by Judy
Ahhh January. So crisp and fresh, and ripe for so many new beginnings. Like many of you, I have some exciting goals and projects for the new year. Some are brand new ideas and things I've never tried, and I can't wait to get started. But one of my goals for the new year is something that I've tried in the past, and failed miserably at. A 365 project. Taking one photo every day for one year. I made it through half of my failed 365 - but even before that half-way point - it seemed that my photos were just "blah." My heart wasn't in it.
During the last few months of 2013 my time spent on my first love - photography - had dwindled. I had been contemplating beginning a new 365 project just to ensure that I'd have my camera in my hand every day - that I'd have to make time for at least one photo a day. But still, I kept remembering my failed attempt and wondering if I would do the same this time around.
Then along came an invitation from my FOL sister, Linda. She's organized our very own FOL 365 flickr page, called Focus on a Photo a Day - 365. My excitement grew. I mean, how can it go bad if I'm surrounded by many of my FOL sister's and many of you, working on the same project for 2014?!
Then, I think of Dotti. She has successfully taken one photo each day for a little over half a year now. I've enjoyed seeing her work as she posts it on her personal blog, Camper. She's admitted that it's a struggle some days. But she perseveres. And boy, does she have some beautiful shots to show for it!
Next, I remember that Leigh and Carol A. have done phoneography 365 projects. Leigh's "BE" series, (@loveleeokc) and Carol's "kitchen table" series (@carolanne22) have both been so fun to see this past year.
Finally, came Kelly's post earlier this week, where she showcased some of her beautiful photos from her 365 project for 2013. She too had questioned whether she could be successful at such a daunting project. She too wondered what in the world she would photograph every. single. day. Her words encouraged me. She said, "the more I took pictures, the more I found to take pictures of."
So here I am. I look at all of those things above as a sign. A sure sign that yes, yes I do need to start anew.
As I write this on January 1st I have high hopes. My first shot of my 365 project is posted above. Nothing magnificent, but the soft morning light caught my eye, so I captured it. Then I looked at it again. Maybe I'm the baby bird, and all of my FOL sisters, and all of you, who have successfully completed this same project, are the Mama and Daddy birds. With all of your support I know I can do this!
Have you been thinking about embarking on a 365 project? If so, I do hope you join me, and many of my other FOL sisters who may be starting, or continuing, this project as well. Between all of us, and all of you, we will have lots of support and encouragement. So please check out our new flickr group. Watch the beauty grow and grow as the photos are posted each day. I for one, can't wait!
Happy New Year everyone! And good luck on all of your goals for the new year.
16 comments:
I had tried 365 projects before too, always with a quick fail. I started one in September of 2013 and have stayed true thus far. This one is organized by a friend and we have a group too, that accountability is SO helpful. Yes, somedays are less than stellar, but some days are awesome. Just like real life.
yay judy! and i love your shot. i have found that some days my photos don't feel inspired or exciting. but that for me has been a big part of the lesson. sticking with it even if it doesn't knock my socks off. that everyday doesn't have to be perfect. so looking forward to you being in the 365 group! :)
Oh my Judy, I'm going to be the one that is going to need the zapper....I've never attempted a 365 day project, only a 52 week one. Not that I don't shoot most days with my camera, but 365 days feels like pressure. I hope you all don't mind bugs? lol :) I'll try to be nice....xo
good for you! a 365 is such discipline. i've been doing one for three years in a row now, but have decided to take a break this year . . . maybe. it's just such a hard habit to break. looking forward to seeing the world through your eyes!
I have done two previous 365's and been fairly successful. Then in 2012 I quit after a few months. Didn't do one at all this last year but knowing so many of us here are going to be doing it, I have decided I want to join in and give it another try. As Sarah said in her comment above, accountability (and company) is so helpful in keeping the commitment. I'm so looking forward to doing this with all of you and to seeing what you capture every day!
So glad to welcome you on this journey, Judy. It's going to be fun! And I think Sarah is right: the accountability will help us. And let's face it, some days are not 'picture perfect' but hey, that's life and that's what a 365 project is: a capsule of your life. Let the fun begin!! Whoop, whoop!!
Ok so I'm trying again..
Judy, I love your photo and determination to do 365! This is my first, but Im going to try my best to stay with it…something to look forward to one day at a time, and I love looking at what everyone post!
I'm with ya girl! I have never learned so much as during the first year I did this. Kitchentable IG was fun last year, but dwindled a bit in November and December. I'm up for trying another year with the big girl camera, so , in the words of Jackie Gleason - "and away we go!"
(Vivian - you crack me up - you don't sound so enthusiastic!! LOL)
I just finished my first 365 and I felt is was taught me more about photography than any class I had taken. I blog mine with a few words and it has been wonderful to go back and read this little record of 2013. I will do one again this year. You won't regret it!
I'm trying this, for the first time.
I've seen others do this, and their work improved a lot, during the 365. That's what I'm hoping for....learning more about photography, and making some good photos.
I hope I can keep up. :)
Yay Judy! So happy to have you with me on this adventure! There's no pressure! Take a picture with whatever camera you want of whatever you want! You'll be surprised at the results when you look back at what you shot each day! For me, not only is it good practice, it also has me looking at things in new ways and it's a little record of my life through my lens!
I've done a 365 for a couple of years and really enjoyed the challenge. Last June I started a photo-a-day to celebrate my 60th birthday. I've missed a few days, but I'm not stressing about that. I'm looking forward to joining you this year! I know there'll be plenty of inspiration from this wonderful group!
Goodness, I'm trying to do a January Mindful Writing Challenge and already am wondering if I'll do it. But, I give myself permission to skip if I must. I think you just have to make time for it.
I wish you all the best with your 365 project. I did it for a few years and it's tough some days, but rewarding. This year I'm going to try and stick with a 52 project on Flickr.
Good luck with your 365 project. I think you can do it…especially with all the support from your sisters here! I'm still contemplating joining in…so you've given me some inspiration to give it some more thought. Happy holidays Judy!
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