I realize that for many folks on this site, December 31 will mark their 365th photo, and so I’m jumping the gun a bit to say “Congratulations” and to provide a little encouragement to those who might be visiting the site before January 1 thinking they, too, might want to become a 365er.
Before I start with 10 reasons, when I say “Congratulations” I really mean this: “What you have accomplished is HUGE. SAVOR IT. Regardless of how you arranged your album for this year, chose your subjects, acquired new techniques, made new friends (across the globe!), jumped hurdles to get a shot, battled ebbandflophojo to advance just one more day, and gained accolades or recognition in some way, GETTING TO THE 365th PHOTO IS HUGE! Wooooooooohhooooooooooo! Really, SAVOR IT.”
Now, for those who might be looking into this site because some avid 365er has told you that you have to do it, here are 10 reasons to join the 365Project Band Wagon:
1. You will have a pretty cool album that chronicles 365 days of your life (or what you see). You do not have to be a photographer, nor do you have to have a good camera. You could have a myriad of reasons to start a 365project, and all that this project asks is that you submit something for a year. Anything. I started 365 over five years ago as a writing project thinking that visual cues would be the way I could chronicle a year-in-the-life of a Daryl. I just happened to fall in love with my DSLR camera and realized I could learn how to use it here.
2. You will be a member of the “Nicest Place on the Planet’s World Wide Web,” so “shhhhh, don’t tell anyone crabby to join you." During 365 days, you’ll find yourself in some tough struggles or celebrating something wonderful or you’re just plodding along, but if you are down for just one minute or you find you are having trouble taking a shot, you will be surrounded by people who genuinely care about you and want you to succeed in your year’s goals! And they’ll say “hip, hip, hooray” or “cracking shot” or “I’d be chuffed to get that one” or “This is Pants!” (and if you’re American like me, you’ll have to look up “cracking,” “chuffed,” and “Pants”). You might even start adopting a British accent with your friends and say the same stuff because it makes you feel like you are fluent in another language (I say that because some people still think they speak “American”). Haha! And by NICE, I don’t mean these folks can’t offer critique—or argue the merits of something controversial, but rarely will you see a discussion that’s mean-spirited. We seem to have a force field that keeps out internet “trolls.” That alone makes this place very special.
3. You will witness so many beautiful and engaging photographs that inspire you all year long. I remember when I first started, I kept clicking on tabs to see what other 365ers were taking each day. My jaw would drop at the skill and the variety of subjects! I didn’t even know how they took such spectacular shots! Then I started asking them “HOW????” and you know what? They told me!
4. You’ll get to travel the globe! Without buying one plane ticket, you’ll visit so many countries and cities/towns in your own country every 24 hours. You’ll explore culture, family traditions, religions, environments, wildlife, and food! You can dream about where you’d like to go someday, and even dream of meeting the friends you’ve made who live there! I always have a running list of places/people I’d love to see right now! And I've visited 365ers across the US and in Europe, and I've hosted a few for photo walks where I live.
5. You get an opportunity to step out of your comfort zones, but you need not take any risks.
There are plenty of opportunities to enter into some themes/competitions/challenges, and if you are new to photography, they are excellent ways to meet others like you or to share some of your own talents. I remember taking the plunge to enter a challenge by my second month I think. I have some challenges I will not miss now, and others I still love checking in on because they show me what I “could” do if I had time, just not that week. But you don’t have to do any of these things! This is your project.
6. You will converse in all kinds of Acronyms and feel very smart (but not at first…). Here is your primer: RAW, SOOC, JPEG, ISO, LR, PS, DOF, POV, AP, EXif, GIF, GIMP, —and no, I’m not going to tell you what they mean. But I will tell you one: SOOC (Straight Out Of Camera). If you start your first discussion on this site “What is SOOC?” well, you will get an earful, so tread lightly. All it means for many folks is that you did the settings or the photo has not been edited outside of taking the photo.
