)
Thanks for the tips!
I am doing it for 2009. One of my goals for 2008 was to take photos daily – I didn’t, so I thought the album would be a good forcing function.
What I am finding is that it is causing me to take photos of things that I would otherwise miss .. the little things in my day .. especially when I realize that the day is almost over and I haven’t taken my camera out yet (and there have been a few of those days). 🙂
I am also finding that it helps if the camera stays out of its box and on my desk.
Great tips, thanks!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/24804662@N00/
Stephanie–I love your take on this project. Now that you’ve done it for a year and have reflections, it helps those of us who’ve not yet committed to a year to foresee what might be ahead for us. Your Five Tips are wonderful. I haven’t committed yet, but have to admit to having taken photos each day this year. Why I am not committing is beyond me! Maybe "fear of the unknown" or maybe "fear of vulnerability"! Thanks for this post.
I admire anyone that does that project as it’s a major commitment. I tried it…and I also followed my instructors admonishment to shoot every day…there are just some days I hate every frame I shoot. *sigh*
I cannot beleive the perfect timing of this post Stephanie! I JUST published a post with my intention to do the 365 project. http://maypapers.blogspot.com/2009/01/oh-possibilities.html
I am so happy to have your tips for guidance and help. Thank you. I am soooo crossing my fingers this is something I can keep up with. I am also excited to get an idea of the other sisters who are diving in too! Yay!
Yes! I just started this 11 days ago; yesterday on a post I wrote "My timing in joining Flickr last week feels like a little gift. So much of my thought and energy has been focused on embracing and loving things in my life because of some of the Flickr groups I’ve joined…"
Thanks for the enouragement!
Thanks for the great tips, Stephanie and the encouragement! I’ve taken the plunge and hope I succeed in this adventure! Here’s what I have so far… http://www.flickr.com/photos/16869615@N03/sets/72157612146357562/
I’ve been posting a photo-a-day now for over a year and a half (20 months..to be exact). I think the lesson I’ve most learned is that the possibilities are endless..and it is always possible to create an image out of nothing-at-all. Here’s an example of my latest:
http://www.marciescudderphotography.com/index.php?showimage=656
I love this picture! I’ve sort of got two going on right now. These are awesome tips!
My regular 365: http://www.flickr.com/photos/greystgirl/sets/72157606858508892/
And, my year of mornings: http://www.flickr.com/photos/greystgirl/sets/72157611951292447/
I started this January 1st and am so excited to see and watch others who are doing the same. What I’ve found in only the first 11 days is that it’s giving me daily practice with my camera. Every day i take at least a few minutes to try to nail that tricky exposure in my kitchen or get the eyes of my children in crisp focus or to look at a new way to compose a shot of something simple and beautiful. I’d love to see a Shutter Sisters 365 group in Flickr.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/motherbunny/sets/72157612144494677/
I admire all of you for your tenacity. I tried doing this in December and I could not so I thought I had "failed". I am finding out that fear of failure stops me from doing a lot of things. However, I do love documenting life with my camera. I will try to follow your examples. I approach life with a sense of humor because I feel that laughter IS the best medicine and a smile is the most powerful pill. I know it always makes me feel better, even when I fail.
I just wrote my 2009 resolution based on a email I received. Once again it’s tongue and cheek but I will add one more resolution to it. Be creative, every day.
http://lifesignatures.wordpress.com/2009/01/11/resolution-for-2009/
Ooh, I second that about the Shutter Sisters 365 group!
I am in the process of doing a year of mornings. I shoot all the time. I also look at tons of pictures on flickr after my kids have gone to bed for the night. This is so inspiring and I find the next morning I wake up full of ideas. You can see my year of mornings here http://myyearofmornings.blogspot.com/
I’m doing 365 as scrapbooking and diarying also. Heck! What a task. On my http://www.blog pins–needles.blogspot.com and at Designer Digitals in the 365 gallery. Although I am for weekly photographs, not necessarily daily. But boy it’s made me look at things differently. I was driving to work today thinking I wish I had my camera with me, just to take pictures of my ride to work. I will tomorrow. It’s going to be good as hopefully at the end of this week I will be getting my first DSLR so this project will give it a good workout!
