365 Days later...

My last photo for this project is a selfie.

A year has passed. 365 photos taken. Spirit uplifted. Discipline practiced. “Little things” appreciated. Life documented. Project completed.

Thank you God for filling my heart and mind with creativity. I am full of gratitude.

Thank you to the 365 Project family. Your comments have been encouraging and thoughtful. Family and friends, thank you for believing in me in times when I didn’t. Hearing how much you’ve enjoyed seeing my photos day after day is affirming. And for those of you whom I asked to be a part of a shot, it’s been fun. My requests were always met with excitement. Your joyful responses were humbling!

Lucy, sweet dog, thank you for being my model on all those days when I simply didn’t have the energy or imagination to think of a creative shot. You’re my favorite canine and I’m glad you picked me to be your mama. Sweetness!

It’s been an amazing journey. As I reflect on the last year, I find myself welling up thinking through what I have accomplished. It’s been a journey greater than just taking photos each day.

In the morning the alarm goes of and often my first thought has been “What photo should I take today?”, “What’s going to matter to me today that will be worth a photo?”. Some days it took extra effort but usually by end of day I managed to find an important person in my day, an event that made me smile, a shot for experimental editing, or a “little thing” that made the day a little more special. I came to the understanding that “something wonderful” happens every day and when you notice it you get to appreciate it (and with a camera you get to keep it for the future). This helped me slow down and relieve stress. Peace!

This project took discipline. I never missed a day (almost, but never). There were a few days I actually got into bed at night only to jump back up realizing I hadn’t taken a photo “Quick! Take a picture of your nose, your toes, toothbrush, pillow case...anything!”. Some days are just like that. Survival!

Half of being a photographer is having a good eye for composition and style. But the other half is knowing how to use the tools to support the photography. I started the project thinking I would spend the year learning how to use my camera. Reality: I gained better control of using my camera and some of its components but I honestly can’t say I have full ability in its use. However, I did gain a clearer understanding behind the power of editing which can enhance or manipulate a photo. Food for creativity!

Friends have been asking me if I’ll continue with 365 again in the new year. I’m going to take a break and focus on technique. Perhaps I’ll do the project again sometime down the line. It’s been an outstanding practice and documenting everyday life for a has been impressive. My next project is to take all 365 photos and turn it into a little book.

365 has brought me peace. I feel joy where I’d forgotten. It’s been redefining, inspiring, and a project of love.

It’s been a pleasure. Hopefully at least one of my photos has inspired you in some way in your life. If it has, I would love to hear from you and how my work has touched your life. I wish you the best!

God bless!