7. You get to own the project. Your project, your rules (so if you skip a day, so what!? Keep going!).
8. You can do selfies. Unless that’s not your thing. But you’ll enjoy the folks who have turned it into an art form.
9. What you learn could lead to other opportunities! Just think, you might decide you are a photographer after all. In 2015, I joined a photography club locally, started getting critiques, started showing my work, received photographer of the year in 2016, and I just finished an art show where I sold 7 framed pieces. You may not want to do all that, but this is a great start to exploring what you can do eventually--at your own pace.
10. You will feel super great after one year! AND you might just be able to make your mark with some word you have created for this site alone. For example, I end long narratives accompanying my photo with the word HOT DOG! It’s a very coveted word. I give people points for their narratives and for going to the end of mine. I haven’t gotten around to an all-time award for those wonderful folks who read everything of mine, but if they do, HOT DOG helps you focus on what is yours and yours alone.
Wishing everyone the greatest joy at the end of your projects! Happy New Year. And join in on the fun you wannabe 365ers—WELCOME!
Daryl, I love to read this and thanks for writing. And for all the members of this wonderful community thank you for sharing your photos , your thoughts, your advice, your friendship etc etc.
That is a lovely welcome for aspiring 365ers and for those who are trundling on towards the end of their first year, to inspire them to see what a great community they have joined and how much you can give and get from it. Thank you.
I'm almost at the end of year 3 and not sure about carrying on, but this is quite inspiring! I don't know if I can do it though, it's so hard at the moment, can I face another whole year?! This is a great write up!
Daryl, it's been an honor to have made this journey with you and you've captured so well for everyone else what it felt like for our 'cohort' Jan 1 2013, and what it's been like for the past two years. I can't imagine a more inviting and welcoming place that also lets you do your own thing, in the best way you can. I have learned so much from everyone on this site and have -- as Daryl said -- even gotten to meet others on the site face to face in some far flung places (for me). Welcome all, and for those looking at the end of Year one, know that Year 2 is a LOT easier and more relaxing!
Well Done!
A great epistle to 365! Some days I have struggled, some days it's a joy, many it's a challenge to find a challenge that inspires - until you look at "themes and competitions" then there is always something to have a go at.
Make it your own and enjoy.
Happy Christmas one and All, and Happy New 365 Year.
Daryl, thanks for sharing, I'm coming up to the end of my first year in January and just love it..................I couldn't imagine not continuing, there are so many benefits being a part of this great community.
thanks Daryl - excellent words - I am into my second year and mostly love every minute - there are those lack of phojo times but I try to find a challenge to do - I also find Madhatters and 5+2 great for inspiration
Have a fantastic Christmas - am glad we crossed paths
Wonderful encouraging words Daryl!! I am just coming to the end of year 2 and you have definitely inspired me to carry on into year 3!! I love 365 - such a wonderful place to share your work and to follow lots of very talented people. Such a warm encouraging place with such lovely people many who I feel are my friends. I really hope that 2015 allows me to meet up with some of them!! Thanks Daryl just the shot in the arm I needed!! Happy Christmas to you and looking forward to an exciting 2015!!
Hot Dog! What a perfect description of "365"! It's been a pleasure to follow you, Daryl! This will be the end of year 3 for me and I will be doing a Year 4, however, it will primarily be limited to a daily sunrise shot. All the best to you in 2015!
What wonderful words, Daryl - you're as good on paper as you are with the camera! This is finishing my 3rd year and I do plan to stay for all the reasons you said, but especially for the many wonderful friends I've met here from all over the world. Being from a small southern town, I feel so much more exposed to our world through this site - having a common interest has helped my normally reserved nature really enjoy talking and sharing with others. And I do think my photography skills have improved a bunch because of all the ideas I see and want to try. Many thanks and a very Merry Christmas to all.
it is a great site. I started my first project in 2012....due to having a baby in October of that year my project kind of slipped to the side...and I didn't finish it. I didn't want to try again with a newborn in 2013...so in 2014 I decided to start again. but I had to start on January 1....that was my only rule! haha.
