The End

Day 365...so this is the end. I remember the day I started 365. I had heard about the 365 project before and typed it into google, the 365project was the first thing that popped into google. After a quick browse, I asked myself-why not? And so the journey began, little did I know what big of an impact it would have on my life.

I had always been interested in photography, and ever since I got my DSLR, I loved experimenting and capturing the beauty around us. But I never really pushed myself to delve further into photography-more of the art of photography. So when I started my 365 project, I told myself that I was really going to try not only improve my photography skills, but really create art with photography. However, I had no idea how far this project would take me, but I tried anyway. After posting my first photo, people began commenting and I got followers immediately. So I started browsing through other people’s projects and got inspired. After only a week, I was 100% dedicated to the project, I saw the wonderful work of other people and how much others appreciated my work. Before I knew it, I got over 200 followers under a month. With the immense support from the wonderful community of 365, I pushed my boundaries and explored as much as I can with my camera. I remember 365 took over my entire life, it was the first thing I did when I got home from school, and I would spend as much time possible trying to come up with something new and creative. I set high bars for myself and put in as much effort as I can for every shot. To be honest, I was surprised to see what I could do with my camera. Sometimes I would wonder if I could even come up with anything new the next day. But when the next day comes, I surprised myself again. When my “watery days” shot got onto Top 20, I knew that there was so much more to photography for me. Slowly, I began to discover my own “style”. People would often comment that they loved the softness and dreaminess of my photos. I realized that I have always been sort of a dreamer, and I wanted to capture the beauty in the smallest things that surrounds us. Over time, I could feel that photography was becoming my own. How every shot was composed, how every detail was edited, I made sure it reflected myself. I fell in love with photography even more, and I was constantly inspired by the work of others.

I also remember the first day I missed a day on 365. I remember days where I would feel unhappy with my work. That’s when I learned that the project wasn’t as easy as I thought. You can’t always get the “perfect” shot, but everyone has those days. Then came senior year. I knew it was going to be difficult to balance my school life, social life and photography life, but I had no idea how much! I was unhappy with my work more frequently, began losing followers and there were days where I just felt like giving up. But I kept reminding me how much 365 meant to me and how happy it made me. So I continued. Even if I had to use a couple of fillers, I kept going.

And so here I am now. 365 days. 365 photos. 365 days of learning. 365 days of inspiration. 365 days of growth. Thank you so much everyone, for making all this possible for me. I have grown so much as a photographer and feel so grateful to have met all of you. Without your continuous support and words of encouragement, I wouldn’t be here right now. I have finally found my identity as a photographer and I know photography will always be something that is mine, a way to express myself.
(I remember when I posted my first photo, I had just came back from the graduation of the previous graduating class, and if felt like ages before it would be my turn. Guess what? A year has passed and it’s finally my turn! I will be taking a break from the 365 project because I need to focus on my final exams, and then relax from my 12 long (but very short) years of school. But I will definitely be back for year 2! For now, I will post any new photos on my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/JuliaKanPhotography SEE YOU ALL REAL SOON!)