If you’re in the middle of or gave up on a 365 project, you need to read this guest post by Christine Nielsen. She had two goals: venture beyond auto mode on her camera and find herself. Would it be possible to accomplish those two goals with a simple project 365? Read on to find out.
My name is Christine, and I am a Project 365 addict…
This story began over a year ago, when I started my 365 adventure. Back then, I had two goals. The first was to learn how to use my camera. I wanted to venture beyond “auto” mode, understand all of the dials and buttons, and learn the secrets of pleasing compositions. My second goal was more complex. As an at-home mom for many years, I wanted to break out of my “daily grind.” I needed to develop my own interests, and I wanted to accomplish nothing less than finding myself.
Maybe that seems like a lot to ask of 365 photos…?
But — a year later, I am not disappointed!
As for my first goal — today, there is no button, dial, menu or setting on my camera that intimidates me. I have come miles from where I started in my technical knowledge of photography, and I am developing my “artist” muscles as well. There are other encouraging signs that my skills are improving… Complete strangers visit my blog and compliment my photos. My work is displayed in the coffee shop downtown! I got up the nerve to enter a photo contest (thank you, Tasra), and was a finalist!! I’ve even had a few paying photography gigs!!!
I knew daily practice would improve my photography, but I had no idea how far I could go in a year.
Certainly, there are days when inspiration and motivation are hard to come by. Those are the days when I remind myself that the 365 is about learning. If I thought that every day’s photo had to be fine art, I would never pick up my camera. When I get stuck, I grab my camera, take a walk, and start shooting until I find a groove. Each day’s photo is a lesson, either in some technical aspect, or in the creative process. Push through the inertia — some of my favorite images happen when I think my creative tank is empty.
As for my second goal… Well, I thought the “finding myself” part would come from simply re-connecting with a pastime I used to enjoy in a former life. Which was true, but there’s more! I uncovered a passion for expressing myself through images. And when I see that an image I created moves someone else, it is an amazing feeling. Then, the photo transforms from more than a pretty picture, and becomes a personal victory.
Which brings me to why I am an addict…
I thought about stopping when my 365 days were over. But the process has been so rewarding, and I have learned so much, that I just can’t give it up. Plus, I know I still have much to learn.
Project 365 is really a gift: I now have a completely unique record of the past year, I have new skills, new confidence, a new way to express myself, and new goals for the future…
How can I “just say no” to that?
On Pinterest? 