Glad you have learned so many things. I too feel that I have learned a lot more about photography since starting this journey!
Good luck on many more years of 365 projects!!
Wonderful words! I'm in that group with only 10 days or so to go to complete my first 365. You have captured my feelings about this site and this experience perfectly. I gave a short presentation at my photo club about 365 and now I wish I had had your words to present to them. So inspiring! And, yes, I will savor it when I get to the end of the year! Hot Dog! :)
So well stated, Daryl, and a great motivator for me to continue. I'm in Year four, and have been very sporadic the last few months, due to life circumstances. I miss the daily activity and connection to others, and hope to be renewed by January 1.
Like everyone above I agree. I won't be continuing at the end of my year, but I am so proud of myself for not giving up and I have learnt so much it's been a great experience.
I couldn't agree more with number 2! I went through Breast cancer treatment all year after only being in 365 for 6 months. The comminity rallied around me, supported and encouraged me.
I now am constantly looking at photo opportunities.
This is a great introduction you have written. 😊
What a brilliant piece of writing, Daryl! If i were looking in for the first time, I'd be motivated to join up! This will be the end of my 4th year...sporadic at times, but I never considered leaving. What was a struggle in 2010 to take "an interesting photograph" each day has now become a photographic habit with more photo choices than time to consistently post them! It's become so satisfying to journal my days as a course of habit now, and when I lack inspiration, I have a wealth of challenges and techniques I've learned here that I can work on. It's been life-changing for me. And those friendships? Ken and I have had meet ups in California and hosted members of this community in Nova Scotia...not a one struck a sour note. Such amazing, lovely, friendly people! When I woke this morning I told Ken we have an invitation to visit Catherine in Cape Town, South Africa... And that's the way we roll around here... How cool is that?!
I say "Merry Christmas", but "Happy Holidays" come in packages of 365 annually around here! ♥
Thank you so much Daryl for your encouraging & inspiring words. I will eventually finish my 1st year on the 31st, hopefully I will continue it next year.
HOT DOG, Daryl! Well said, and inspiring for all, whether finishing year one, year two, or contemplating starting. SOOO glad we've had such nice interactions throughout our years. Looking forward to a REAL LIVE photowalk with you some day!
Everything you have said is so true. I am about to finish my third year and will definitely be back in 2015 - even when my phojo is completely gone (as it is at the moment), I can't imagine not continuing on! As you say, this has to be the nicest place on the web.
Great words - I started my first project on jan 1st this year and have thoroughly enjoyed being on this site. My journey has been erratic and I might achieve 70% completion - I haven't managed a photo a day and some weeks have been filled with photos from just one outing but I've improved and had fun. Plus I think I can do better next year - so will be back again!
As a major non-conformist, I didn't start on the neat and tidy date of Jan 1st but rather somewhere near the middle of the month nearly a year ago. The learning curve and growth I've made are wonderfully mirrored in your writing. Best of luck as you finish up your 10 days of year 2 and celebrate a birthday milestone, Daryl!
@voiceprintz I'll finish Jan 21 on my 50th birthday. I could not go straight into a year two last year. Plus, I wanted to really savor the first 365 days so I took a few days off. I could not imagine not coming back. So good luck in January! !!
Wonderfully encouraging piece of writing Daryl. I have just finished my first six months and have learnt loads and enjoyed it so much. You writing is is so encouraging and inspiring for those who are thinking about embarking on 365 and those of us who are struggling with their phojo.
Thank you
I'm one of those who is under 10 days away from my first year. Looking back I have loved every minute of it, in spite of the ups and downs (and finishing my dissertation!). Thank you for writing this and putting it into words. I will be back next year - after all, what would I do without 365? Put my camera away? No chance!
Fabulous words! I have just renewed my ACE membership for another year!
Love this site and I got so much support over this crappy year!
