In the end the decision was made for me. Those of you who have followed me for a while know that more recently I've been deliberating about whether to continue with this project or not. The quality of my work has dipped over the past six weeks or so, as I've had less time and inclination to go out and take photos.
On Sunday 27 March I contracted a virus that knocked me out for a few days, and then just as I thought I was getting better a chest infection took the rest of the week with it. I know I was so close to the end with something like 50 photos left to take, but on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday I hadn't taken any photos at all.
The thing is, I don't feel that bad about it either. I would have liked to have completed this project, but it became a chore and I felt like my work wasn't up to the quality I know I can produce. The main reason for doing this project was to immerse myself in photography. I wanted to learn about how to use a camera effectively, how to process images and produce some good work. I feel like I'm not learning anything new any more, so why continue?
Also, my life is not going to become any less busier over the coming months. The time I can devote to photography is only going to decrease, so I want to use it as an escape; as something I can focus on when I want some 'me' time.
The most important thing is that I wasn't enjoying it. It wasn't making me happy, so what's the point? The rigidity of taking a photo daily had sapped the enjoyment out of the process. I want to get back to that place when I was excited about it. For me, it's quality not quantity.
A part of the problem is my character. I have an all-or-nothing personality; once I had fallen ill and not taken a few photos, I wasn't happy with just adding a few fillers and continuing. If I did this and then reached day 365, I wouldn't have got the satisfaction of completing this anyway.
So what now? As aforementioned, I want to get back to that place where I'm taking photos for fun. I'll continue to take photos, and try to go on one proper shoot a week at least. I'll post some of that work as and when I do it and also showcase some of my previous work here too. You're not getting rid of me that easily!
I should thank those of you who have been supportive and followed my work regularly; your kind comments really made the difference. Of course a big thank you must go to my fiancée Suman, who bought me the awesome Canon S90 on my 30th birthday and has shown great patience and critical guidance when I've needed it. I've spent much less time with her than I should do because of this project, so I'm sure this will be a relief to her too!
I can't post an update here without a photo. Here's one I took on 3 February this year when I visited St. Mary's Church, a dilapidated structure in Colston Bassett. It's my most popular photo on Flickr that wasn't part of my 365 project, so I thought it was befitting as my first photo to showcase some of my previous work.
Semi-professional photographer based in Nottingham, England, I shoot mainly events and weddings. I'll be posting my work using my Fujis - X100S and X-Pro1.
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It's really beautiful, Vik; I can see why it's so popular. I'm sorry to hear you're not enjoying it - but nice that you'll be sticking around regardless :) I hope the virus is gone, btw!
I'm sorry to see you leave but can fully understand your position. Photography is supposed to be fun and I hope you find that joy once again. I agree with you that sometimes the project saps that joy. I haven't been in it as long as you, and already I'm running out of ideas for fresh photos. I will continue with it, but am fearful I'll lose my joy near the end as well. I wish you well and hope you'll continue to post a photo now and then. Best wishes to you and Suman.
Get better soon and glad you are not giving up completely. I;ve really enjoyed both your work and your contribution to 365 with the weekly favourite pics and so on. Great shot, here. Look forward to seeing your shots as and when they are posted.
Wonderfuly shot, I can see why it was popular on Flickr. We will miss you and your photos. Sorry to hear you've been ill, but you have to take care of yourself and take time for your life away from 365.
I am sorry to see that your project as it is will be coming to an early end, however, I definitely understand your reasons. I am also glad to hear that you plan to continue sharing your photos with us as time allows because you work is just spectacular! Good luck, and I hope it is not long before you can start enjoying photography again!
Sorry to hear that you've been unwell. I think I've followed you from early on. I shall miss your pictures but there a lot more impotant things in life than this place.....really??! Good luck with your future photography and with your family.
I'm really sorry to hear you've not been well and you aren't carrying on, but I fully appreciate your reasoning and, as you said, there's no point doing something that should be fun if it isn't. I hope you're feeling better soon and I'm looking forward to seeing the photos you do decide to share. I personally have really benefited from following you and have been inspired by many of your photos, so that's something else you've achiever with your project. :-)
I, too, am sorry to hear your leaving and that it's not fun anymore. I haven't been following you that long but I did enjoy you photos.
Best wishes, Joe.
I completely understand where you're coming from. I love seeing your work, and think it's great if you just post weekly or whatever. It's your project man! Now get well and take care.
Love this photo Vik and again I'm sorry you have fallen out of love with 365. There is no point continuing if you are not enjoying it or can gain no challenges from it. You are such an accomplished excellent photographer, I hope the mojo returns and it starts to be fun for you again!
Stunning capture, love everything about it!! You have to do what is going to make you happy..period. I will miss your amazing captures, maybe you'll pop in every once in awhile :)
Hey Vik.. sorry to hear you've been unwell and its a shame it meant you couldn't do the full year without missing any days, but all-in-all, it's only a fun thing to do and not one of life's more serious things... Still, it does now give an opportunity to highlight some other cracking images so there's always an upside... :-)
I'm glad that you are clear about what you want out of this project and that you act accordingly. Also glad to hear that you will stick around. I hope you're back to full health soon!
I don't actually take a photo every day, for that exact reason. It becomes too much like a chore otherwise, and forces you to try and become inspired when, on some days, it's just not there. I see nothing wrong with using fillers. :) Make the 365 project what you will, do it the way that makes you happy. :) Glad to see that you're staying on!
WOW - Stunning image! I can't say enough how much your photography has inspired me!!! Do what's best for you, whatever that is. You have a remarkable talent, and I've felt honoured to see your work. Good luck!!
As much you ground to a halt, great effort and i can see your point towards the project, some sterling photos over the past months from yourself. good to you see your digging though the archives and still posting though and can now enjoy photography as you say :)
@vikdaddy I am going to have to change my profile. I've tried the daily thing. There are two things. Life gets in the way when you have a job and studies and the 2nd is, the daily doesn't work as well for me in terms of learning about photography. I want to explore each image subject that interests me most and find out what works best. It that subject is prone to a quick death, the daily thing doesn't work. YOu can only allocate a certain amount of time each day. As it is I easily spend 1-2 hours daily commenting ...it's often more. And that's before any pic has been taken. You did well to go as far as you did, but it just depends what your objective is. I enjoy your pictures and if you can do them in a less constrained way, you will probaly enjoy it more and be allowed more creativity... Been wondering also about leaving for this reason. Still under consideration but I do love this community...Glad you are still posting but also LOVE your thread you run.
Saw this pic on a discussion about lenses....it is so wonderful....the colors are so vivid, the sun is just right,and composition is terrific. I am glad you decided to keep on posting.....
August 30th, 2011
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I understand all the logic, but I'll miss your contribution here on 365. But I'll probably catch you on Flickr. ( http://www.flickr.com/photos/54834941@N02/)
Best wishes, Joe.
I don't actually take a photo every day, for that exact reason. It becomes too much like a chore otherwise, and forces you to try and become inspired when, on some days, it's just not there. I see nothing wrong with using fillers. :) Make the 365 project what you will, do it the way that makes you happy. :) Glad to see that you're staying on!