Been doing 365 since January one of this year. The last few months it is increasingly difficult. Not to shoot, but to pick. There are many days now, when I just do not like anything that I have done.
I do not think this necessarily is a bad thing, though. It is possible that my standards have risen as the project has progressed. Have other folks experienced this? Thanks.
Yes, I have experienced this. My standards have risen more than my skills. I sometimes think I would do better with a "Project52". However, being forced to shoot and choose a photo everyday is getting me in the habit of thinking about opportunities for photos daily, rather than just waiting for a journey to someplace fabulous. The downside is that I sometimes edit and agonize over images that are just not worth it. Overall, you will get better here, if you do continue to shoot and agonize.
Yeah I've had that. I started at the same time as you. Photos I previously thought were ok I now don't. I'm struggling a bit at the moment to take photos that I'm pleased with, either because I know what I want and can't do it due to lack of knowledge, or being incapable of finding the right way to shoot something that I don't have a clear vision of how I want it to turn out.
I've been exposed to more great photoraphy since joining 365. I see some people who put out good photos daily and think I should be able to do my best work every day. The reality is that I can't. Sometimes I don't even put out my best work once a week. I'm also starting to notice that some of the people whose photography I truly admire don't post a photo every day. Regularly, yes, but not daily and it doesn't seem to bother them. For me, I need to post every day, so I have to come to terms with photos I'm not always proud of and recognize when there are photos I can be proud of.
I remember so clearly being very intimidated by the awesome talent on this site that I didnt feel it worth continuing , but somehow ( around about where you are ) I knew I wanted to do it for myself.
I like the fact that I finished a year and now I continue( ad hoc) for the online friendship and joy it brings - hang in there!
@smapp great topic! I am with you on this one...I definetly agree on the standards being raised bit...I am at the point where I have tons of photos that are pretty good and not shared and I am trying to master shots as well as composition first shot or two, which leads to less editing, I am cropping more now if anything, and today I have decided that I am going to delete photo's that the old me would be blown away by however I am settling for the best of a set and cleaning up hardrive of not so good/duplicate copies
YES!! Got to keep the creative juices flowing and hope for the best. I still have weeks were I do not like any of my shots...but their are days that I finally capture something I like. That makes doing this worth while...
I can completely relate. I am almost 50% done, and there are times that I am really struggling. For my project, I decided that I wanted to do a photo a day and not use any filler, so that leaves me at times with some mediocre (at best) shots. The thing that keeps me motivated is that I want to document this year of mine and my family's life. I have come to terms with the fact that every shot is not going to be amazing, but it still is hard to upload a shot that I don't really love. The other thing that I have done is write about a paragraph with every photo to explain what has happened that day. This way when I look back I still have a great memory of the day even if every photo isn't perfect. Stick with it. You have some really great and creative shots. :)
I started about the same time as you and I know exactly what you mean. I've become alot more self critical, and even though it is frustrating, I think it's a good thing because it means I'm raising the stakes for myself. It's actually pushing me to look around for a class to take because now I know just enough to be frustrated by what I don't know! That said, the tips and advice I have received on this site have really helped me.
Years ago, when I took a photography class from a master photographer, he said to the class that a good photographer will only show a small fraction of all of the photos they take. In light of that, I would venture to say that even a professional would have a hard time coming up with a photo every day that they are pleased with. But for me, the object of this site is to get me to thinking through the eye of the camera on a daily basis, to get out there and actually shoot photos, not just think about the next vacation, or whatever, as a reason to break out the camera. So if that is accomplished, then I would call it a success.
Only my followers know I guess, to me I just snap away, I bet when I put effort in I get better results, but it's so tough to make the effort. I changed my camera mid way through though so almost started back at square one!
I have decided to give myself a break, creatively. I have only uploaded in the past week or so, when I had a photo to upload. I feel that with everything else going on in my life, my creativity has faltered. I will be back in the groove soon enough. The real challenge is to not get in that habit and not upload regularly. I just need a chance for my batteries to recharge....
Reporter: Mr. Five, Mr. Five, how do you feel?
Johnny Five: How do I feel? I feel... ALIVE!
@smapp I understand what you are saying. There are times I don't feel like shooting anything but I still make sure I have a camera with me and somehow I usually manage to find something. There are times when just everyday ordinary life provides the best shot.
I can totally relate to this - I have good taste, but not enough experience yet to execute the shots I see in my head! This little video helps me keep going - it might be good for you guys as well! http://vimeo.com/24715531
I have good months and bad months. Part of my problem is that my camera pays my bills. To most, that may seem like the opposite of a problem, but in fact it means that I'm often not motivated to take a photograph for the project, and most of my photographs I can't use here. Portrait and wedding clients usually aren't a problem, but not all of my pictures are flowers and puppies, if you get my drift. And even if I could (legally) use my images here, I don't think many people truly want to see the decomposed corpse I photographed last night, or the injury photos from the day before, or the fatal traffic accident photos from the day before that...