Thanks for the encouragement and ideas. I started 365 in November. It’s been a challenge to find material, and I still don’t think I’ve learned to "see"– that’s my biggest hope for this project… to develop eyes that see angles, light, subjects, possibilities where currently I see none! So, today my camera goes in the bag, and off I go to work…. 10 minutes early. Maybe today I’ll park at the bridge, get out and shoot some photos!
Thanks so much for the encouragement and ideas. I’m doing this for 2009 as well and am already amazed by how it makes me see my world. My eyes are always open, looking for something new, something special–or even something ordinary that might one day be gone. With 3 small children, there’s lots of that to go around!
I’m signed on as well. I really believe practice will make a difference, and already I am looking more closely as I go through my day. The photography here is so beautiful that sometimes I’m intimidated, but I know that lurking won’t make a difference; participating might.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8243804@N08/3191439952/in/set-72157612432843523/
I’ve decided to play along this year and am committed to capturing all the little things in life that otherwise may be forgotten. http://monicamcneill.typepad.com/life_without_filters_365/
Thanks so much for this post! The timing is perfect.
my sister and i have taken to heart the jump start challenge. taking photos and in fact on a complete whim i signed up for an art class at a local gallery. starts tomorrow! i have never drawn anything in my life but what the heck! a challenge is not to be taken lightly.
I did this for 2008. http://www.flickr.com/photos/21008348@N03/sets/72157603817951459/ (not all of them show up because I don’t have a pro account)
The Flickr group helped me a lot to upload almost everyday and get the project done. I too felt a huge amount of relief when it was over. I haven’t taken pictures everyday this year, but the times I have gone out to take pictures, I have been able to see the pictures that I want to create and they turn out great (at least to me!) http://www.perryphotography.us/snow/index.html
That’s what 2008 did for me in learning how to use the camera effectively, and find my creative side. Good luck to everyone who will be doing the project this year!
I just started and I am loving this project already. I learn something new with every daily photo I take. I’m doing the selfie version, which is challenging, but I’ve seen some great inspiration on flickr and I’m even learning new skills. Yesterday I made my first clone!
http://www.mundanedetails.com/?p=1264
I started the 365 project on Jan 1, so glad to know there will be so many SS in the group along for the ride.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/vintagechica/sets/72157612082644946/
I have started this twice from a portrait standpoint, but not from a general improving my skills perspective. I am always looking to learn something new and I do love the commraderie of the 365 project.
I wholeheartedly agree that Project 365 is worthwhile and life changing. I wrapped up my Project 365 for 2008 and I’m starting again this year. Stephanie, I agree – it definitely opened my eyes to everything – to nature – to our surroundings – to all the little details that make up our life. Now, I can’t imagine not taking a photo everyday! I would *love* a Shuttersisters 365 Flickr pool!
A perfectly timed post! SS has an uncanny way of speaking to me at just the right time and saying just the right thing. It’s like having my personal big sister, agony aunt and life coach; so thankyou for that! I am celebrating having reached day 12 of my 365 challenge;
http://divingforpearls.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/01/day-twelve-and-love-is-everywhere-you-look-.html
PS I also like the idea of having a Shutter Sisters 365 group…
i’m doing this challenge as well. i’m trying to take an everyday life type of photo all year, however, rather than capturing random things. not that any photo we take doesn’t reflect our everyday life, it’s just easier for me to focus on it when i look at it that way. i’m expecting much of my photography to consist of "inside my house" shots, since i’m a huge homebody, and also a lot of knitting shots.
there will also be a ton of wedding-related shots as i’m getting married in march.
mostly i’m excited to have an entire year of my life documented!
I’ve had a one-a-day photoblog ( http://camerashy.cemestos.com ) for over a year and a half. I try to take and post a new picture every day, but I also allow myself to pull from older stock if I’m low on ideas or time. This month, I’m focusing on taking pictures of my favorite things — the little things in life that make me feel happy and silly on the inside.
