Friday, December 21, 2012

Looking Back, Looking Ahead

December 20, 2011

December 20, 2012

I love coming to the close of a year. Not only does the end of the year bring wonderful holidays, it also gives me the chance to pause and reflect on the past 12 months. A chance to remember....to remember the big events, the little moments, the highs, the lows, and how much my children have grown in a few short months.

A few days ago, I spent some time remembering by browsing through my 365 photos on flickr. I do have to admit, I broke my photo-every-day streak in November, but up to that point I had faithfully taken a photo every day of 2012. I had such a good time looking back through each month of the year, seeing my children, my surroundings and myself, and remembering things I would have forgotten if I wouldn't have recorded them through photos.

Have you heard of photojojo's photo time capsule? If you have a flickr account, you can sign up and an email will grace your inbox twice a month with photos you took a year ago. What a great way to make looking back a fun experience!

As I looked back, I was inspired to look ahead. Inspired to think about capturing those big events in 2013 and the everyday moments. What about you? What photo projects do you have planned for this coming year? Are you going to take the plunge and commit to a 365 project? Perhaps a 52 project? Maybe just a commitment to document more moments of your everyday life? Whatever it is, I encourage you to spend some time looking back and then looking ahead to what's in store!



10 comments:

Jeanne said...

Great post, and I do love your photos. Is this your little girl? She is adorable and this photo of her is just stunning! Very thought provoking about some commitment to a photo project. Will have to think on that one. Also great link to this flickr plan! Thank you, and have a lovely christmas!

heyjudephotography said...

Stephanie, I too love to look back as much as I like to look forward. It somehow helps me know which direction to take! I failed miserably at a 365 project this year, stopping 118 photos into it. But I realize that is not for me. I am, however, looking forward to taking some great new photo classes in the new year! I remember this photo of your daughter last year because it is just so beautiful. I'm sure she has grown so much in the past year. Merry Christmas Stephanie!

terriporter said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
terriporter said...

I have tried twice to do a 365 and have had some success but never have completed an entire year. But rather than feeling like I failed, I am so glad that I took the photos I did and will try again this coming year to do a photo a day. Love how it forces you to get out there with your camera and record not only the big events but the tiny moments that would otherwise be forgotten. I signed up for Photojojo's photo time capsule and it is always such a delight to get their e-mails with photos I took a year ago. It never seems like it's been that long! Love your photos and I wish you and your family the merriest of Christmases!

Nicki said...

I delight in the recall as much as the anticipation through my photography. Not only does it ear-mark events in my life, it occasionally supplies me with direction and purpose. Enjoy and have a blessed Christmas!

Dotti said...

Such a sweet photo of your daughter! This is what photography is all about: capturing our histories so that we can remember and reflect ... and then find a path into the future. Wishing you and your lovely family a wonderful, love-filled Christmas.

Claudia said...

I have to admit this is the year I have taken the fewest of "my own" photographs... I hope to change that soon! What a great link you have hooked us up with. (going there right after! :)

As always your portrait of you daughter is brilliance. You have always given me great suggestions on how to look at things different.

Hugs!

Deanna said...

Oh Stephanie, how I have enjoyed your photography journey. You have become a brilliant photography, capturing everyday moments in a new light. I remember the image of your daughter, loved it then, love it now. I tried the 365 a couple of years back, got into summer and then kapoot. I don't know why I don't do another one, I do take photos everyday. Thanks for the fun link, will try it, I am sure I will love it. Have a lovely, merry, healthy, happy Christmas to you and yours. Big Christmas Santa hugs!!

Kim Stevens said...

It's in the looking back that I see how far I've gone....although I do take sooo many photos, I just can't commit to the 365, it goes against my spontaneity I guess. I love that photo of your daughter!! Merry Christmas to you and your family!

Cathy H. said...

I love both of your images! Your daughter is precious! I did a 365 in 2011 and did pretty good. In 2012, I did more of a theme each week! I was surprised that I missed the 365! So, that's what I'm planning to do again!

Post a Comment

Thank you for sharing part of your day with us. If for any reason you are unable to leave a comment here on this post, please leave your comment on our Facebook page or in our Flickr discussion group. We love hearing from you!

 
© Focusing On Life