All that aside, I don't think it is necessary to have a "fantastic" photo to share here. Sometimes it's just nice to document something, and write something about it. On Sundays I sometimes throw in an iPhone shot from my bike ride, and a few words about my morning - something personal, though perhaps not overly artistic or technically brilliant. No-one here is going to judge you for just posting something about your week. :)
This is exactly what I am going through at the moment. Most days when I go through my photos, I feel like that none of them are quite good enough or just didn't capture what I had in my head. I guess it is a good thing though being so critical, otherwise you will never learn/develop. I think one of the most important things I've learnt is that I'm not as good as I thought I was. But that's okay, at least I'm getting out there having a go and slowly developing.
Thanks for sharing the video @ukdanae, truly inspiring :)
Sometimes I feel this way and I have to 'pick' a shot too once in a while. But then suddenly there is that bright day everything falls in place and I shoot so many pictures I cannot choose! There will probably always be something...
As mentioned above I too see 365 as a personal project and I feel free to do what I think I should to keep up. I willprobably hit the dark ages from now on because the day will shorten and I only use my iPhone which is terrible with low light. Lots of grainy shots to come :-)
I feel this way too. And the more about photography I learn, the more flaws I can pick in my pictures, which makes it even harder to choose. I guess it's great that I am progressing, but sometimes I wish I was that ignorant person so I could just love all my photos!
I agree, though with me on occasions it's finding the time to actually take a shot, once I've got home from work, made dinner, taken the dog for a walk then sat down, I'm looking at the same ole house & garden and find it's really hard to find something new or remotely interesting to shoot!
I'm determined to stick to the one shot a day formula which makes it even harder as I have a load of photos I could use as fillers for those days when I'm too tired or have a headache etc but instead have to make myself look around for something to shoot BUT on those days when you feel energised and either set something up which works out really well or go out and find something cool, it def makes up for all those other days :)
My view is that this project is supposed to be fun. Yes, we strive to improve our photos, our creativity and processing skills and some days are better than others. I say, "Don't sweat the small stuff." There have been times when someone will post a photo and think it's inferior, then it turns out receiving scores of favs. It's all in the eye of the beholder, and each of us have our own individual preferences and tastes. I'm certainly not a pro and lack the skills of so many others, but that doesn't bother me -- I'm experiencing a delightful journey since I joined in March. I love viewing others photos as well. It makes my day.
I agree with Carole. I started this project to work on my photography and to have fun. I am inspired by the work of others and have seen my work progress in the past 6 months.I don't see my project as a literal documentation of what I do every day. I see it as a community of photographers sharing their work and their stories. If I am out of the house working all week and it is dark when I get home, then the postings will have to be from the weekend. This project is yours and yours alone so it can be whatever you want it to be.
@smapp I feel the same way at times. I have improved a lot since I started (I think?) and don’t like posting photos that are uninspiring to me. But then I remember that I wanted a visual journal of my daily life and tell myself to get over it. Plus, I”m really enjoying the interaction on this site sometimes my pictures are about sharing bits of who I am to others. I love this project enough that I accept that every day cannot be a masterpiece and I just need to enjoy the ride.
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I've been exposed to more great photoraphy since joining 365. I see some people who put out good photos daily and think I should be able to do my best work every day. The reality is that I can't. Sometimes I don't even put out my best work once a week. I'm also starting to notice that some of the people whose photography I truly admire don't post a photo every day. Regularly, yes, but not daily and it doesn't seem to bother them. For me, I need to post every day, so I have to come to terms with photos I'm not always proud of and recognize when there are photos I can be proud of.
Thanks for this discussion. :)
I like the fact that I finished a year and now I continue( ad hoc) for the online friendship and joy it brings - hang in there!
Reporter: Mr. Five, Mr. Five, how do you feel?
Johnny Five: How do I feel? I feel... ALIVE!
All that aside, I don't think it is necessary to have a "fantastic" photo to share here. Sometimes it's just nice to document something, and write something about it. On Sundays I sometimes throw in an iPhone shot from my bike ride, and a few words about my morning - something personal, though perhaps not overly artistic or technically brilliant. No-one here is going to judge you for just posting something about your week. :)
Thanks for sharing the video @ukdanae, truly inspiring :)
As mentioned above I too see 365 as a personal project and I feel free to do what I think I should to keep up. I willprobably hit the dark ages from now on because the day will shorten and I only use my iPhone which is terrible with low light. Lots of grainy shots to come :-)
I'm determined to stick to the one shot a day formula which makes it even harder as I have a load of photos I could use as fillers for those days when I'm too tired or have a headache etc but instead have to make myself look around for something to shoot BUT on those days when you feel energised and either set something up which works out really well or go out and find something cool, it def makes up for all those other days :)