It's almost the new year. Would you consider doing a 365 project? I tried one a few years back, 365 self-portraits! I didn't even finish, but I did over 100 days and learned so much. Here's a little about my experience...
365 self-portraits sounds really crazy and vain, right? Yea, it kinda does. But, to be fair, 365 of pretty much anything sounds like a lot. That's the cool thing about the project it's completely overwhelming in the big picture, yet every individual day is totally doable!
I enjoyed my 365 challenge. I took it when I was going through a tough season in my life. I was newly single and really wanting to become a better photographer. I had good days and bad days. I missed days. But after the first few months I noticed that I had a new habit of bringing my camera with me more often. I was trying new things. A 365 challenge forces you to be creative. After I used all of my obvious self-portrait ideas I branched out and started trying new angles, new lighting and weirder ideas. Many of the skills I learned proved useful in other photography situations. Bottom line, the challenge kick started my photography hobby and helped me take it to a new level. It was fun, fulfilling and I had fun connecting with others (via Flickr.com) who were taking the same challenge!
Sound fun?
This year I want to take another 365 challenge. This time I am planning to photograph a new subject, my home! I plan to share my photos via my instagram and my personal/photography blog. At the end of the year I want to get my photos printed in a giant book. If a 365 challenge is something you think you would enjoy I encourage you to join me on January 1st! You don't have to do a photography challenge, it can be anything that you want to do every single day for a year.
Have you ever tried a 365 challenge? I would love to hear about your experience. If you plan to start one leave me a comment and we can cheer each other along! xoxo. Elsie
*Photos above are from my 365 self-portraits project in 2007-2008.
You're on
Posted by: V | December 26, 2012 at 08:14 PM
I try every year and somehow I get too sidetracked. I really hope to do it this year and finish.
Posted by: angela mayse | December 26, 2012 at 08:16 PM
Yes I would love to do it! And also would love to see photos of your gorgeous home every day! It is dreamy! I follow you on Instagram. I'm @thriftyunicorn. Can't wait to start! Xoxo, Natalie
Posted by: Natalie Fredrick | December 26, 2012 at 08:19 PM
Ooh I SO want to do a 365 project... but I just get a bit distracted/busy along the way! Looking forward to checking in on yours! :)
Posted by: Pip | December 26, 2012 at 08:19 PM
Hi, this is very iteresting as i was thinking to do the same, but am doubtful about the overwelming part of continuing such a project for 365 days. A nice challange though... it may be. And I will let you know :-)
Posted by: s t e f a N i a | December 26, 2012 at 08:23 PM
Elsie I really want to do this. My photo taking has really been lacking lately and I don't know why. Just lots of random, not so beautiful photos. I've been thinking about doing something since you mentioned it on your personal blog, I just can't decide on a theme. Bah I have a few days!
Posted by: Missy | December 26, 2012 at 08:24 PM
Love the idea of doing one of your house! We plan on buying a house this year so I'm thinking I definitely want to do it to, but I want to start my 365 days from the first day we own the home, documenting the whole first year of owning it! I'm so excited!
Posted by: Josie | December 26, 2012 at 08:25 PM
Yes! I'm in! I was going to attempt one next year anyways since I'm having a baby soon this will keep me motivated! I'm so excited :)
Posted by: Laura | December 26, 2012 at 08:25 PM
I love the idea of 365 projects but haven't committed to one yet. Last year I did a 60 day photo challenge starting on new year's day. Even just doing 60 days was hard but it did wonders for my photography. This time round, I'm going to do a 30 day drawing challenge! A drawing a day for 30 days. Good luck with your project!
Posted by: Michelle | December 26, 2012 at 08:26 PM
I did one in 2010. I spent most of the year living in San Francisco (after moving temporarily from NYC) so I knew there'd be lots of new adventures to take pictures of. Some days were awesome and some days I took a picture of a bottle of Advil because I didn't even leave the house. But I learned alot and it definitely made me a better photographer. I made a book at the end of the year and it was so cool to look back and see what I did every single day that year. On my 30th birthday (armed with a new DSLR) I started the project again but this time a picture (or 2 or 3) a week every week. In 2013, I'm getting married so I plan to do a P.O.D. to document :-) Good luck!!
Posted by: Stephanie R. | December 26, 2012 at 08:27 PM
I would love to do this project, but it would suck because i don't have a good camera.
Posted by: Gen | December 26, 2012 at 08:27 PM
I've been doing a 365 project this year and I'm almost done! I've been making something every day and then writing about it on my blog at http://makingmade.com. It's been extremely challenging and some days I've had hard time getting motivated, but I've learned so much about art and photography that I'm really glad I did it!
Posted by: Jeanne | December 26, 2012 at 08:28 PM
I have 2 daughters, and have done 365 projects for both of their first years of life. I missed one day during my older daughter's first year, and managed a picture every single day of my youngest daughters first year (which just ended last week!). I also blogged every single picture for our friends and family. It was a LOT of work, but I am so very thankful, now, that I have them!
Posted by: Jacqueline | December 26, 2012 at 08:28 PM
Yes! I'm with you on this one Elsie! :)
My mama just bought me a hardcover 365 journal and I'm so excited to fill it with snippets of 2013 <3
I also tried the self portrait one a few year back, but this time I'll just be doing a "snippets of my day" one. My love bought me a Polaroid printer so I'm planning on printing out my instagram photos to stick in the journal as I go!
Can't wait to see everyone else's projects!
Cheray x
Posted by: Cheray Natalie | December 26, 2012 at 08:30 PM
I'm just coming to the end of two 365 challenges. One of on flickr where I have been a part of ADAD - A doll photo a day. I have also followed along on #fmsphotosday (Fat Mum Slim photo challenge) on instagram where I have followed the daily prompts and taken a photo every day of the year. I am so proud to say that I have kept up with both projects - I must admit it was hard at times to keep going but I really wanted to do it. I used an app called Project365pro to save all of my #fmsphotoaday photos and also set up a daily reminder so that I wouldn't forget. So at 4:30pm each day a little alarm went off on my phone to remind me to take a photo. It really helped too. All the VERY best with your 365 challenge for next year. I can't wait to see snippets of your home for the year. x
Posted by: Janelle Wind | December 26, 2012 at 08:33 PM
I'd love to do one of my boys - easy to do. I love taking photos of them together, this year they will be 2 and 3.. so cute.
Posted by: Christy | December 26, 2012 at 08:33 PM
I am attempting to try something new everyday! 366 things I've never done, eaten, seen, etc.
Posted by: Sara | December 26, 2012 at 08:36 PM
Yes! Do it! I have a couple friends that have done it and it's so fun to look at the photos with stories, tips/advice and inspiration.
Posted by: Jenny | December 26, 2012 at 08:37 PM
I loove the 365. I did one in 2010 and am just about to finish my second one in a few days! I totally agree about it changing your life. I don't know where I would be without the 365 project. Every single person in the world should at least try it.
Posted by: Lauren | December 26, 2012 at 08:38 PM
I think i'm gonna give it a try! I've been thinking about it for a while and maybe now is the time! :)
Posted by: jime | December 26, 2012 at 08:39 PM