As photographers, we naturally value the importance of a photograph. Behind every photograph, there is a story to be told and a memory to be shared. Photographs document life.
At the beginning of 2010, I made a resolution to document my life as a wife, mom, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. After reading about the Project 365, I quickly decided that was the perfect way to carry out my New Year’s resolution. The best thing I did when I started this project was I didn’t make any rules. I simply wanted to take a photo of my life every day in 2010. To me, documenting life isn’t about capturing only the big events (birthdays, trips to the zoo, holidays, etc.). It’s about capturing every day… no matter how simple the day may be. I wanted to focus on the “joy” of each day that God has given me.
Many people have asked me to share some tips with them about staying inspired and motivated to take a photo every day. Here is what I have shared with others and will share with you:
- There are no rules. Worrying about themes, perfect pictures, and shooting solely with a dslr every day may not be realistic for you. Make YOUR Project 365 realistic for YOU.
- Taking a photo (or more) a day will make you a better photographer. It forces you to build a strong relationship with your camera gear and to get creative. Even if you are using a point-and-shoot camera or camera phone, you will learn to pay attention to lighting and the right moment to press the shutter button.
- Connect with others who have taken on this project. By following fellow 365’ers blog and/or Flickr set you will inspire and be inspired. You will also meet some wonderful people along the way.
- Make a “back up” list of things you want to photograph and add to it throughout the year. There will be days when you will feel less than motivated about picking up your camera. I referred to my back up list many times this year.
- Take your camera everywhere. I usually have my backup camera with me when we are out and about. When I didn’t want to lug my big camera, I took my point and shoot camera. If all else failed, I used my camera phone.
- Make posting your picture a part of your daily routine. For me, the best time to post my picture of the day was right after my kids went to bed. At first, the process was fairly time-consuming since I was not familiar with keeping a blog, loading pictures on Flickr etc. but you will quickly get into your groove and find posting to be a fairly quick (and rewarding) process.
- It’s okay to miss a day. There may be days that you just can’t take a picture and/or post your picture. Life happens. I found the “post options” tool handy when I needed to backdate my picture of the day.
- You can start your project on ANY day. There are no rules that say you have to start this project on January 1st. Start it on your birthday or your child’s birthday or Valentine’s day or ANY day. The point is to document a year in your life.
- Link your daily blog posts on Facebook and/or Twitter. Your friends will be a wonderful source of motivation and encouragement.
- Create a tangible book of your completed Project 365. I already have visions of sharing this book with my family for many, many years to come. Becky Higgins has created an amazing product – Project Life – created for the Project 365. I purchased the kit for my 2010 365 Simple Joys. The materials are of high quality and the end result is absolutely beautiful. I have used this kit in addition to my blog. If you do not want to create a blog or Flickr set, this is a wonderful way to showcase your project. If you do create a blog, Blurb is an online resource for creating a blog book. How cool is that??
As 2010 is quickly coming to an end, so is my first “365 Simple Joys” project. Truly, it has been one of the most rewarding things that I have ever accomplished… besides marrying my husband and bringing my children into the world, or course. I documented my children reading a book together, sunsets, birthday candles, weddings, bare feet, my husband napping with one of our children, blue skies, reflections, messy faces, new life, awesome sunflare, folded laundry, dew on the grass, ugly slippers, laughter, tears, runny noses, and toys scattered everywhere. I documented a year in my life.
If there is anything that I have learned this year, it is this… life is too precious to let the days go by unnoticed. Every day has significance. EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.
Thanks for sharing all these motivating tips with us. Very lovely images, Shannon!
Thank you Shannon for sharing more about your 365 project, I know I sure enjoyed it this year!
loved this…tfs…im motivated to try harder this year…i documented about 190 days this year…
I am doing it! Thanks!
Wow. What a beautiful accomplishment and gift for you and your family. I WANT to do it. Not sure I'll be able to do it. Much like breastfeeding! 🙂 I did keep that going for 11 months/9 months for my kids! Maybe I can do it. Thanks so much for sharing your story, for the inspiration, however long it lasts, and heartfelt congratulations. You SHOULD be proud.
is there going to a Clickin Moms 365 Flickr group?…or somewhere we can share together??…or links to each others photos's…?
Not an official CM one.:). But there are Flickr groups started by members – details are in threads on the board.
