10 Tips for Completing Your 365 Project

(thanks Kathrin for the post thumbnail)

A very warm welcome to everyone who has just joined the 365 community! Whether you are a week in, or are still yet to upload your first photo, we are sure you'll find our inspirational tips and words of advice from existing 365 members an essential read!

Essential Advice

Set a reminder – Until you get into the routine of photographing the world around you on a daily basis, a reminder is a good idea. Even veteran 365ers say that sometimes “life just gets in the way”, and sometimes a reminder to take time out to get a shot is a good idea. Even if it is late at night, you can still step outside and take a picture of the stars; you can even take a documentary shot of the thing that is stopping you from experimenting with your camera!

Upload images regularly – The easiest way to keep your project up to date and keep snapping pictures is to upload daily. Easy if you are shooting on a smartphone or Wi-Fi enabled camera, but we know that uploading daily isn't always practical if you have to get images off a camera and on to your computer first. Set aside time at least once a week to go through your pictures and update your project – if you leave it much longer it can seem like a daunting task.

Join in with the weekly theme – Sometimes finding inspiration can be difficult, but with the support of the 365 community and our regular blogs, you should find plenty of ideas to inspire you. Our Weekly Theme in particular is a great way to find inspiration for new shots and to challenge your photographic skills – just interpret the theme in any way you want and see what happens! You don't have to enter your photo, but sharing is all part of the fun here at 365. Our latest theme tells you how to take part.

Experiment! – Experimentation is essential! Whether you are documenting your daily life or here to expand your skills, having fun and seeing what you and your camera can create as a team will help make your very own 365 Project a more rewarding experience.

Advice from 365ers

Community spirit is strong at 365, and occasionally we like to ask our members about their projects and include the interviews in our blog. One of the questions we always ask is what advice they can offer members who are new to the 365 Project. Here is what they said…

Joyce Wells
“My advice for new 365ʼers is to become a part of the 365 community! Look on the Suggestions and Popular Pages. Find people to follow on the New Faces page - that's how you get started. Be sure to comment on peoples work. They will usually comment back or comment on your photos. Ask questions - people are happy to tell you how they got a particular shot. Most importantly - get out every day and shoot! Your confidence will increase the more you practice. Get to know your camera, too. Most of all, have fun and enjoy your journey.”
Read the rest of Joyce's interview

Jaydee
“Don't compare yourself to everyone else. Your style will define itself if you stay true to yourself and shoot what you love. Also, practice makes better…I mean “GOOD” practice makes better!!! So learn your camera and do not rush. There is nothing worse than practicing the wrong things for hours at end!!!..And most of all HAVE FUN!!”
Read the rest of Jaydee's interview

Teresa (Pocketmouse)
“Do not stop taking photos! Regardless of how bad you think they are, every time you hit that shutter you are growing and learning and furthering your skills. Challenge yourself - try a setting you've never used before, or force yourself to only shoot with a specific lens for a day. If you see something that inspires you, try it yourself. If you don't know what something means, Google it! … Actively look out for photos, even if you don't have your camera on you. Train your eye to see photo opportunities, and they will come a lot more easily.”
Read the rest of Teresa (Pocketmouse)'s interview

Aaron
“Keep challenging yourself.  And try to figure things out on your own first.  If you see a great photo of a bubble, figure out how the person got that shot… Search for more bubble photos (either in 365 or on the internet).  And start experimenting with your own bubbles.  You will find that sort of investigation is much more gratifying than starting a discussion about it.  Ask yourselves the question before you ask someone else; that's the best way to learn!  And if you're stuck, just start pointing your camera at things; you'll soon find you are getting more ideas just by simply clicking that shutter.”
Read the rest of Aaron's interview

Peter de Graaff

“It is important to remember that it is your project. If it takes longer than 365 - well that's OK. Enjoy the photos of others and make comments on those you connect with. 365ers will often come to look at yours too.”
Read the rest of Peter de Graaff's interview

New Year is an exciting time at 365 as lots of new people start sharing their daily photos with existing members. It is great to see new talent, meet new people and watch more projects grow. Please share your thoughts, hopes, aspirations, and of course pictures, with us in the comments below!