Overall, it’s been a truly wonderful experience. I *do* feel burned out sometimes, but the structure of posting one photo every day has provided me the discipline I needed to keep going. And tips like these will help even more!
how exciting for all of you undertaking this project!! and all who have completed it, too. These comments have some great resources for when I try my own version–maybe just a month, to start, in Feb.? you all inspire me…
I have been toying with the idea of doing a project like this one and your tips are very inspiring. Thank you for all the wonderful creativity guidance everyday it has helped tremendously with my food photography!
even if you did photograph exactly the same scene every day the light conditions would be different each time. At least they would be in Scotland !
I commend all of you that want to take on the 365 project. I feel stress coming on just thinking about doing it, so I will pass on that this year. I am doing another photography project that is helping me grow and be creative, but it is at my leisure, so I don’t have the pressure. I usually take so many pictures, that I don’t need the urging to do so or learn how to shoot with my camera. My biggest thing right now it being creative with people shots, so that is what I’m planning on doing…with myself. Hey, I have a willing subject! Lord knows my kids are sick of me LOL! I am planning on doing a Blurb book with it, so I’m working on it as I go. It’s a bit for my kids and a bit for my portfolio. We’ll see if I get it printed or not.
I’ve started a 365 project and I’ve titled it the "Discovery Project":
http://gabriellekaiphotography.com/blog/discovery-project/
Even though I’ve just begun, I have to say that I love taking a photo a day. It has forced me to stretch my creativity, and I love having a piece of my everyday life with me forever.
Thanks for the tips and encouragement!
I’m actually doing well this year. In fact, I did great last year but "failed" when I neglected to take a picture on the day of my grandfather’s funeral. We’re hoping, of course, no one dies this year. Sigh.
Anyway, to really boost my motivation, I created a sub-blog photoblog to our main blog. http://365.stopdropandblog.com is happily sporting pictures for all 11 days thus far. I wonder what I’ll photograph today.
Great post, I was just thinking today I will never make it 365 days. I love the suggestion of taking a picture in the morning. As soon as I read that I thought of a dozen of things I could capture before I walk out the door.
I’ll start my year on the 12th. I hadn’t considered using a photo a day just to learn my equipment. I am having so much FUN taking pictures anymore!
Here is what I saw after I read this post, shooting in the morning.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8702729@N02/3191771786/in/pool-shuttersisters
I’m on year 2 of this. Finished Year 1 in Nov. 08 and declared publicly that I wouldn’t do it again, at least for some time. I think it was only a week later I started the next year. Like you, it felt weird to not shoot everyday so I decided I would start again…for better or worse it has become part of me. (the better part is obvious, but I’m sure there are times my family might think it worse.) tonya
I’ve been struggling to learn the manual modes on my camera with disappointing shots. The suggestions to try playing with the ISO or the aperture settings for a month are great. Maybe if I try it long enough, I’ll get the idea.
Thinking about leaping over the edge and taking on this wonderful adventure……..
I think this challenge might be just what I need. I recently added a photo gadget to my blog sidebar titled "Looksee" so I can (hopefully daily) share a photo, old or new. Perhaps if I challenged myself to post NEW photos daily…
i started my very first 365 this past year on nov 1st. being the month of thanksgiving i dedicated my 365 to gratitude. little and big moments of gratitude that make up a beautiful year. today is day 74 for me.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/14811117@N02/sets/72157608567502330/
This is such a great and powerful thing! I just started December 1st, after following dr. lyn’s blog, for several months. I was so inspired that I’ve decided to make this an ongoing journey . . . a "scrapbook" of my life via blog. It doesn’t matter what date you start, just so long as you jump in somewhere.
