There was a time when I ached for this day to be reached, June 30th 2014.
It was finally here and I was having mixed emotions.
If you follow me on Facebook or Instagram you will know last week I took my final shot in a year long project. My personal challenge to take and publish a photo each and every day.
It began as a simple way to blossom as a photo taker. It resulted in me acquiring much more than a few fancy skills with a camera.
As I immersed myself in this collection of photos, spanning an incredible year of growth in my life, I was struck by the story that emerged, my story.
I recalled each moment as I stood completely still, excitedly preparing to click the shutter and freeze time.
Once again, through the magic of memories, I was transported in time. I listened to the laughter of my children, I felt the sun beating down upon my skin and soaked in the thrill of being alive.
Indulging two of my creative pleasures I have laced together a selection of my favourite shots with a little poem to commemorate my achievement.
Click on the link to watch the video or you can skip and read the rhyme below.
The day had arrived,
My feelings were mixed.
Is this The End
Or can I still learn new tricks?
A year had drifted by,
365 days one and all.
A photo each day,
A feat not so small.
It began as a way,
To challenge myself.
To play with my camera,
Get it down off the shelf.
A daily practice I knew,
Was the discipline for me.
To build up my skills,
Oh so gradually.
My skills did improve,
My confidence too.
But there was so much more,
About to burst through
As I look back now,
At the photo each day.
A moment in time,
Captured for me to replay.
Each photo holds memories
Together a story unfolds.
A year of my life,
When creativity took hold.
An incredible 12 months,
When I forged a new path.
Went out on my own,
A new chapter in my life.
This project became,
A time capsule you see.
A record for the future,
The deep awakening of me.
365 days are complete,
Yes they are done.
This is really the beginning,
The camera and I are now one.
It has been a week now and not taking a photo feels as strange as not brushing my teeth. Taking photos has become a way of life for me now, almost effortless.
Now over to you……
Do you have something you would like to improve at, something you would like to perform with ease?
New habits take 21 days to establish. Why not set yourself a 21 day challenge?
What could it be? Let me know, I might join you, I am on the prowl for something juicy and new.
Oh boy! There are so many good, new habits I would love to work on right now.
I think, however, that I’m going to focus on getting the bathroom remodel done first. I’ve already been putting that off for far too long. THEN I will be working on getting back into a regular exercise routine and practicing the *gulp* piano.
Kim, what wonderful and varied list. The piano, now that sounds delightfully amazing. Good luck
I am always so impressed when someone finishes a Project 365. I think I made it three months once. lol I bet you learned so much in this time. I had a friend who did it one year with all self-portraits. She was pretty creative by the end of the year. Congratulations, Karen! Well done!
Topaz, thank you. I did learn a lot, more than I anticipated.
A daily discipline is a great way to gradually learn new skills.
I love this! I tried a 365 project last year and made it only through 3 months. I wish I had kept it up and want to try again, this might just inspire me to do so. Maybe not photos but… we’ll see! Love what you’ve learned here. So beautiful.
Tricia, monthly challenges are fabulous and a great way to continue to build upon your skills. Thanks for the visit
So many precious moments captured. I love the self portraits and how you made everyday play look like art. Your pictures reminded me that every moment is beautiful.
I would love to take a photo everyday. Why stop at a year?
Do you have any recommendations or favorite tips for taking great photos?
Farrah, my best tip is use the camera that is with you and is enjoyable to use, often that was my phone. Try not to restrict yourself with lots of rules and how tos, follow different people on Flickr or Instagram and if you are inspired see if you can duplicate some of what they do as practice and yes practice everyday even in only for 5 minutes. Before long you will notice a style emerge and you will have a body or work to draw upon. Most of all have lots of fun and be creative.
Thank you for your thoughtful response. Time to go clean out my phone to make some room for pictures. It is definitely the camera I use most!