On Labor Day last fall, I took a photo. It was a plain ole, nothing great, photo. And then the next day I took another photo. And then another. And then another.
About 2 weeks later, I had taken a photo every day and I decided I was on my way to another project 365 - a project where you take a photo every day for one year. I hate to commit to this project on day one. I have done that.....too many times to count.....and then fail soon afterwards and always find it so disappointing. So I refused to even acknowledge I was doing the project, until I actually had a good start on the project. I guess I am being a bit superstitious.
The first time I successfully accomplished this project was a few years back - only missing a couple days here and there. I found it to be such a rewarding project because since it forces you to shoot every single day. Really, the only way to improve on a skill is to practice, practice, practice, a project that forces practice no matter what is going on with your life is so beneficial. Plus it is an AWESOME way to document your life!
In my own defense, I do take a lot of photos even when I am not actively participating in a project. But, I find that when I am busy with clients and busy with life, I slack off. I may go weeks with only shooting clients, and not taking any photos just for me. And then photography starts to feel like "work", and only work, and no longer fun.
I love shooting just for me. I can shoot whatever I want. I can play with lighting, composition, processing. I have no pressure. I don't have to worry that someone may hate what I am doing, because I am not doing it for anyone else but me!
I am about 125 days into my project and still going strong. I post every single image I shoot on Instagram every day. Someday (many days!) the images are "eh". But I don't care because still I love every one. And since I am a good 1/3 of the way into my project, I thought it was time to share some of my favs. And if you want to follow all my daily photos, feel free to follow my Instagram feed!