http://thekreativelifedailyphoto.blogspot.com/
I have been coming to Shutter Sisters for many months..but have yet to comment. I couldn’t help but comment on this one because after much deliberation I finally did make the jump into a 365 blog. I might have challenged myself a bit much though, in that I am going to try to take a picture of my hand doing any of the million things that a mother’s hand does on a daily basis. So far I am having a TON of fun with it….but I’m only on day 14 or something like that. (I started a little early). It’s not that I can’t find something to take a picture of my hands doing…it has just been a challenge photographically to capture my own hand AND try to make it somewhat interesting! My blog is here… http://mothershand.blogspot.com/
Kristin
I started at Christmas time to give my self a little push but this post was just what I needed now that I am back home and in my regular rut-ine I mean routine 🙂
I’m blogging my progress http://www.anitaroachphotography.blogspot.com
I started a 365 set and I am already flipping out. I need all the encouragement and tips from anyone who has ever done this!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stephwiese/sets/72157611976933625/
I have been wanting to do this for a while, and I have to admit I am scared. I don’t want it to be a burden, but I think what I need right now is the challenge. My birthday is in March, so maybe that will be a good time to start – 365 of my 33rd year! Thanks for the inspiration.
I’ve always wanted to try this. I guess i just need to do it. I almost take a picture a day now, but not quite. It’s great how everyone can do this, and come up with completely different images every day.
Oh how I love you! I’ve been trying to start a 365 and I keep stopping because of the weather, or I’m sick, or I’m stuck at work, or its dark outside….always coming up with excuses. But you’ve inspired and motivated me to roll around on the floor and get to know my camera a little better 🙂
My birthday is next month. My husband is buying me a camera and I can’t wait!! I plan to take photos every day — beginning the day I get it!
I am so excited. I will be checking in here to get advice and tips from the amazing photographers who come here!!
Smiling already!!!
g
I JUST started my 365 day challenge yesterday.
Im so glad that I found and read this today, its perfect!
I just got a new camera for Christmas so Im very excited about this challenge.
I will be back-your stuff is beautiful!!
I did 365 self portraits in 2007. This year I am doing project 365. I have added the link t o my flickr account:
http://flickr.com/photos/11844110@N00/
I also try and post them at my blog as well.
Thanks for the tips.
thank you for your advises and your incourgement, i will start this project!
I completed my project 365 on Dec 31. My photos are here http://nyjlm-365.blogspot.com I ended up missing about 30 days- and honestly, this ‘negative’ is one of the biggest things I learned in the project. I was able to let go of this idea that I’d failed and kept going. A huge lesson for me. Another perfectionist tendency that I learned to let go of was the desire that every image be fabulous- some days all I could muster was a snap shot, eg unfolded laundry at midnight. Not artsy by any means, but an honest glimpse into our daily lives. My Dec 31st pic is a snapshot which sort of bums me out but I really love the majority of pix I took last year.
It was a remarkable journey- almost a meditative quest, to look for that one small thing I wanted to capture each day. It brought me outside more, and also really nurtured gratitude in my daily life. Once I was able to let go of missing a day due to sickness or whatever, it really enriched my mental health, my attitude. My kids really got into it, pointing out things to photograph or asking what I’d shot that day. What a hopeful way to look at the world- knowing that there is going to be at least one (if not more!) shouting out to be photographed each day.
One reason I took on the project was to learn to use the manual modes. While my dad is a pro-photog I didn’t just have him explain it to me, I figured it out myself via trial and error. Funny because I usually do like to understand something intellectually first, but this time hands on learning was best.
I felt sort of aimless the first few days of 2009 without the daily goal of taking a picture. I considered continuing on, but did want a break from the self-imposed pressure of daily shooting. However I’m still carrying my camera everywhere and will surely try it again at some point in the future. I also wanted the opportunity to take up some other challenge. Just at the early bits of thinking about it but I am going to try to get one shot a week of a tree outside of my office.
I’m at about day 130 of my Project 365. It has been an incredible experience. It is the only thing that has gotten me to shoot daily (after ages of promising myself I would). My recommendation is to take your camera outside during the day and grab at least one shot. Even if you’re just walking to the mailbox. Don’t wait until 11:30 p.m. and you’re indoors about to go to bed–it’s much harder to get inspired then!
