Official Launch of tasra365

tasra365-launchIt was just 2 weeks ago that photo guru and business master Scott Bourne issued me a challenge. If I was serious about improving my photography, I’d take 3 actions daily… for a year.

The result: improve my photography 300%.

The actions:

  • Take at least 1 photo every day.
  • Read at least 1 page in my camera manual every day.
  • View other professional images every day.

Never one to back down (after all, I was voted “Most Daring” on my high school dance team), I took the challenge and here I am. I started taking the 3 actions every day starting Tuesday, August 18. However, after seeing the new release Julie & Julia, I was inspired to chronicle my photography challenge with a new blog. Due to my slight OCD tendencies, starting on the first of the month was very appealing, so…

Today marks the official launch of the challenge: 365 days to improve my photography 300%. I’ll chronicle the journey in photos and camera manual pages right here at tasra365. I’ll also give updates on Twitter and Facebook.

Are you with me? You can join (even if you don’t have a blog) by adding your name to the sign up page (quick and easy with over 400 other photographers. I’ll feature your images and journey along with mine throughout the year.

Note: When asked if others could join, Scott Bourne replied, “I think everyone should join in!” How’s that for motivation?!!

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Filed under Month 1: Sep '09, tasra365 challenge · Tagged with , , Posted by Tasra Dawson on Tuesday, September 1, 2009 · Comments 

  • faylinmyhre
    I've tried this type of challenge before got stuck somewhere in the middle!. I like the idea of blogging about your photo, or the day or whatever and being accountable to follow thru every day. Watching others participate and grow will be inspiring and encouraging.
    Til the next day........

    Blessings~
  • patosborne
    Your site was suggested on Carol Leigh's online class ... DYCE group. I appreciate your approach to your life's pursuit and your up-beat attitude. I'd like to follow along with you, when I can .... right now C1 and C2 fractures from a fall are limiting me a little, but I will observe. Keep up your good work. You can find me on Facebook.
  • This is a fantastic idea, I try to take picture a every day and it's a great way to improve - best of luck!
  • I started the project for two reasons. I wanted to get better at photography (I am just a hobbyist) but maybe even more importantly, I wanted to document a whole year. Time flies by and so often I think about something in the past and it seems like it should be just yesterday but it is distant. And I can't remember the fun day to day details of life. The 365 project has changed that. I have at least some small memory of every single day of 2009.


    As far as photography improvements, it has been better than I could have imagined. I look at everything differently now, always looking for a good shot to represent the day. And I'm much more comfortable with my camera, it feels like me and the camera work together well now and I know the controls inside out and I don't have to think about it much.



    Another thing that I did not expect at all... I have met a lot of really friendly people throughout this year so far. Something about walking around with a camera makes people want to ask questions and some of those have turned into fun acquaintances over the course of the year.



    It has been great!
  • brianpalmer
    I'm with you Tasra, Perla and I were just talking about shooting something everyday to keep and build our skills. Your going to do great with this 365 project. BTW really loving D3, the shallow depth of field is really working! Good job!
    Brian & Perla
  • katsanes
    Joined! I'm looking forward to trying this, I've wanted to do something like this for a long while but never started. Now's the time!
  • hunterwhite
    Thanks?
    Are you saying I have the brain of a 4 year old?
  • I've been avoiding it but I'm going to take on the challenge. Thanks for getting me started on this.
  • I actually did a 365 day self-portrait project recently to explore myself and my emotions as well as my photography. It was a ton of fun and I can see this really working well for improving one's photography as well. When I've got a job again (full-time gig looking for work), I think this would be a great task to tackle, perhaps minus the blog. Good luck to you!


    Mary
  • robtrueman
    Scott Bourne? You're going to take HIS advice?!?! Good! During a pretty bad time in my life I was one of the winner's of Mr. Bourne's Aperture Nature Photography Workshop and joined him and others in Tetons National Park in Jackson Hole Wyoming. Not only did it teach me to be a much better photographer, but was one of the catalysts for getting me out of my "funk" and get me going again. Since, I've started a photography business and I'm making money through something I love.


    I look forward to watching you over the next year. It's a fantastic journey and one I'd love to be a part of!



    Rob
  • jhaapala
    A 365 is a fantastic way to really learn about yourself, your photography, and your subject or subjects if you so choose. I am a good distances into mine already, and I can guarantee you that I have improved my photography by more than 300%.


