“What we call the beginning is often the end. And to make an end is to make a beginning. The end is where we start from.”
--T.S. Eliot
I finished! Phew. The 365 journey is a marathon. I almost took a break several times but thanks to the 365 community, I pushed through those lulls. While I’ve been dying to get to the finish line, it was two days ago that it hit me that my 365 journey was coming to an end and I felt a twang of sadness. Today I spent time going back through my project and it was amazing to reflect on all the events of the past year recalling memories that would otherwise have been forgotten. I will treasure all of them.
When I decided to do a 365 project a year ago, I had no idea what to expect. I posted my first photo and the welcoming I got from the members got me hooked. It is very difficult to describe what this community has meant to me and all I can say is THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU. You pushed me through when I almost stopped. You gave me such great feedback along the way. You inspired me each and every day to try new things and just admire the show. But most of all, you were there in my darkest hours to comfort me and lift me to even higher levels. It still gives me goosebumps when I think about how people that I never met before were so kind and generous to my family – this community will always carry a special place in our hearts. I’m sure that Chloe will get tired of hearing about all the 365 stories and friends. Hopefully she will want to do her own 365 project in the future.
So what’s next? While I’m certainly tempted to do another 365 days, I don’t think I have the time or energy for it, at least not right now. However I’m excited to announce that I am joining The Seven (http://365project.org/theseven/365). Teaming up with 6 of my favorite photographers on 365, I will be posting a self portrait every Thursday. If you haven’t seen The Seven’s profile, please check us out and follow along.
I am relatively new to this community but can already see the community spirit you have expressed. You are one of the people inspiring me on my journey. Congratulations on completing the 365 days. I wish you luck and look forward to seeing you on The Seven.
It has been a pleasure to follow you Chris. I wish you and your family the best in the future! I will continue to follow you as you post photos. Have a great time with The Seven!!
Chris - I just watched your video and your photos are amazing - your self portrait in the rain brought me to tears. I only wish I had followed you sooner! Well, I will be following the seven now! Congrats on finishing and have SO much fun with your new family.
Chris - Congratulations on this epic journey!. It seems so easy at the beginning, but it's so daunting at times. Your journey has been very special to me, and it's been one that I've shared with so many friends and colleagues. It has been amazing how you've been able to maintain your project while going through the incredible highs and lows of your journey. I have laughed and cried with you. I've worried about you and prayed for you. Now, you've completed something that very few do - completing Project 365! Kudos to you - blessings on your wonderful family - and please send us an occasional photo of your beautiful Chloe! I will now be following you on The Sevens!
Congratulations Chris! Love the video. I didn't find you until fairly far along your journey but I have loved your photos. Please keep us up to date on Chloe's progress! I'll have to follow The Seven now!
Congrats on finishing and knowing what we know I don't think I would have shown the same fortitude. It has been a pleasure following you Chris and seeing your creativity and your passion in print. I wish you well with The Seven and I will continue to follow you there. All the best to you and your family and of course, fav!!
Oh my goodness, I LOVE how this photo represents the beginning and the end. Just amazing. I didn't know that today would be the last day of your personal 365 project.
Congratulations on the end of your journey..for now! Your photos are really amazing and I just watched the video, which made me even cry while listening to the song and watching your photos with the birth of your child! I'm glad I will see more of your pictures with The Seven! I wish you all the best for now :)
Congrats on finishing you project Chris and its been a pleasure to take that journey with you... i am only 2 or so weeks to before mine is done... what a year, have love your work, love your comments on my work and so glad you are staying for me to see and hear more of Chloe.....Best wishes x
The journey through a year of a human's life is immense. I don't think we realise at first what exactly we go through from year to year. Your journey shows this. I commend you for your ability to stick it out and I hope that it has been cathartic for you. Most of all - thanks for sharing :D
Just watched your highlight reel... wow! You are such a very talented photographer. So good! And I love the way you have decided to stay on! So a big congratulations to you, Chris! You completed a very special 365 with a lot of pizazz!
Congrats Chris! It is amazing isn't it? The time, the work.....what happens in life while the project progresses....the people you meet. Best to you and your family!
This is an amazing final/beginning shot! Your video is wonderful too and brought tears to my eyes! I'm looking forward to seeing where the Seven takes you! Congratulations on completing your 365!
Great finish/new start shot! Love it! Really glad that you won't be gone for good. I follow The Seven, so look forward to your shot :) I'm so glad that I've been able to share your journey so far with Chloe and I feel the joy but also bitter sweet for your loss of Julian. I'm so happy that little Chloe will be able to have the chance to get sick of hearing your stories about 365 :P
Bravo!! (Round of applause). Wonderful shot - beautiful light and everything! Fav instantly. Love your video.. wish I'd been following you earlier, your shots have been wonderful and I'm glad to hear you'll be 'sevening' - you'll be a natural! Most of all, well done on completing the challenge with such style and stamina x
I love looking back at your highlights in the video collection. You use your creativity, vision and skill perfectly to create images that evoke such powerful, human emotion and universal truths. I love your work and outlook, and I'm glad you're joining the Seven for a new beginning.
Fav, Chris and huge congratulations on completing such an inspiring 365!! It has been so inspiring and of late often very humbling to follow your project and the way you have expressed your emotions and feelings so poignantly with your images. Fantastic news about The Seven!
@sparkleplenty1 Thanks so much for the kind words Joyce. I think this project helped me get through the hard times as the support was incredible. You all helped me off the ground.
@bdb3471 Thanks so much Brian. We started our projects at about the same time and I feel like I've shared my time here with you. Your photography is inspiring to me every day. Thanks so much for your daily comments - it didn't matter what I posted, I could always count on your comments. Looking forward to celebrating your 365th soon!