As a bonus ..... I have learnt so much photography wise too! :)
Ahh! All the right words! I am so excited to finally going to finish 365 project after 3 years of trying! Woohoo! And I have renewed my membership and going to reward myself for enduring 365 days of finding numbers in numerical order. =)
I feel like a very old 365er reading all the comments from those who are finishing year #1 and year #2 as I am finishing up #4 and heading into #5! But your top ten were spot on and the whole reason why I stay on. This community is absolutely wonderful! And were it not for the encouragement I received here, I probably would never have gotten the courage to join the local camera club and become more involved in it. This past month was perhaps my first MAJOR slump but folks saw me through it- even when I posted what I considered to be lame fillers! They still liked them and some even fav'd them. Talk about encouragement! So bravo! Well said! Amen and Hot Diggety Dog- you summed 365 up perfectly! And congratulations to you too!!
Wow, thanks for your responses! Hot Dog to you all! If I were coming to this site for the first time, I'd see a loving community who are going strong well into their 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and now 5th years. Great testament to the value of this wonderful place. Love to all! Merry Xmas Eve to those who celebrate. For me, it's a bittersweet time, but I'll write all about that in my post today. We're having Fondue/Raclette tonight also, so drop by for a taste (virtually). All are welcome at the table! xoxo
Wow, can't believe I too am coming up on the completion of my my first year... I am totally chuffed!!! And like Daryl, I encourage anyone thinking of taking on a 365 project to do it! This place provides a fascinating combo: a warm and generous public space in which to experience an entirely personal journey. Looking back at the monthly calendars and seeing all those photos that I took this past year, I am in awe. I started as a relative newby and I feel like I have grown so much as a photographer this past year. I feel like I am finding my voice, my artistic opinions. Equal to my excitement about the photos, I also am deeply proud with my stuck-with-it-ness over this year. This was a big commitment to myself and I am glad that I honoured it by keeping going even when I had to dig deep to summon my energy/enthusiasm.
@darylo I've just joined but wasn't too sure if I would "fit in" or be good enough to show my photos but after reading your initial post I'm ready to get snapping every single day.
@lavenderbells oh never be intimidated! Take your time. I have posted all kinds of odds and ends. I did not jump into anything that was hard at first. And if you like something someone did, ask them how they did it! Most folks will offer up info advice! Have fun. Take pressure off and keep at it! Promise you will love it.
@tianarutledge I'm so glad it was inspiring, and WELCOME! A bit of advice too: find other newbies to follow; you will see that you all progress together and form really good support networks over the year. Follow people who inspire and comment early on. It helps build relationships. I'm trying to go for a 3rd year, but I'm not very good with commenting these days, but I will answer any inquiries for sure. You will have a wonderful year. Stay with it, even when you think it's just too much. Swear, totally worth it!
Fabulous! I'm on my final day of my first year today and I am so pleased that I've completed the project! I have gained so much from it and will definitely be back with a second year. Can't imagine life without it now!
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A great epistle to 365! Some days I have struggled, some days it's a joy, many it's a challenge to find a challenge that inspires - until you look at "themes and competitions" then there is always something to have a go at.
Make it your own and enjoy.
Happy Christmas one and All, and Happy New 365 Year.
Will I do year 3???? I don't think I can't, but maybe a few fillers :)
Have a fantastic Christmas - am glad we crossed paths
Glad you have learned so many things. I too feel that I have learned a lot more about photography since starting this journey!
Good luck on many more years of 365 projects!!
I now am constantly looking at photo opportunities.
This is a great introduction you have written. 😊
I say "Merry Christmas", but "Happy Holidays" come in packages of 365 annually around here! ♥
Thank you
Love this site and I got so much support over this crappy year!
As a bonus ..... I have learnt so much photography wise too! :)
Wow, thanks for your responses! Hot Dog to you all! If I were coming to this site for the first time, I'd see a loving community who are going strong well into their 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and now 5th years. Great testament to the value of this wonderful place. Love to all! Merry Xmas Eve to those who celebrate. For me, it's a bittersweet time, but I'll write all about that in my post today. We're having Fondue/Raclette tonight also, so drop by for a taste (virtually). All are welcome at the table! xoxo
Sorry for my english ....