The 6 things I learnt from a Photoaday Challenge

Late in June I decided to tackle this Photoaday Challenge.  As I divulged in this post, it was on my list of quirky, adventurous, fun projects I like to dare myself with.

In this photoaday challenge you are given a list of photo prompts, one for each day of the month.   You then take a photo, inspired by  your interpretation of the days prompt.

You can decide if and where you may share it.

The choices are endless. You can share to the ever popular Facebook and/or Instragram.  You might like to tag it with the groups hashtag, e.g.#FMSphotoaday.  Your preference might be to keep your photos private, to print them, pin them up at home.  You can even join the FMS Facebook Group and post photos there for others taking part in the project to see.

I decided to get in there boots and all,  grab the full experience.  I uploaded photos here on my blog, I posted to my Facebook Page, I joined the group and posted all the images there and finally I sent them to Instagram.  Whewwww!!!!!

I proudly declare today that yes I did it, I made it through each and everyday.  This is me, in my moment, basking in the glow of achievement,  ticking off my list, displaying a months work I am very proud of.

The 6 key things I learnt from this Photoaday Challenge.

1.  To Prioritise and Plan tasks which are important to me.

I did have days when I grappled for time to take a photo, let alone upload it.  I realised I would need to schedule time in my calendar, add photo taking to my To Do list.
This challenge was important to me and that was ok.

2.  To Experiment and Play with photo editing tools without fear

Not all photos turned out as I imagined them.  I became very creative and adventurous with the various photo editing tools at my disposal.  I played with apps, websites and software.
I took things to their extreme and then undid it all.  The entire time learning about what was possible and what I like.
I plan to  share some of my app discoveries with you next week.

3.  To step outside the perceived photo norms and use my phone camera.  It can take a great shot.

Often I would be hit with inspiration while out and about, if I waited to have Miss Fancy Pants Camera with me I would have missed some of my best photo opportunities.

4.  That I have a strong individual photo style and to trust my instincts.

Yes, photography does not discriminate, we all have  flair, a personal style when taking photos and when presenting them.
Everyday as I critiqued that final image I saw a bit more of my style emerging and taking centre stage.  My confidence has soared as a result.

5.  Planning, patience and persistence do pay off, oh and a bit of luck on this one.

My most famous photo yet was this week’s ice cream cone.  This photo required the right shaped clouds, a clear sky behind it and of course the cone on hand.
I did carry the cone with me all day. The clouds were shifting and moving fast.
I stopped several times to get the shot and kept hoping that one of them had worked.

6.  The support given by the online community surprised me.

The Facebook Group became a place for me to visit for inspiration, feedback and support.
I would become excited during the day, anticipating the work of others and the varied personal interpretations of the prompt.
Artistic, poetic, stunning photos all woven into a timeline.  The comments and like functions in Facebook allow for feedback and questions.
A platform to display your work to a like-minded audience.
Unexpectedly I found everyone happy to share tips and tricks enabling us all to progress with our photographic journey.

If you are looking for a new hobby, a purpose, a challenge, an artistic endeavour and/or a daily dose of inspiration then consider participating in a Photoaday Challenge.  I recommend this one by Fat Mum Slim for all of the above reasons.

By the way, I am challenging myself again in  August.

Enjoy some Fabulous in your Ordinary today.

Karen xx