I put up a similar post last night, and in a fit of self-doubt, deleted it. I will say thank you to the person who did reply and apologies for deleting your post (I thought the thread hadn't been replied to when I deleted it).
So my question is for all those experienced 365ers out there - did you get to a stage where you doubted your reasons for doing it? Where you were tempted to give up? Where you felt your reasons for doing it might be shallow, seeking approval etc? And if so, what got you through?
As you can probably tell I was feeling tempted to give up, questioning my reasons for doing the project in the first place & generally a bit "meh" about it all. I've not really gotten that involved in this site as I am very limited for time (sick hubby, plus 1yo & 3yo), but I am intrigued to see some/any answers to my questions. And I promise I won't delete this post too!
My initial reason for starting 365 was to follow a friends pics, then of course I needed to sign up to comment and I got emails asking when I was going to post. I'd never really bothered with photography in the past, only to snap the life and times of family and friends. but once I'd started I really got into the actual photography and enjoyed going out each day, looking at things in different ways. My reasons change frequently, sometimes I need validation, other times I just like to admire what people are doing. But the biggest overall thing for me is the wonderful sense of community here and the friends I have made. Sorry for rambling.
I originally signed up because a friend of mine had told me about it and I wanted to see his pictures. In the first few months my shots were quite crappy but the more I got involved in this site the more I learned and wanted to try out because I saw so many awesome shots that inspired me. I travelled for five months this year which made taking new pictures quite easy. I'm not sure I would have been able to survive a year at the same place... Every morning I'm looking forward to log onto the project and interact with the people I've got to know on here, some of who are my friends in real life, some only in the virtual space (so far). But of course I have days, when I just hate my pictures and feel bad for uploading them. Even then I hear someone say something nice about them which lifts my spirits and helps me to carry on. Sorry for rambling as well but I hope you find the energy to keep it going!!!
I originally signed up as a "day in the life" type project because I needed something to take a break from stress at the time I began. Very quickly I was inspired to improve my photos after seeing the great work of other 365ers. Ultimately the project has become a combination of recording my life, trying to improve my photography, and stress relief.
I signed up because I love taking photos with my point and shoot. I had just got a hand me down dslr and had NO idea how to use it, and was eventually scared to pick it up for fear of being disappointed in the end result yet again! Came across a link to this site (on http://www.digital-photography-school.com/) a few times, hummed and hawed about joining for a few weeks. I took the plunge, thinking that if I was forced to pick up that camera, I'd be bound to learn something....and it worked better than I ever thought it would!
I'm here to learn and get the odd pat on the back, or 'well done', for the community of like minded people and to surround myself with inspiration and creativity.
I signed up because I saw a friend's shots and thought it was a brilliant idea - plus if you saw the amount of photos I post to fb (everyone teases me about it) you would know that this is my cup of tea:) My friend dropped her project after about a month but I became rapidly addicted.
This is really what I was looking for, a reason to practice my photography, feedback (positive or negative) on my shots, and a community that shared the same interests I do, so I don't bore the crap out of my friends that aren't so much into it.
I've hit a few stumbling blocks along the way, re:inspiration and lack of time, but the way I've found to keep on keepin on is to make sure my project stays fun. So while my shots aren't all glorious masterpieces, (I'd hesitate to call any of my shots that) - I still have a good laugh posting shots that make me smile, or sometimes outright snort with laughter. Life's not all serious business, why should I be?
I signed up because i thought it would be a great way to document my kids and get back into photography on a regular basis. I used to carry a camera(minolta af 5000) all the time, and then stopped when life and kids got crazy. there are times in my project when i wonder if i can keep up my year of kids- i go through serious creative drain, and always have the thought in the back of my mind that I will lose followers who are just plain sick of seeing my 4 on here everday:) However, it has returned my love and obsession with the camera and I know that I have a precious document of a year in the life of 4 of the most important people in my world, so i am pushing on!
I joined because a friend was on here. She has since given up but I like others became addicted!! At first it was to document a year in photos and try and use my camera more, it transpired very quickly into wanting to get more views and comments (I was lacking confidence and recognition at work and this quickly became a way of fulfilling that missing recognition), then I became obsessed about views and forgot why I was here! About 3-4 months in I found my zone and it's been about making new friends, improving skills both photography and editing and a bit of documenting my year. The faves and view and comments are still great and important but the focus is much more on taking where possible a great shot and admiring other people of similar minsets and enjoying their takes on life. About to finish year 1, wondering whether my take will change for year 2!
I have never doubted my reason for starting. A friend said, lets see if we can do this. I did not know at the time how much I was going to get out of this and how improved my photos would be. Basically it was completely for entertainment but has now become a way to really improve my skills.
I will be doing year 2 but on my terms. I will probably follow and comment less, but participate in loads of discussions. I will work on skills and themes more, which may mean less photos per week, but hopefully more of a vision.
When I reach a point of not wanting to take photos which happens after lots of rain, or seeing the same things everyday, I post a filler, and well If I have one day to take seven excellent shots that push my composition skills, using manual on my camera or have all worked together to tell a story, well then I will post one each day until I can get out the next time. It is your project. Do it for you and not what I think.
I have loved photography for years and have been addicted to it since my son was born. My dad suggested I do this as a diary to learn more and to help with the transition of staying at home with kids for a couple of years. I have learned so much in this time. I have wanted to quit too many times to count, including less than a week ago. I am less than two months from finishing so I will see it through.
@emmar84 once pointed out, How often do you have a photo for each day of your year. Each one is a memory, and there is improvement throughout the process.
What I am saying is don't quit, use it as a diary if nothing else. It will be worth it in the end!
