365 Days – Thoughts So Far

I’m past day six in my “one photo a day for a year” project and I’m already seeing a pattern. I like playing it safe.

So far, I’ve been extremely picky and clinging to my comfort zone for bare life. That’s gotta change. No one got better at anything just by doing the things they already know how to do! Browsing flickr I’ve found so many crazy, wonderful, impressive 365-days photos! It makes me feel disappointed with myself.

So I’ve decided to start my own challenge. One pick every week needs to somehow be out of my comfort zone – be it a full-body self-portrait or a shot that just is crazy. It doesn’t matter if it’s good or bad, stunning or mediocre, inspiring or plain boring. Every one out of seven pictures will be all about pushing the limits!

There, I’m feeling better already for having decided this. Let’s see what tomorrow will bring!

6 Tips For Succeeding At The 365-Days Photo Project

Last summer I decided to participate in one of the 365-days projects over on flickr. The point is to take 365 photos on 365 consecutive days. The project exists in different forms – take 365 photos; take 365 self-portraits; take 365 photos of Wall*E; you get the point. My project last summer fizzled out after the first 14 days.

Now that I have a digital SLR camera I’ve decided to give the project another go. This time I’m determined to make it. Taking into account my failed first atemp, I’ve made a list of things to consider when embarking on this journey:

1. Planning

365 days means 365 ideas. Noone can do that without some kind of planning. Preparing weekley themes is a good solution, let your favorite songs or current events inspire you.

2. Support

Though being a photographer might seem like a one-man hobby or profession, support is very important. Even if you don’t have a buddy to work with, make sure you surround yourself with encouraging people. It will help you stay motivated. You can exchange ideas and receiving praise from people who know and follow your work will do wonders for your motivation and enjoyment of the project.

3. Gear

It you plan on doing the self-portrait version you will need a remote trigger. Using the timer on the camera is quite tricky since most cameras set the focus when you press the trigger, not when the shot is acctually taken. In other words you need a stand-in. Using the timer also means you have to reposition yourself for every frame. A remote will make your life much easier.

When it comes to your camera a digital SLR is what you should aim for, but having a small compact in your bag at all times is a great idea. Which brings me to my next point:

4. Always be prepared

This should be your motto! Always have a camera with you if you can or at least a notepad. You never know when you’ll find the perfect location or come up with the perfect idea.

5. Don’t be too hard on yourself

The goal of the project is to take 365 pictures in 365 consecutive days, not to produce 365 masterpieces. Having a bad day, being uninspired is ok. The important thing is to keep going and get over the bump.

6. Don’t stop

Even if you’ve had several bad days in a row, stick with it! Getting through the first 20-30 days is the hardest part. Once you’ve set up a routine you’re bound for success!

Lastly, don’t forget to have fun. Fun is the main point of the project.

I plan on starting the project this week, though I haven’t decided which variant of it I’ll go for. Once the project starts, there will be weekly updates here on how things are coming along. If you would like to see the entire project feel free to follow along on flickr.

Let the journey begin!