I am trying to be true to the 365 day photo challenge, but I'm struggling when having really long days at work that start before sunrise and end after sunset. I am welcome to any suggestions for keeping me going during the work week. Thanks!
Yep, take your camera with you everywhere you go...just look around you.. you will see several things of interest. take candids of co-workers. The mess left in the lunch room after lunch is over. The view of your workspace and out your office window...
I can only agree with the others - take your camera everywhere. I'm also doing a lot of late nights, but then I always was a bit nocturnal. I'm hoping it will get easier as the days get longer!
I agree with everyone else. I have the same problem. Just took my camera to work everyday. But sometimes, it's very stressful at work I can't even walk around during lunch break. And also, I don't want people staring at me at the parking lot trying to get some shots of the leaves on the ground LOL!
I worked late last night and found myself looking for something on the way home. I saw this part of a building that I'd never noticed before. Then I got to thinking that I work on 20th street so I wanted to look for a building with an address 2013. It made my drive home from work so much more interesting (if a little longer than usual). I think abstractions of everyday items are always a ton of fun!
I used to struggle with this and still do...I had wanted to stay true to one photo one day but there is just no way...over the years I switched to making the most of my day's off and go for a new location for a photo walk....my weeks posting are the best of my adventures and I rarely post a photo from the day I took it anymore
I have a lot of photos from work...and outside the building. Seems something always caught my eye. My lunch, who I had lunch with, something I was working on and even causing me stress. Very often things from my commute in or commute home. I've just completed my 2nd year, and in my first I was a stay-at-home mom but you know, the challenges are kind of the same...b/c you're doing the same things, day in, day out and have very little time to go on excursions. I don't know...I really pulled my car over so many times. It made me notice everything and appreciate everything very much.
I just started 365 this year, and I agree... take your camera to work... I also got a small pocket calendar to mark the daily items to be photographed in January... it didn't take long to make it a part of my daily routine. Happy Shooting!
Living in Washington at this time of year, I normally travel to work in the dark, both ways. So unless you get out of the office at lunch, there isn't much daylight (when it is not raining) to get shots. And if you are not getting away from your desk at lunch, tsk tsk tsk.
And there is nothing saying that you can't take night shots or indoor with flash shots
im in the same situation.. been working doubles feel like not being very creative... when i get home its to dark.. dont really like taking my camera to work, always paranoid about it getting stolen or smthng.. ugh.. hurry up spring!! or lighter evenings!!
I don't have an answer but thank you for asking the question. Hearing from so many others who love photography and are struggling with the same issues I am is downright inspiring since you are all managing to post regularly one way or another. I can do it too!
I always struggle with the early nights! There is some great advice here! Just look at this way, you started at the hardest time of the year for light! It will only get easier!
I have used a variety of strategies at work - photograph the outside of the building in lunch hour (macro shots if there is not much to see); drive to work with the camera on the seat ready to shoot when stopped at traffic lights ( I did a LOT of that - it is amazing what you catch); photograph the cars in the carpark at lunchtime (my CEO's car has featured); shoot in the cafe where you get lunch at lunchtime (but I had to work up to that!); photograph books, the noticeboards & doors in the building (abstract) shoot co-workers portraits against the office doors ( I still do a lot of that); stop along the way home. I often shoot macro in the kitchen when it is dark outside. I started my 365 specifically to give my mind a break from working 12 hour days, & I learnt to enjoy the 10 minutes of downtime in the office. It is not always easy Teri, but it can be done. @juliedduncan I agree !
Some really great advice here! I struggle with long work days and now I don't even have a long commute anymore. Trying to play around with topics to force me to practise with the camera more....I have sooo much to learn! I always have at least one camera with me in addition to my iPhone. I think I will start to haunt the staff at work....bwahhahahaha!
This is a great thread because many of us struggle with these long work days. One thing I decided early on was that I wouldn't be too hard on myself about using a shot NOT taken on the day. That way, if a work day stretched too long, but I captured several nice shots over the weekend, I didn't feel guilty about using them!
