confessions of a 365 dropout
Tuesday, June 16, 2009 by Tracey Clark 
141/365 141 - SOOC
I hate to even have to say it outloud, or in writing, but it dawned on me the other day;
I have failed in my efforts to keep up with the 365 project. Heavy sigh.
It's certainly not the biggest deal in the world. I can begin again at any time and kind of pick up where I left off (I guess) but there was just something magical about starting on Jan 1 and actually thinking I would/could stick with something every single day for an entire year. I did manage to make it for something like 141 days. I think that's fairly impressive.
Regardless of the fact that I'm officially throwing in the towel on the project this year, I learned a few things along the way that might help those of you who are still committed and diligent in your photographic efforts (I wholeheartedly applaud you btw).
Here's my follow up to Stephanie's original post offering her tips on sticking with it.
1. Keep a 365 idea notebook handy. Anytime you drive by something that catches your eye, jot down the location so you can't revisit on a day when you have time to snap off a few pictures. Anytime you have a fleeting thought about something you've been wanting to capture in a photograph, write that down. When you're feeling uninspired and out of ideas, use the lists in your notebook as guides.
2. Keep an eye on your battery. Make sure it's charged (plug it in before bed) and have back-ups handy.
3. Take your camera to social functions. It's fun to round out a collection of still-lifes with some pix of friends and family.
4. Try to shoot at least one shot each morning. I know this was on Steph's list but for 141 days, it was my mantra.
5. Don't wait for perfection. As Kate recently urged, 'do not wait for perfect light'. Just shoot!
6. Plan regular photo walks or field trips for yourself. Go alone or with friends.
6. Shoot from the hip. Literally. Sometimes the less invested we are in getting the shot, the more likely we are to capture delightful surprises.
7. Pick up a few extra memory cards to carry with you so you never end up with a full card when you're out and about.
8. Give yourself permission to shoot the same subject over and over again. If there is something your are drawn to shoot, then try capturing it differently on different days. Be inventive and the repetition of subject matter becomes interesting, not boring.
9.Get involved in shooting for regular photo features around the internet, like the One Word Project, Best Shot Monday and Love Thursday.
10. Never underestimate the power and beauty of your SOOC shots. Why spend time editing the shots that don't need to be edited. Use the 365 project as the practice to get your shots right the first time! Less editing time means the less time the 365 project takes each day and it leaves more time to shoot.
One thing I was reminded of as I played along this year was that paying attention to the details of my daily life, camera in hand, was totally therapeutic for me. I had no agenda but to shoot and there were many times I was blissfully lost in shooting. It was amazing and enlightening.
If you started on Jan 1 this year then today is day 167 for you. Almost half way home. Surely you have some ideas for us on how you keep it up. Anything that keeps you shooting like the prolific shutter sisters that you are would be helpful. Links to your favorite captures always welcome.
Reader Comments (53)
You should too!