I am determined to do this this year! I was diagnosed with breast cancer this year, and even though it was caught early and I am going to be fine, it made me realize how much of life I take for granted!
I'm inspired! Loved this post.
I was looking in to this this morning! I really wish I could find a good digital template for the 365 project so I can make it up and get it printed ! any thoughts?
WOW that was beautiful! very inspiring:)
Beautiful pictures and great tips! I'll be starting P365 tomorrow!
I am inspired and plan on making this my project for the year.
Fabulous photos! I am just wrapping up my second year of Project 365. I created an entire Project 365 (52 psd files & 11 hilite pages) that is available to the public. Feel free to check my blog for details. Happy New Year.
Thanks for the post/tips!
I successfully completed a 365 in 2008 and tried again this year but didn't get far. I'm not sure I'm up to another try but I'm thinking about it….
Congratulations on completing your first year. Today I am starting my third year of Photo A Day 🙂
I want to thank you for the inspiration. I wasn't sure I could commit to a full 365 Days. I like that there are no rules and this would be a fun and exciting was to improve my photography skills. Count me in please.
I've been THINKING about doing this…. but you just inspired me to actually do it!! Loved your post!!
Love documenting the every dayness of life. I'm going to try….if I don't try, I'll never start. Thanks for the challenge and inspiration for a new project.
I'M IN! Your post was motivating and the timing was perfect, thanks.
I am IN! I thought I would do a 52 weeks project but I am going to challenge myself…I am going to take the plunge and just DO IT! Thanks so much for all of your inspiration!
I completed my first year of 365 today and I will definitely do it again next year. Thanks for the tips on staying motivated.
Thank you for this….I quickly fell off the band wagon last year beacause I couldn't think of enough "meaningful" things to take pics of…thanks for reminding us that every day in our lives is meaningful enough to document
I'm in, just the kick in the pants I need to learn how to post pictures (especially on a regular basis!) How do I join the group? (I'm still new to CMs.)
I am new to this site and this sounds like a wonderful way to document 2011…plus what a great memory to look back on in 20 years! Can't wait to get started…now I just need a site to post all the pics too…any suggestions?
Start a free blog at WordPress or Blogger or start a Flickr account.:)
I love this idea. Thanks for sharing it and for sharing those beautiful photographs!
Thanks for posting this. I plan on starting this today, which is perfect since it is the first day of the new year!
Love this idea! Thanks for sharing these tips. I think my favorite tip of yours is use what you have available to take the pic (large camera, point n shoot, or your phone). As a new member to CM I think this would be a great opportunity to see how I grow as a photographer this year. Your pictures are beautiful. I'm happy to see that there are pics of the beauty around you in the world as well as the people you love. Not sure that I'll have time to do it everyday, but I'm going to try.
Shannon, you know you are my 365 project hero! I am thrilled that you reached the end. I loved that you found joy in every day of 2010.
I am taking on my own Project 12 this year after my failed 365 last year. I'm hoping to complete it this time. 🙂 So glad you were featured here, Shannon. Can't wait to see what you post in 2011.
I just began my first 365 project, today! I'm so excited to see what this year will bring.
I am so goig to do this. Thank you so much!!
I'm in. I have thought about doing this for a while, but was afraid of the commitment. It sounds like too much fun to pass up. Thanks for the inspiration!
I, too, have been afraid to commit to a 365, but I am officially inspired. I'm in!!
I am doing one for the very first time as well 🙂 THANK YOU!!!
beautiful…I've always wanted to do one of these…I tried a weekly album last year. Will try again this year and hopefully will keep on track better. We'll see!
Yay! Thanks so much for sharing and inspiring me:)
I totally forgot about the whole 365 thing… otherwise I woulda started it 🙁 I guess I could start it late… but where's the fun in that 😉
Thanks for this! I have my own project 365 going here:
http://project365.rcmgphotography.com
This was exactly the sort of inspiration I needed. I hemmed and hawed, and started my 365 on January 6th (my birthday!)
I'm new here, so all are welcome to visit http://www/365.onlindenway.com — leave me a link and I'll add your 365 to my blogroll! I''d love to meet a few people here : – )
starting a bit late, but your post has motivated me to try it! thanks!!!
Love this idea!