If you’re contemplating a 365 or are in the middle of one, you MUST read the powerful words and insight from a fellow project 365 photographer, Terri Bleeker.

The Beginning
When my son was about 14 months old I received a flyer in the mail from the local vocational school. As I looked through I was instantly drawn to information about the upcoming photography class. I felt like a kid reading about summer camp as I read the course description and saw that it was a night class. I remember standing in the kitchen and praying for the money and time to take the class. I asked that God would give me the opportunity to learn about photography and that I would follow His lead regardless of whether this path introduced me to a hobby or a something more.

The Burnout
Fast forward to last December. Six years, 80+ clients and over 30,000 photographs since that day in my kitchen. I work a full time day job, run a part time business and had been either shooting or editing every day for the last six months. I came to a point late last year when I was beginning to feel burned out and a million miles from the place of wonder I began in September 2003. I needed to renew my passion for photography or I knew I would be completely burned out in no time. I had heard about 365 projects and really felt this was what I needed to rediscover my photographic muse. I presented the idea of a 365 to my husband and he encouraged me to go for it. He has been a constant source of encouragement over the last 14 years and my interest in photography has been no exception.

The Journey
I started my 365 on January 1, 2010. Nearing the halfway mark of my 365 I have already learned so much. On the technical side of things, I am learning my gear. I started the year relying on my camera’s “P” mode to choose the technical settings for my photographs. Over the last two months my camera has found a new home on manual. My photographs thank me for this and I have a much better grasp of the technical aspects of creating a photograph. I have also grown in other areas.

• I have learned that outside the box is a wonderful and freeing place to think.
• I have learned people love cameras and will most likely let you create a photograph anywhere if you ask politely.
• I have learned that, more often than not, others who share my interest in photography want to encourage and be encouraged.
• I have learned that I have another hat to wear; that of artist.

The Destination
I have found motivation and encouragement in many places. One quote that has pushed my willingness to step outside my comfort zone is from the amazingly talented Jerry Ghionis. “Remember you don’t have to be the best. You just have to be better than you were last week.” I know I still have a lot to learn and my 365 has already given me the renewed motivation and passion I need to continue to grow as a photographer and an artist. I’m ready to take on the challenges that lay ahead as I take the next step in my photographic adventure in pursuing a designation as a certified professional photographer. I truly believe I would not be where I am today if it were not for this 365 project.

Special thanks to Terri for sharing her story and her images. Stop by her blog and give her some comment love. It’s a powerful statement to say that she wouldn’t be where she is today without her 365 project, but I know exactly how she feels. I know many of you agree and feel the same way.

I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments about what your project 365 has done for you…
OR WHY YOU REFUSE TO START ONE!