I'm working 9-6 some days now, so that's an issue for me too. I've done push pins, water cooler, staplers, staplers in love, calculator, etc. Today was my second orange. There's got to be some moment in the day where light comes through a window, right? (check out today's orange shot!LOL)
This is when I started taking shots as I was working long hours and found that getting out of an hour at mid-day was a great way to open your eyes at what was around you, see local places, exercise and most importantly, have that much needed break.
I just started the project on the 1st and I have a similar problem, though it is light when I leave for work. I've been carrying my camera while doing my morning chores and even to go out & warm up the car. I have used my flash at night, which I need practice doing and also one night shot on my way home from work.
I have the same problem. Long work days, dark winter lighting. I generally have a camera with me all the time (this includes my iphone). The last two days, I've been taking it out in the morning when I walk the dog and have managed to capture a few photos early in the day just as the sun starts to rise. They're not my best shots but if I start early in the day with whatever I can, I'll have more shots to pick from by evening when I start to think about what to post. Sometimes my photos are totally random. I do stay true to taking a photo a day and play to stay consistent with that rule of thumb for myself. Take photos wherever you might be even if it's the grocery store, at a stop light (maybe I shouldn't admit to that), pull over at the side of the road, take a walk at lunch, ask a coworker if they'd be your model for the day, etc.
I have got into the habbit of going out to work a bit earlier and taking shots of still life in my car using the inside lights to light the subject. Works good I think. Also taking long exposure shots while its dark.
Also I really enjoy taking shots of small figures like lego or danbo. These little people come to life in the most boring environments. Danbo lives in my camera bag now
You can also build a little lightbox to photograph objects that you have in your house with proper light and a nice backdrop. Its really easy to make and use (i did it yesterday :)
@tebbeach I agree with everyone above, however I rarely get chance for a lunch break, and work in an industrial estate, so instead concentrate on making average stuff around the house look better! I normally take my pictures in the kitchen while I'm cooking! :P
Nevertheless, roll on summer when I can get back outside again!
Sometimes shooting things around the house can be more challenging than outdoor shots. Lighting and shadows are an issue, as well as making an item out to be more interesting than it actually is! Whilst there is undoubtedly a fair share of spectacular landscape shots etc on here, I quickly realised that my life and location would not lend themself to that, apart from on the odd Sunday when I get a rare day off. I would love to be able to take shots like that everyday, but such is life! At the very least, the dark days test your creativity!
Early in my project I realised it was not so much WHAT I photographed but how. Mundane things can be very interesting if you fiddle with the lighting and settings on your camera. , play with a candle, a desk lamp, long exposures.
If you have the opportunity to be on the move either early morning or evening, this is the golden hour and the best times for photography, soon you will be inspired by light and shadow. There are many people in the same boat taking amazing photos, not amazing because of their subject matter but of their seeing something in the mundane.
My photo today was a night shot
You can also use your computer screen as your light/background
I have the same problem, but I don't seem to find anything interesting at work, and only have half an hour for my lunchbreak. I will try my best and keep these good tips in the back of my head!
Also, go out one day to an interesting place.
Take hundreds of photos. Sort out the best, say, 30 pictures.
Post those on the days you simply cannot spare the time.
That's what i do.
At least I'm not on my own in this boat! I can't wait for brighter evenings, but as others have said I think I need to be a bit more creative with my photos.
I struggle with this and I am only on Day 10! It's hard to find something interesting at the end of the day. I have started bringing my camera to work and I am headed out at lunchtime. Also, I try to browse through the challenges for ideas. It's hard to think of fresh ideas! Today I am going to attempt the manual focus idea at the park during lunch. Wish me luck!
I'm a lawyer who works about 12 hours a day (not to mention late night hours on computer). So I know what its like to have tremendous demands on your time and energy. At first I didn't think it was possible to do this project - but a year and half later and 600 + pics in - all is great! You got to shoot in your travels to and from work and/or any breaks during the day like lunch or traveling to/from meetings etc. This way always a variety and never run out of opportunites.
I'm in exactly the same boat at this time of year - and though I can get out at lunchtimes sometimes, often I'm busy then too. I've found though that it's given me more chance to play with what my camera can do - not sure what camera you've got, but a lot of point and shoots have some manual functions allowing to change the aperture and use longer exposures, and thus learn more about shooting in low light. I've got a couple of night time shots in my last few - they're not fantastic, but certainly a lot better than what I would have taken before I started this project.