Count me in! Only I really needed to stretch in the area of black and white, it’s been too long! Blogged about it today!
http://gnubee.wordpress.com/2009/01/12/i-remember-when/
wow – perfect timing as I’m actually doing this project too! I started on Jan 1 and the best thing I’ve discovered so far is that it takes many shots to get the ‘right’ picture. Duh.. you may say, but as a non-fotographer it’s a revelation to me! Just snapping snapping snapping and getting one good pic out of 6 or 10, it’s worth it! I’m loving this : )
I did the 365 starting in the Fall of 2006. At this point, i would never do it again. I did it with a friend and mainly to teach myself to live in the Moment. Instead by day 7, I was jumping out of bed at 11PM and taking pictures of coffee cups. Being anal, I HAD to have a picture everyday – no excuses. It became a chore and by the last month , I was devestatingly ready, to be done. I found I live a better life when I spend my day, every day, living in the Moment and taking pictures every chance I get. While everywhere I turn, the P365 is all the rage – I am doing the 6 word memoir. The first hour, I did 21. Two days later, I did 33. I am finding a 6 word world everywhere I look. I guess what I am trying to say, I am still thankful I did P365 because it lead me to where I need to be. Best of luck, hope you find your true path…
A 365 is a project that I’ve thought about doing for the past two or three years, but I’ve never had the courage to jump in. There’s a part of me that is declaring the mission a failure before I ever start. Hmmm. Maybe 2009 will be the year after all.
Well I’d love to do a photo a day..but unfortionately my working a night shift schedule doesn’t leave me the time.
But I do agree with finding things around you to shoot. Look around your home. Take note of light; when and where it comes in your windows. Then shoot. Thats what I did here..and I was happy with the photo’s I got =)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jodyangel/3188949491/
I finished my Project 365 on Jan. 4. I can’t believe the change it made: change in my photographic abilities, my eye, my life. Friends don’t seem to have a clue as to why this was such a big deal — heck, it’s just picking up a camera and clicking the shutter once a day, right? But posting that shot raises the bar for quality and creativity, and I don’t know many people who are content to just muddle along taking so-so shots without trying to improve. I feel as though I really worked at learning my camera and devoting some time every day to it. I’m so happy and proud that I did it. (Still haven’t decided if I’m on board for a second go round…although I haven’t missed a day since I finished, either!)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rachelpasch/sets/72157603643142909/
Thanks for the wonderful tips. I especially like the one about taking a photo in the morning. All too often last year (my first doing Project 365) I found myself searching for something to photograph late at night. 🙂
For any of your readers who are interested in taking a photo a day, and then posting them once weekly, I’m hosting a "Picture A Day" meme each Saturday on my blog:
http://alteringlife.blogspot.com
It’s a bit like Best Shot Monday, where you can share a link back to your blog so others participating in Project 365 can see your photos. I’d love to see what everyone else is shooting. 🙂
Thank you for this! I’ve been playing with the idea of doing a project. I think I’ve just had the kick I need to get started!
I am not yet committing myself to a photo-a-day project "officially," but I am pushing myself towards that! I might have to look into starting a flickr.com account. For now, I post them on my blog as I get the time.
Here’s today’s photo that I took on my way home this evening…
http://aliandsethinthecity.blogspot.com/2009/01/peace-is-in-paint.html
Thanks for the tips. I may find myself referring back to them when I need inspiration to keep my "un-official" project going… and also, all the links people left to share their projects! They are amazing and inspiring!
I just finished too — and agree with all you said. It was the most amazing experience — and now, as I look back at the year, I see how my photography as grown and changed, and what style consistencies I can see in my "photographic eye". I chose to post my photos to my blog rather than to a flickr group, and am hoping to slurp it through Blurb to make a book with all the entries.
One tip that helped me: don’t be afraid of taking photos wherever you might be. I’m really shy, and was always afraid people would be "looking" at me as I look a photo in a store or at work or wherever. I pushed myself to be brave, and got some great "moments of my life" shots because of it!!
