A Self-Confessed Quitters Guide to Project 365
Learning from a Self-Confessed Quitter
It’s quite hard to remember exactly why I started my Project 365. I do know it was after watching the film Julie and Julia on a plane. I was inspired by the character of Julie Powel, a self confessed quitterwho took up a challenge to cook her way through “Mastering the Art of French Cooking” in a year. I could see myself in her character, and as my mum will testify I have never stuck at anything!
When I got back from holiday I looked around on the Internet and found an article on Photography 365 projects. So it was with all that in mind that I decided to undertake my Project 365, and the commitment to take a photo a day for a year. My goal was simple, to become a better photographer, and in the process document a year of my life.
My Number One Tip
I have learnt there is no point in having a great camera if you don’t use it. For my project I have been using a pocket camera (Canon Powershot S90) because I knew I needed to have a something with me at all times. In doing so I have found myself experimenting much more than ever. Often the shots I have ended up using have been the ones where I have thought.
“I wonder what it would be like if I….”
Take your camera with you everywhere. I can guarantee the day I pop out to the post office and leave my camera on the table, is the day is see something interesting and unique on the way.
Becoming a Better Photographer
I have already seen an improvement in the composition, processing and style of my photography in the 100+ days I have been going so far. I have actually found myself to be the biggest challenge; I want each and every day to be perfect. I become deeply frustrated if I am not happy with a days photo.
However just as I am mentally beginning to give up (maybe after a couple of days of bad photos), I take a photo that works perfectly. For me it is the photographic equivalent of hitting a perfect shot in golf, all the negativity melts away, and I know why I am doing this. I am already a better photographer, and by the end of this project I hope to be much much better.
My advice would be if you are thinking of doing a Project 365, then do it, you won’t regret it.
*This article was published on the Tasramar.com 0n the 26th March 2010
Londonist Behind The Lens: ProphecyBlur
I’ve had a passion for photography as long as I can remember. However it wasn’t until last year when my girlfriend bought me a photography lesson for my birthday that I finally realised maybe I could do it for myself. Most of my photography is in and around London’s Docklands where I live and work. In particular I like the old, decaying and rusting signs of the old docks and the stark contrast they have with the shiny clean modernity of the banking hub it has become today.
After my initial enthusiasm I found myself taking my camera out less and less as the year progressed. I realised I needed to find myself some structure and discipline if I was to improve as a photographer. With this in mind on November 27th I started my ‘Project 365’ requiring me to take and post a photograph each day for a year. The goal was simple, to get me out taking photos, to improve my eye for photography, and force me to keep looking and experimenting with the world around me.
To have any chance of completing this project I knew I needed a camera with me at all times. With this in mind I bought myself the Canon Powershot S90 and have been amazed at the results achievable with such a small pocket camera. It has allowed me to become more playful, experimental, spontaneous and enthusiastic with my photography. I have selected some of my favorite photographs from my Project 365 so far to include with this post.
I am still learning and developing my style of photography, with the ambition someday to be able to exhibit my work publicly. I’m currently only 90 days into my challenge, and am already much more deliberate and focused than I was when I started. You can follow me on my journey here at prophecyblur.com or on Flickr where I have found the support and encouragement of others a great motivation to keep going.
*This article was published on the Londonist Website 0n the 27th February 2010