This is the image that started my 2011 Project 366 challenge.
One month down.
Despite swearing I’d never do the Project 365 challenge again, I’m in the process of doing it again this year. Technically, I’m sticking to my guns as this year is 366 days… but still…
Nevertheless, I’m going strong. When I did it originally in 2010, I sputtered. Though I got through it, I had times when I just didn’t want to do it and cashed it in. I took silly shots that didn’t challenge me.
This year, my goal was to challenge myself a bit more. Try and use the DSLR more than the iPhone or a point-and-shoot. To this point, I’ve stuck to it. I’ve only had one photo that I’ve used be from the iPhone. And even that comes with an asterisk. I had taken shots with the regular camera that day but then lost my memory card for a day or so.
Some of the things I’ve focused on so far for this challenge:
- Seeing things outside the box a bit more and trying to find different things to focus on. Not everything needs to be the perfect photo — just make the setting what it needs to be.
- Getting outside my comfort zone. In other words, not trying to focus on sports so much and going to other places and seeing different things.
- Looking at things differently. Basically, I now can look at a pine tree and realize zooming in on the needles can be really cool. I’ve played more with depth of field and such, too.
I’ve also set aside time each day to go out with the camera. I’ll go for a drive and find inspiration. If I see something, I snap it and I’m good. I usually stop there. I also take notes and ideas for future days. I’ve found one place in particular where I could probably get a different shot a day for a full year. So if I’m not feeling it one day, I’ll go there, take a walk and find something.
In truth, being unemployed has helped because I can take a break from the job hunt and go for a walk with camera in hand. Or, as was the case one day this past week, if on an interview somewhere, I can go explore a little after the interview to find an image for the day.
I realize, too, that having done this before is truly helping me. I know what worked and what didn’t work last time around. I know how close I was to ending it several times in 2010. I stuck through it then and plan on sticking with it this year. I’m sure I’ll eventually hit that lull that is bound to come, but I’m prepared. I have ideas for that “just in case” photo to get me through a day or three.
Until then, I’ll keep plugging along.
What’s even better — in my mind — is I’ve had the photo posted the day I took it, for the most part. Though that’s not a “rule,” per say, it’s kind of neat to have it up the day it is representing. I’ve only missed that a handful of times, and that’s only usually by a few hours. Again, once I’m fully employed again, that might change a little, too!
And now, I’d like to share with you (in no particular order), five of my favorite shots from January.
"Hacksaw" Jim Duggan (Jan. 21)
Darren jumping a 4-wheeler. (Jan. 8)
Raindrops (Jan. 12)
MasterLock (Jan. 24)
Fierce timeout. (Jan. 22)
For those of you also doing the 366, how’s it going?
Have you had any issues? Photo block? What’s been your game plan? Feel free to let me know in the comments section below. One thing I’ve really found is that when doing a challenge like this, it’s always good to see how others are doing it and such. It can be an inspiration.
You can follow my 366 project at this Flickr set.
Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog [at] gmail.com. Also, please “Like” HooHaa Blog on Facebook by clicking the button on the right side of the page!
Thats a great picture that started the FotoFriday for you.. I want you to please get me two 5×7’s of that and I will get you what you need for it… That way she can give one of those pictures to her mom for a gift…. as that is a great Foto….
It’s a good photo, yet — but it didn’t start my Foto Friday off, it started the Project 366 off! 😉
Your photos are so fantastic PJ!
I am doing ok with my P366. I haven’t missed a day yet but I’m certainly not producing masterpieces!
Lots of my pics are phone pics as it really isn’t practical for me to lug my big camera everywhere. But I’m quite pleased with some of the phone photos so that doesn’t bother me as much as the fact that I’m worried I’ll run out of things to photograph!
Weekends are no problem at all, but Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm, I’m stuck at work. I can’t always get out at lunchtime. And certainly at the moment it’s dark by the time I do escape. I’ve got through January just fine but am worried that I will run out of things to take pictures of in my office soon – there are only so many times I can photograph the view from my desk, or Daisy the office dog 🙂
I’ll manage though, I’m a determined person (some people say stubborn, but determined sounds better, don’t you think?)
Sarah recently posted..Where rock meets the movies…..
Thanks so much, Sarah! I appreciate the comments!
One thing that helped me get through the project in 2010 was to have a list of things I could set up and photograph — at home, somewhere else etc. Then I knew, even when it was dark out, I could do something.
Another thing is to challenge yourself in a different situation. Do you do low-light things? If not, try and do some long exposure stuff at night. A good tripod and a remote (on on-camera timer) can really help there. Maybe a lit-up walkway. Or some cool lighting. Think outside that box and you’ll get through the lulls and the hard times of finding a photo. I’m hoping that 80 percent or more of my images this year are not “whew” shots. By that term I mean, getting a shot of anything just for a photo. It will happen for sure. But aim high and see what else you can get. (Especially with all the crafting you do — I would think you’d be able to seriously get some cool images!)
I do need a new tripod. My son broke mine a few years back and I’ve never gotten around to replacing it as I never used it all that much. I have taken some nice night shots in the past though just by popping the camera on a wall, so there is always a way. I’m usually so shattered though by the time I’ve worked all day and then got my 9 year old fed, scrubbed and up to bed, that the thought of heading back outdoors doesn’t really appeal 🙂
As for the crafting stuff, I did take a picture of my Sketchbook Project book, mainly because I was so delighted to get it finished after 9 months, so I wanted to record that woohoo moment 🙂 But otherwise I’m trying to avoid taking pics of stuff I make for this challenge, as I always blog them anyway….
I did use a photo of my paints though as they look so pretty all stood there 🙂
Having a list of “things I can photograph in the house on a cold dark evening” sounds like a really good idea, I’ll have to have a think…
Sarah recently posted..Where rock meets the movies…..
A tripod is a must! And try not to go the cheap route because it will hurt more than help. I got lucky and found a good Manfrotto tripod for about 120 a year or two ago. It’s been one of the best investments I’ve ever done in regard to photo equipment. A good tripod is worth its weight in gold! And I know the feeling of not wanting to go back out and get a shot or two, but it’s so worth it when you get that “it” photo! And it challenges you to do more than just take that “just in case” shot!
I’ve also found that having my 366 sets on Flickr has helped, because there’s a lot of inspiration. If you are on Flickr as well, let me know as we have a small group there, too.