I have been so inspired to start a 365 project just from the amazing women I have found from this very site. I started mine a little late and am only on day three. It has forced me to look more openly at the everyday bliss around me.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/michel92/sets/72157612505534404/
I am halfway through my 365 GRATEFUL project… I take a photo a day of something i am grateful for…. all with polaroid.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/poppysmiles/sets/72157604663676256/
best experience ever!! (except having my kids, marrying my husband and a few other things!!)
being grateful really really does make u happy!
cheers
haiely
I did one last year, that was mostly self portraits.
I’m started another on 1/1/9 and it’s a mix of everyday life around me. But, i’m doing it in Black-and-White. I’m already 12 days in!!!
I feature the P365 on my blog as well as over at flicker.
http://secretagentmama.com/blog/category/365-in-bw/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/secretagentmama/sets/72157612018553631/
I loved your 365 set and am glad to know about your blog so I can follow your photos again! Your 365 tips are great…
I finished my first photo-a-day set (felt like such a wonderful accomplishment!) and am working on my second! It’s been an amazing project for me and I thought I should keep going, learning, thinking, photographing.
My first set is <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stacelet/sets/72157603611475716/">here</a> (some are friends/family, so it looks incomplete, but there’re 366 in there!) and my current set is <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stacelet/sets/72157611982401532/">here</a>…
I have just started this as well and I’m very excited about it. Thanks for the push to get me to actually commit to it. 🙂
I’m doing a 52 week project although so far it’s more of a 365 project. I’ve started a second blog to chronicle the process, ups and downs. I’m hoping to see much differently by the end of ’09. It’s great to see so many take this on.
I am nearly nine months into my 365 day project and although there were days when the inspiration was sadly lacking, most of the time it has been challenging and fun! The Shutter Sisters website often gives me new ideas when I am stuck, and it helps to have a few photos taken "in advance" so that when I am truly time-poor I don’t need to stress out too much about having to find something different to post. My advice to anyone who is contemplating it: just DO it! And if you don’t have time to take a daily photograph, make it a 52-week project. You might end up with a lot of dud photographs, but there might just be a masterpiece in there that you can be really proud of!
So pick up that camera and get clicking!
I was also inspired by the flickr group 365 and joined in December, I’m on day 37. Starting this project has been a huge motivator for me to shoot more. This project has given me more perspective on my life. I stay home with my two and a half year old son and almost 1 year old daughter, the days kind of mush together for me. A picture everyday helps me slow down and also gives me the chance to reflect and savor those fleeting moments that I otherwise would have forgotten. I’ve been enjoying the challenge and already feel like I’ll have a huge void to fill once it’s over.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ewhitaker/sets/72157610899293895/
I accidently stumbled upon Shutter Sisters around five months ago. I was captivated and amazed. I’m 17 years old and live in a small town in WV that has yet to offer all areas high speed internet or cell service; as you can imagine there aren’t alot of artistic opportunities here. I had been searching for something that I felt confident in…and I found it in photography. For Christmas I recieved a Nikon D40 after reading reviews till the early morning hours. To make a long story short…I have very little photography knowledge and even less DSLR knowledge, but I’m eager to learn. That’s why I’m going to start my Project 365 today. It will not only encourage me to learn my camera, and fine tune my eye for photography, but it will also give a much needed test to my will power. Wish me luck! http://www.flickr.com/photos/lateriser
-Kris
so inspired by this. i’ve tried before, but this seems to be the perfect time to try again.
Thanks for the great post, Funny how you say around day 62 you will get stuck, that is right about where I got stuck (maybe a bit sooner actually)We haven’t seen the sun for weeks (literally) and it is pretty dreary here so I am really stretching for pics!
Another good tip – rope a friend into doing the project too and then you will motivate each other!!
Keep up the great posts, this is a great spot to get inspiration.
Jen
I just started a photo-a-day project/blog with this sort of thing in mind. My main challenge is not posting a photo of my baby daughter every day, since she takes up most of my time 🙂
http://threehundredsixtythree.blogspot.com/
I’m trying to take a picture everyday. So far I’ve only missed one day. Some days, I take so many photos that I easliy make up for that one day. I’m on day 14 and so far it’s been fun. I’m posting my photos on Flickr and will post some of the photos on my blog. You can read more about my project on my blog:
http://buttonsandpears.blogspot.com/
I’ve been needing something to keep me creative. Thanks for all the good info you give. If I’m ever feeling uninspired I always check your site! I’m doing the challenge and posting my pictures on my blog, everyday (to give me a little more pressure to keep things up and not be boring). You can check it out here:
http://www.philandbrooke.blogspot.com
Thanks again for your daily inspiration!