I work long hours so I have an ideas book for days when I'm not going to have time Togo anywhere to take a picture. In my ideas book I jot down loads of things whether it's simple ideas like car grille or fruit in soda water etc, but then when I have no time in know I can look in there for a picture to set up and take at home.
Like yesterday's terrified egg for example!
I'm sure all of us who work have this same problem. I agree with all the posts that suggest taking your camera to work and everywhere you go. I sometimes leave early to stop for a picture of something that looked interesting to me. I also do weekend shoots to use on those days that I didn't take a photo. There are so many amazing people on this site that you will comfortable no matter how you decide to work your project. The important thing is to have fun and learn..
Thank you all so very much!!! I've picked up some great ideas from these comments. I have four different devices...a Canon T4i, a Canon point-and-shoot that is always in my bag, my iPad camera, and the camera on my phone, so getting shots is definitely feasible. I got a shot today to go along with my photo-a-day theme challenge. Taking shots at work are more difficult for me. Taking pictures at work won't be a problem, but I will never be able to post them if they include people. Looking forward to the freedom that the weekend will bring. These posts have definitely made me feel better and have given me some ideas. Thanks again!!
I usually take photos on my way to work. I work 9 to 11 hour days most of the time. Add to that the 4 kids and I'm shocked I've been able to do a "true" 365 experience.
I think you just have to map out a plan of action. Not every photo everyday is going to be amazing. Especially when I'm tired and stressed but I enjoy the experience.
I work 12-hour days most of the time and can truly relate to the frustration of so often being unable to get photography time during daylight hours.
As so many have stated here, one option could be to take your camera to work and take advantage of your lunch hour, but I think that almost a better option is to use the months of least daylight to force yourself to perfect artificial lighting techniques indoors and night-time photography techniques outdoors. Often, it's much too easy to fall back on the convenience of nice, abundant sunlight during the day, but it's really the more complicated situations that help you grow in your photography.
I find the longer I leave it in the day to get a shot to publish the harder it get's. Daily life seems to speed up and fewer opportunities present themselves. I am lucky that first job of the day is a long dog walk but your right, It's still dark till mid morning. Guess we have to be quite creative in these dark months like a lot of the posts above have eluded to. Like the idea of a light box @nicoleterheide , will give that a go. Good luck and stick in there.
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And there is nothing saying that you can't take night shots or indoor with flash shots
@juliedduncan I agree !
This is when I started taking shots as I was working long hours and found that getting out of an hour at mid-day was a great way to open your eyes at what was around you, see local places, exercise and most importantly, have that much needed break.
Nevertheless, roll on summer when I can get back outside again!
Sometimes shooting things around the house can be more challenging than outdoor shots. Lighting and shadows are an issue, as well as making an item out to be more interesting than it actually is! Whilst there is undoubtedly a fair share of spectacular landscape shots etc on here, I quickly realised that my life and location would not lend themself to that, apart from on the odd Sunday when I get a rare day off. I would love to be able to take shots like that everyday, but such is life! At the very least, the dark days test your creativity!
If you have the opportunity to be on the move either early morning or evening, this is the golden hour and the best times for photography, soon you will be inspired by light and shadow. There are many people in the same boat taking amazing photos, not amazing because of their subject matter but of their seeing something in the mundane.
My photo today was a night shot
You can also use your computer screen as your light/background
Take hundreds of photos. Sort out the best, say, 30 pictures.
Post those on the days you simply cannot spare the time.
That's what i do.
Like yesterday's terrified egg for example!
I think you just have to map out a plan of action. Not every photo everyday is going to be amazing. Especially when I'm tired and stressed but I enjoy the experience.
As so many have stated here, one option could be to take your camera to work and take advantage of your lunch hour, but I think that almost a better option is to use the months of least daylight to force yourself to perfect artificial lighting techniques indoors and night-time photography techniques outdoors. Often, it's much too easy to fall back on the convenience of nice, abundant sunlight during the day, but it's really the more complicated situations that help you grow in your photography.
Good luck!