@jlhopgood Thanks Jo. This project was definitely cathartic for me. After looking back on the year, it is so tempting to keep on going because you don't realize how much of the journey that you forget.
Chris-- you are one of the most inventive people I have seen on 365. It has been a wonderful to watch each day to see what you would post next. Sad to see your everyday work go, but glad to hear you are not leaving us all together.
I found you late iin your journey, when Chloe was born... it has been a blessing to see her progress through your camera lens! You are a gifted, talented photographer and I will miss your daily posts, but hope to catch you here from time to time.. God bless you on your journey! What a great photo to end this chapter with!
@chriswang Thank you Chris! But the little guy was already born 2 months ago! ;) I wish you the best of luck with your sweet little Chloe. She is truely a miracle!
I've really enjoyed your photos Chris, even though I confess I've not been a very consistent 365er myself! Congratulations on your year of splendid photography.
Chris you have brought Joy and Sadness, Fun and Laughter, Creativity and Spontinaity to your project and to this community! I just wish I had found you earlier than I did.I wish you,Lilly and Chloe many, many precious memories, and rest assured, I will be following you through the Seven too. Btw, this photo is stunning! Such a brilliant end to a new begining! Fav
Oh how I wished I would have been following you! I will definately follow you on the seven. You are an amazing photographer! I can just see your creative mind at work through your photographs! What an amazing journey you have had this last year! Congratulations on finishing your project! I wish you all the best for you and your family!
oh gosh this is absolutely AMAZING chris!!! and your words are so inspiring as well. its been such a pleasure to follow your work and catch a glimpse into your life. I'm so excited that you'll be joining the seven!!! looking forward to much more from you sir, FAV
Congratulations on completing a year of photos Chris and thank you for letting us into your life. I have enjoyed following you and will continue to do so via The Seven. Big kiss for Chloe.
Congratulations Chris!!!!!Terrific capture & perfect ending to your 365 journey.It's been a joy to follow you & will keep an eye out for future pics in "The Seven" group. Off to check out your video now :) Fav!
How great you're joining the seven! it's hard to do a second year, i know now. But congratulations on your completion! I'm glad you shared this year with us and thank you for joining the selfies challenges so many times. I hope to see some of you in the future. Fav, of course!
Chris congrats on completing your project! I didn't realize this was it for you until just now. I enjoyed following you very much and it was great getting together to shoot. As we have talked about lets do it again. Best wishes in your next endeavor!
Fantastic choice for a last shot which won't be the last I'm glad to hear. Nice to hear you're joining the Seven - I'm already following them anyways. So see you back there! Congratulations on finishing a fantastic project and good luck in all your endeavours, especially with Chloe's progress!
Fantastic and congratulations :) I am in love with this shot - it is so celebratory and full of promise and excitement of things to come :) I look forward to your photos in the future :)
Chris it's been incredible that you managed to get through the end through the ups and very deep downs. Tremendous perseverance and you've got a huge heart! I'm glad you'll be around still - there will be a collective 365 cheer when you take Chloe home. Here's wishing you a much more straightforward 'new year' with lots of happy family time together.
Congratulations on completing the project! I understand not wanting to commit to another 365 at this time (I too need a break!), but I certainly hope you will sometimes share updates of Chloe's adventures and successes. That precious girl has entered so many hearts! Thank you for sharing your incredible journey, and continued blessings to you and your family.
Amazing shot, Chris. I hope that we can somehow keep up with how Chloe is doing. You are quite talented and now I will start following The Seven. A fav!
I love this, Chris! Congratulations! I love your photos and your updates. I know I am not on here much, but your family's story really hit me hard. I pray for you everyday and think about your often. Take care!
What a wonderful finish from you! I still remember the night when I stayed up looking at your photos for hours...we will miss your constant presence but I'm glad to hear that you'll be stopping in! Please let us know how Chloe and Lili are. Best wishes, Chris!
I havent commented often on your project Chris, but I have been watching. I just watched your slideshow and your body of work is more than a series of photos. You have captured your year but more than that you have captured who you are and how you think. A true window into a warm and open soul. Thank you.
wonderful shot, and processing! Congratulations on finishing; I'm struggling to get through to the end myself, but for much less stressful reasons than you've had; I wish you and your family continued health and happiness!
Congratulations Chris!!! What a fantastic shot to finish your project with and you sure have had an amazing journey! I will definitely be keeping Chloe in my prayers as she makes wonderful progress!! I have enjoyed following you and can't wait to hear updates on your beautiful daughter! Congrats again and a definite fav for me!!
Chris congrats one last time for Top 20 (#2). It's an honor to have my shot right next to yours. Don't forget we going to try to shoot together again in the City. Wishing you and your family all the best!
@michaelelliott The honor is mine Michael. Look forward to watching your project with less than 2 weeks to go. We will definitely get out again in the city.
@lyno Thanks Lyn. I will try to keep up with everyone's photos as I love to see the world through all the different perspectives. Thanks for sharing in my journey!
Congrats on finishing your project and the #2 spot on the T20!!! Your an amazing photographer, Chris! I'll be looking forward to your new seat on the seven! :)
Chris, this is an amazing photo and the story of your time with 365 is amazing as well. I've only just really discovered your work (don't know how I possibly missed another Jersey 365er all this time), and I wish I had started following you sooner. Hopefully you'll still post when you can so we can all see your progress in picture form. Thanks for sharing
@filsie65 Thanks so much. Good luck on your stretch run! You are almost there too.
@shutterbugger Thanks Jenn. Your photography is inspiring.
@bobbyj Thanks Bobby - your photography often blows my mind.
Thanks so much everyone! Good luck with all your projects. It was a pleasure to share my journey with you.