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
Day 1: All the Leaves
Day 1 ‘All The Leaves’ - 27/11/09
Not a lot of great things have happened on the 27th of November, and this is sure fit into the ranks of great historical non events! Inspired by photojojo.com and the film Julie and Julia i have decided today to start my Project 365 photo blog. The goal is simple, take a photo a day, every day for a year.
By the end of this project i hope to have:-
- become a better photographer, although Henri Cartier-Bresson said that “Your first 10,000 photographs are your worst.” which would mean i may have 27 years to go.
- documented a year of my life, in a way have never done before.
- take at least a few photographs i am proud of.
- hopefully learn a little bit more about myself in the process.
So, for Day 1 perhaps not the most inspiring photo, but i had to start somewhere. It’s been raining lots (and lots) the last few days, and on my way to work there was a giant puddle with all the autumn leaves floating in it. In my deep consideration of whether or not to take the photo i managed to put my foot straight into the puddle. So that decided it, i was not getting a wet foot for nothing! Anyway i hope you like my first photo “All the Leaves”
This is actually my first photo with my new camera (Canon S90) which i bought specifically to help me on my mission. It’s all good and well having a great camera, but the best camera is the one you have on you, and this one is nice and small so i have no excuses.