I’m doing this project too since 14 days. I hope too learn more about taking better photography during this year!
http://rafadel2009.blogspot.com/
Sorry but the comments are in french!!
Claire from France
I’m late on commenting on this post but thought I’d chime in anyway. I tried to to the 365 sp last year. I think I made it about 45 days. I started Project 365 on January 1.
Here is the set on Flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mydailypic/sets/72157612032157396/
I’ve also set up a blog where I feel more comfortable "talking" about the photo.
http://mydailypic.wordpress.com/
I hope I am more successful (defining success in a multitude of ways) this time around.
i’m doing it! just started today … thanks for the motivation!!!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tracimeyer/3199162457/
I decided awhile back to start a 365 photo project coinciding with my maternity leave that starts at the end of march. I am off work for a whole year this time (something which I personally am not sure I will handle well), and figure it will allow me the opportunity to push myself and stay on my toes.
I am excited, and we will see how it goes!
I love this gorgeous image! And I love these wonderful tips. I will link to this post when I post your interview on my blog! It will be perfect. I’m doing the 365 days project and this is very inspiring! Thank you!
Wow! Thank you so much for the tips- i’m on day 33 for 2009 and you’re the first blogger to have some of these ideas. And your photo is gorgeous!! Good for you for following your heart and going pro.
Thanks again!
I loooove the concept! This is something I’d definitely like to try. There’s always an interesting subject waiting to be shot, so there’s never an excuse to not point and shoot those cameras. Thanks for sharing this!
Just do it ! Photograph anything and every thing. Don"t give up,Ihave done it twice now.When Ifinished the last one Istarted I
Just do it ! I have done it twice now and am now taking APAD for the rest of my life
Wow, thanks for pushing the fold with your tips and tricks on how to secure an image daily. I like the one especially of you saying, "take one early so you’re covered". It’s true that sometimes when the day sets in, you get inundated with the busyness of life.
I prefer to side with the share an image a day idea, as opposed to being forced to take one a day. Some days I have more to document, some days, less (or nothing).
Anyhow, here’s my post that has garnered a lot of traction in Malaysia for #project365 – http://thebackpackr.com/project-365-a-photo-a-day-for-2010/
Keep up the good work!
Thank you so much for these tips. I’m working on a 365 for 2010. Nearing the end of this month, I already feel accomplished and have developed a more watchful eye. Taking notice of the little things that we may overlook from day to day is so important. I love photography and I’m even going to college for art education, so I’m hoping that I can commit to this for the full year.
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Hey!
Today I, started my 3rd Project 365!! I'm so proud of myself for not giving up. And i can't tell you the sense of pride you get when you realise you've completed it! x
I've tried to vary my themes to help get the most out of my projects and make each one different..
My first for 2009, had the theme of "Summing up the Day" .. which gave me a real sense of what i accomplished during the year, and made it easy to remember great days that would otherwise pass me by.
In 2010, I wrote a paragraph which meant something to me, saying about my life, beliefs, friends, family, and inspirational words. Then gave each day a letter from that paragraph. So now i have a secret message spelled out through 2010! 🙂
This year's theme is "My Life". Each photo must have a meaning behind it, relate to me, my life, my friends & family, sentimental or memory jogging. I want to sum myself up in a year. And i can't wait!!
This year i'm also doing a mini project called "Project Me", where i'll take a photo of myself each Saturday for a year. Resulting in a photo documentation of how I've changed. it also complements my 365 theme 🙂 ..
I spend all my life behind the camera, and i felt it was about time to get a photo or 2 of me!
I recommend Project 365 to everyone! It'll be worth it! Believe me!
Amy xxxx
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