Why you need to shoot a 365
I’m all about photography projects (obviously) -I’ve dedicated an entire website to mine. They are such a great (and FREE) way to learn and to grow as a photographer.
The 365 project is a pretty lofty one in terms of time, size and commitment but if you are ready take the plunge on shooting daily – the payoff is pretty damn big too.. You’ll be shocked with the growth you’ll see as the days and months go by.
Soooo, let’s jump right in and discuss some of the many reasons why you need to shoot a 365 project.
Growth
I still remember the first few photos I took during my original 365 - back in those days, I would have to shoot 100 photos to get one that kinda sorta worked. I was extremely slow with figuring out manual mode and it took forever to get the right settings. This was the main reason after all WHY I started this project. I was slow as hell with trying to master manual mode.
After finally capturing a semi ok photo, it would take me another hour to fix all the things I did wrong in photoshop. I don’t know about any of you, but who the hell has that much free time to do this? Not this guy, that’s for sure. So with time, you learn. Photography is all about trial and error. With every mistake, you learn. Every time you pick up that camera, you learn. Slowly buy surely, you WILL get faster with your settings, and you WILL make better setting choices. Eventually when those become second nature, you’ll start developing you own eye, your own voice and your own art.
I won’t lie. The first few weeks and months can be very frustrating. I wanted to give up so many times. My only saving grace was looking through my portfolio images and physically seeing that growth with my own eyes.
Take a look at this photo. This is my first ever 365 image. I was so proud of it! I didn’t even realize it’s not even slightly in focus – but who knew that getting a running kid in focus at f1.4 is kind of hard to do?
I even added the extra flowers on the right in photoshop and it literally took like an hour or more to make it look good.
I was so excited that I slapped a facebook biz page together and was ready to showcase my art to the world!
The next photo was taken exactly one year later. Even looking at it now, I’m blown away. What a difference a year makes!
I’m not just talking about the quality of the photo itself, but also how much my daughter had changed in such a short period of time as well.
Creating Lasting Memories
I don't know if I actually realized this one right away - but as time passed, I was able to remember way more details about my child and the things she did/we did because I had photographic documentation of it. We always seem to capture the big milestones, but the little ones are well worth documenting too.
The day she went to NYC with her Grammy to get her first American Doll.
Or capturing memories of our dearly departed friends.
Or her first time on a roller coaster.
Let’s not forget the PHYSICAL changes too. We all know how freaking fast out children grow and change. I mean, my baby was a infant last year. Just look at her lifting her head up!!!
Compared to now - she’s a toddler! Now climbs up the ladder of the slide all by herself, slides down head first and runs back to the ladder again on repeat for the entire day.
Creating a Cohesive Voice and Style
This one is big. Although it doesn’t necessarily jump out at you right away. As you shoot daily and edit those photos, you’ll notice preferences for certain looks, light, and tones. As you hone in on this, your unique visual voice will start to emerge. You may be drawn to images with bold and bright color, light and airy images or perhaps darker, moodier edits. As you dive deeper into the things you like, your work will take on a more consistent look and a clear voice will gradually emerge.
As the years go by, I find that I’m typically drawn to moodier edits, warm earth tones and genuine expressions.
Learn All The Things
One of the key reasons I’m successful in shooting a 365 year after year is that I love learning new things. I get bored quickly and practicing new techniques keeps me motivated and helps so much with creativity.
There are so many different types of compositional elements, shooting techniques and lighting styles you can learn. A 365 is really the perfect opportunity pick a skill you want to master and work it out until you have it down.
Panning, off camera flash, freelensing, analog photography, drone photography, macro, hard light, color theory etc., only scratch the surface of topics you can study. I typically find a few things over the course of the year that I want to focus on and get going.
Panning
Film
Freelensing
Mid Day Sun and Exposing for Highlights
Drone Photography
Macro
Create an Expansive Portfolio of Images and a Legacy for Future Generations
I have a handful of photos of my parents as children and none of my grandparents. My parents were born 10 years after the Great Depression - when money was scarce and photography was a luxury that few could afford. I often wonder what it would have been like to see images of them growing up, interacting with their siblings, and how times and technology have changed in the last 80 or so years.
By chronicling your daily life in photos, you’re creating a visual journal for yourself, and future generations to love and cherish.
We have also had to say our goodbyes to cherished loved ones as well. Knowing I documented what I could will ensure that my children have visual reminders of their time with the people (and pets!) that are no longer here with us.
While a 365 project can be a little daunting in its size, the payoff is so much greater. Improving as a photographer, growing in your artistry and creating a beautiful portfolio images for future generations make it well worth the time and effort.
Are you ready to start a 365? DO IT. Need support, encouragement or guidance? Facebook groups has so many FREE resources for 365 support. FLICKR too has a large and FREE community for 365er’s and of course, me too! Shoot me a message here for any questions, resources or help on how to start!