This project has been extremely challenging, frustrating, frightening, hilarious, interesting, and educational as well as the biggest time thief ever. I’m counting down the days until this is over. I’m trying really hard not to waste the last days with low quality images – I want to continue pushing out from my comfort zone as this was one of my goals when commencing this project. The challenge now, is to plan “what next”. I can discount another year of #project365 – I truly couldn’t imagine anything worse!
I’d like to hear from you, fellow #project365’ers. How have you found this project? Is it what you thought? Have you learnt anything from it? Did you take it seriously, or was it more of a lark? Are there any tips you’d like to share with your fellow #project 365’ers? What will you do when you complete your project?
I’d love to hear your thoughts, and maybe you can include a link to your project so I – and others – can check out your gallery.
13 comments:
Hello!
I started 365 on 1/1/2010 and have kept it up all year. This started out as a lark -- but has really taken me in a new direction with my photography. In September I participated in a portfolio review and my 365 work got the best remarks.
That's wonderful Donna! It's good to hear that you've gained so much from this project. Photographically, what awaits in 2011? Will you continue the project, or embark on something else?
I too, started this project on a lark, but have really seen it pay off - two photos publicly displayed in exhibitions. Who new so much could be accomplished with a $100 PAS camera?
I don't know that I will do it again next year. I have a "regular" blog that I post to almost daily and am a regular contributor to another blog. The P365 blog has required far more time than I thought it would.
I'm looking for a weekly photo meme thinking that might be a better fit.
That's terrific news Dana! And like you, I have found it to take much more time that I had imagined! I'm still uncertain what direction I will take for 2011, one thing is certain, it won't involve another project365!
Hey Adriana, well done on keeping up with the project all year!
I've been doing the same from Jan 1 albeit I missed one day (due to a really good bottle of red!). Apart from that one slip, it's become pretty routine for me to look for something to shoot each day (mostly with my iPhone and apps). This in turn has helped with my paid work, especially weddings where you have to think and compose quickly and often need to make ordinary things look interesting.
I'm actually looking forward to bringing my project to a close as I know I'll be too busy next year to stick to it religiously, but it's been an interesting and useful exercise and I hope you've found the same.
Cheers
Milton
Well done to you Milton, for also sticking to the project! I accept your 'red wine' excuse for missing one day if I can use the excuse of extreme jetlag to explain why I can't count the days in September and October and for taking too many photos in that time...
Having said that, i agree with you about trying to make the ordinary a little more interesting and it has really pushed my creativity to get a photo every single day. Some days came a lot easier than others, as you and everyone else doing this project would have found. That's excellent that you've been able to adapt the #project365 skills to your paid work - it makes all the angst worthwhile! lol!
I have been following and inspired by you throughout the year. Thank you for sharing your p365 journey!
I am looking at conquering the project myself next year, any tips on keeping on track, staying focused and getting through the year? What kept you motivated apart from 'having' to do it?
Keep up the good work!
cheers
Bec :)
Thanks for your kind words Bec :-) I'm glad you've enjoyed the journey.
As for tips - don't give up! I found that joining a few of the flickr groups and following fellow project365 photographers really helped me. In the early days, we were encouraging each other and marking the milestones together; there's been a camaraderie between us and this can be really helpful. Once I made it to the half way point, I knew there was no way that I was going to stop the project, no matter how difficult it seemed. I think it depends on your reasons for starting such a project - mine was to see if I could actually complete it - any other achievements would be a bonus. Another thing I did was to write down ideas, no matter how quirky, and I kept that list for the days when I felt uninspired. I think it's also important to post your photographs in a public place like flickr or a general blog - that's another way to keep you accountable.
I hope these tips help - good luck with your project365 for 2011! :-)
Mmm, was it really about this time last year when you first mentioned thinking about a 365 and I said to you that I have already decided to embark on one?
Well I don't feel guilty dragging you into it, the company has been exceptional as always and I have had the chance to see some truly talented photographers at work.
Mostly I have found it fantastic in pushing the boundaries, there has been lots of awful days, panic, stress and I was even late with a photo once (but I took one before I got to bed).
Definitely no 365 next year, the law has been laid down on me and my head would seriously explode if I even contemplate continuing. I think I will do a 52 though, perhaps based on the DPS briefs. Still just a thought for now.
Bec, I second Adriana's comments. I have a bunch of Plan B ideas for the "rainy" days which I avoid dipping into that bucket until I have to. Definitely publish them online, even if you think the photos are not good enough, the feedback and pointers from fellow photographers have been absolutely invaluable to my growth. It most certainly helps with accountability, and best of all, you can get inspiration from their work and make your own interpretation.
It was about this time last year, wasn't it? I remember reading about it on the DPS forum and thinking hat a "good idea" it would be to embark on such a project. Little did I realise just how much work is involved (but that shouldn't put anyone off starting their own project). Kevin, I know what you're saying about the law being laid down for 2011...I won't be continuing this project in 2011, but will look at other projects to continue my creative growth. And, thanks so much for commenting :-)
Thank you Adriana and Kevin for the feedback. I guess I will have to start a list of 'rainy day' items to collect.
It seems a daunting task but one that I want to challenge myself on.
I can definitely see how it can take up a fair chunk of time out of each day. In saying that it appears to have helped quite a few people along their photographic journey. I look forward to seeing what the new year with my p365 will bring.
Bec, I'm so excited for you! As daunting as it may seem, the benefits you'll get from embarking on this project far outweigh the negatives. Don't let others talk you out of it - you'll have a blast! :-)
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