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.

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!