Nah not really... Am 3 days off finishing my second year and just enjoy the malarkey of taking a pic, finding new things I like to photograph, learning bit by bit about cameras and ofcourse, all the banter that being part of this site offers..
Carrying a camera is now as much a feature of my life as carrying my keys or wallet...
I think the important thing is not to get hung up if you have to upload a boring or crap pic... This is only a fun thing to do so keep it that, don't think to deeply about it...
I started doing my 365 project after a friend completed hers. Initially I didn't know about this site and didn't join until early February. The first month of my project there was little effort in most of my photos. Soon after joining here it inspired me to try more and I think I have imporved considerable (although still so much to learn!)
I'm now in the process of a place on a photography degree course for next September!
As Courtney has said, I really like that I can look back and have memories for every day this year, as it has passed so quickly it is a real gift.
Like everyone I've had times when I've lacked motivation and struggled for my picture a day, recently I was away from the site for nearly 2 weeks due to health problems. I continued to take a photo a day but without the daily insporation and support the photos were much poorer quality than they had been for months.
I am so glad that I have got so far with this and will probably do a second year but as much as I enjoy the daily photo without the people on this site offering their comments, ideas and above all seeing their wonderful photographs I doubt I would have made it to this point. That or I would have 10 months of terrible photos!
haha.. Well Bell, I started this project because of you! Then the stress of moving house twice plus sick non sleeping kids killed my mojo and I've been out of action since May! Tentatively logged on this morning to find a) brilliant images from those I'm following and b) your timely message to remind me why I started in the first place!
I've missed the daily inspiration. I've missed capturing the beautiful, odd moments/things that I would not have without the project. I've missed the talented, sharing community. So, for myself and no one else, I'll be posting again....when I can.
I'm sure you will continue ;) Your kids will cherish this project.
Thank you all for the replies, it's been really interesting to read them all.
I wonder if questioning our reasons is an important part of the process in the end? After all, life interferes for everone at some point.
I think when I have more time I'm definitely keen to get more involved with this site. I plan to also print up all my shots for the year in a book (for my family to enjoy).
@andycoleborn - I think that's a good point, not worrying too much. It is a hobby after all!
@denvela - heeh I dhdn't expect to hear from you! I forgot you started this after me. And yes, I will continue. i think I've had my biggest doubting moment and especially after reading all the comments here, will definitely finish out the year.
@danig - not rambling at all, I feel very similar to how you described in your answer.
Thank you all & happy photographing!
Cheers,
Bella
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I'm here to learn and get the odd pat on the back, or 'well done', for the community of like minded people and to surround myself with inspiration and creativity.
This is really what I was looking for, a reason to practice my photography, feedback (positive or negative) on my shots, and a community that shared the same interests I do, so I don't bore the crap out of my friends that aren't so much into it.
I've hit a few stumbling blocks along the way, re:inspiration and lack of time, but the way I've found to keep on keepin on is to make sure my project stays fun. So while my shots aren't all glorious masterpieces, (I'd hesitate to call any of my shots that) - I still have a good laugh posting shots that make me smile, or sometimes outright snort with laughter. Life's not all serious business, why should I be?
And I'll never tire of your beautiful portraits, especially the Fabulous Miss B.
I will be doing year 2 but on my terms. I will probably follow and comment less, but participate in loads of discussions. I will work on skills and themes more, which may mean less photos per week, but hopefully more of a vision.
When I reach a point of not wanting to take photos which happens after lots of rain, or seeing the same things everyday, I post a filler, and well If I have one day to take seven excellent shots that push my composition skills, using manual on my camera or have all worked together to tell a story, well then I will post one each day until I can get out the next time. It is your project. Do it for you and not what I think.
@emmar84 once pointed out, How often do you have a photo for each day of your year. Each one is a memory, and there is improvement throughout the process.
What I am saying is don't quit, use it as a diary if nothing else. It will be worth it in the end!
Carrying a camera is now as much a feature of my life as carrying my keys or wallet...
I think the important thing is not to get hung up if you have to upload a boring or crap pic... This is only a fun thing to do so keep it that, don't think to deeply about it...
I'm now in the process of a place on a photography degree course for next September!
As Courtney has said, I really like that I can look back and have memories for every day this year, as it has passed so quickly it is a real gift.
Like everyone I've had times when I've lacked motivation and struggled for my picture a day, recently I was away from the site for nearly 2 weeks due to health problems. I continued to take a photo a day but without the daily insporation and support the photos were much poorer quality than they had been for months.
I am so glad that I have got so far with this and will probably do a second year but as much as I enjoy the daily photo without the people on this site offering their comments, ideas and above all seeing their wonderful photographs I doubt I would have made it to this point. That or I would have 10 months of terrible photos!
I've missed the daily inspiration. I've missed capturing the beautiful, odd moments/things that I would not have without the project. I've missed the talented, sharing community. So, for myself and no one else, I'll be posting again....when I can.
I'm sure you will continue ;) Your kids will cherish this project.
I wonder if questioning our reasons is an important part of the process in the end? After all, life interferes for everone at some point.
I think when I have more time I'm definitely keen to get more involved with this site. I plan to also print up all my shots for the year in a book (for my family to enjoy).
@andycoleborn - I think that's a good point, not worrying too much. It is a hobby after all!
@denvela - heeh I dhdn't expect to hear from you! I forgot you started this after me. And yes, I will continue. i think I've had my biggest doubting moment and especially after reading all the comments here, will definitely finish out the year.
@danig - not rambling at all, I feel very similar to how you described in your answer.
Thank you all & happy photographing!
Cheers,
Bella