    Don't underestimate the other two bits of advice from Scott Bourne, especially looking at photos of others. Although, I would say you could add photography books to the mix as well.
  • katrinakennedy
    I've been taking a POTD for a year and a half and I've ABSOLUTELY seen it improve my photos and my knowledge! Looking forward to following!
  • I'm excited too... so great to see how many others are joining in the challenge or are already doing a variation of the 365. Look forward to being inspired by others too!
  • What? You don't have to wait for that! Surely you've got something else that takes decent images. :-)
  • This can be your practice round. :-)
  • Congrats on your first 45 days. How is it going so far?
  • You're a pro then. I'll have to check out your blog and images to see how you've evolved as a photographer this year. How do you think your 365 challenge has changed you so far?
  • Your comment reminds me of what my 4 year old always says: "Let's do this thing!"
  • I see your hand Ken! As a former junior high teacher, I'm pretty good at seeing those raised hands. ;-) Glad to see you on board.
  • I think you are absolutely right. We will most definitely need a support group. I'll have to come up with some creative ways to keep people motivated (and myself too)! Got any suggestions?
  • Happy Birthday Tom! It's a perfect day to start this challenge. Take a photo of your cake! I like how you've adjusted it for yourself. I think you've caught the heart of the challenge and I'm all for making it doable given your current schedule and life!
  • No time like the present to learn about blogging. I've been doing it for 3 years now. Let me know if you have questions or if I can help in any way. :-)
  • Woo-hoo!
  • Generally I try not to kick complete strangers in the butt, but since you don't seem to mind, I'm glad to help! ;-) No worries on creating your own blog. Any way you can find to keep track for yourself will be just as good.
  • Jump in when it makes sense. Good luck with your move! First things first right? Gotta have a place to hang your hat.
  • Wow! Just yesterday. Congrats. You must be so thrilled. So, as a veteran, what would you suggest to a novice embarking on this 365 day photography challenge? Would love to learn from you!
  • Jeni, that's great. The blog is really just to keep me honest and on track. It's hard to remember from day to day with everything else whether or not I've done my three tasks. Feel free to join in and share your challenges and learnings along the way!
  • ksaim
    I am in Tasra. I have been contemplating a 365 project for some time and you pushed my over the edge (in a good way, of course). Looking forward to the journey!
  • I've been a fan of Scott's for awhile. So, when he gives advice; I generally listen.


    Improving my photography, has been something that I've been saying I was going to do for a loooooong time. I'd definitely like to join you on your project. I hope that when you visit my site, I haven't been slacking. But I'd appreciate a push or a nudge if I have :)



    All the best with your challenge!!
  • This sounds like a great plan. :)
  • hunterwhite
    Lets do this
  • Hi Tasra, I added my link to the Master Linky. I started my 365 blog on January 2 and it has been a great experience so far. I look forward to following yours!
  • tasra
    Would saying you're the wind beneath my wings be too cliche? It's the truth. Your confidence and courage inspire me to greater things. Thanks for everything!
  • Wow! Sweetheart, I'm sooooo proud of you. I can't believe how far you've come in such a short amount of time. I can't even imagine where you'll be when your year is up. I'm glad I get to take the ride "up close and personal" with you.
  • tasra
    Thanks Chase! You've been such a great encouragement. Look forward to shooting with you this Saturday.
  • I'm in with you and up to the challenge. I love challenges! Can't wait to see everyone's creative work! This is going to be fun.
    Thanks for the inspiration!
  • Im in too as soon as I purchase my EOS 50D!!
  • I'm 45 days into my 365 Project, and seeing other peoples work is a big source of inspiration. . . I will look forward to seeing your pictures.
  • Good luck. I've been meaning to do a 365 myself for a while. I plan to start on Jan 1st of next year. So I'll be watching this blog for inspiration ;)
  • Love this idea. Had been trying to do this already, but this makes it all formal and such. i may need to do a separate blog as well!
  • Kara
    Awesome, Tasra! I'd love to do that challenge as well. I have no idea what I'm doing. I should probably start with a class, but it's been great fun learning. I look forward to seeing what you have to say!
  • SH
    Great advice, I plan to do those three actions in various areas of my life, (artwork, poetry, schoolwork, bible study, finances and physical fitness). they are so simplistic but beneficial to accomplishing your goals.
  • I'm up for a challenge and some self improvement. Hope I'm up to it. Good luck and good on ya to anyone else who decides to join in :)
  • Ken Pflug
    Im in (raising my hand high)
  • Good luck! We're right in the middle of out 365. I started on my birthday just like Tom (above). It's a real roller coaster ride. Some days you just don't feel like taking a picture! We might need to form a support group (:
    http://jillianmodernblog.com
  • Tom
    Man, I should do this. It's my birthday, so good day to start, right?

    Given the nature of my life (and experience with the last 365), I'm doing 7 pages a week, 7 photos a week, but looking at photos every day. That I can adhere to. :)
  • Diana
    I love this challenge and may attempt it myself, minus the blog (other than maybe on FB or Twitter from time to time). Good luck and keep up the good work!
  • I think I'm going to try...may have to learn about blogging for this though!
  • love this! I'm in!
  • kacey
    Looooove this idea! As if you weren't already an inspiration to me, a total stranger, now you've kicked me in butt yet again. Guess I will have to join you now. Don't know about the blog part yet -- I'm not so good at that -- but we'll see. Can't wait to follow your journey over the next 365 days!
  • love this idea! i'm looking forward to following this, might even jump on the challenge after we get moved.
  • I did one of these myself, and actually JUST finished it yesterday. Keeping up every single day can be tricky at times, but you'll be so glad you did it. Looking forward to following this!
  • Awesome...I'm looking forward to it!

    I'm going to do the same challenge.....minus the blog. lol
  • Chase
    I know you are going to knock this out of the park. I am so stoked to keep up with your blog. You go girl!
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