Semester One - report card

Reaching the half way mark in my project is cause for some self-reflection...
Have I made progress on understanding how my camera works and how to process digital images? - absolutely
Have I learnt about photography, and about myself as a result of this experience? - absolutely
Have I learnt from others? - absolutely
Two quotes in the profiles of 365'ers have often been brought to mind during my project. @jodimuli quotes "Don't work with a viewer in mind, it is unhelpful" and the other is from @deens who has "Photography, like every other creative endeavour, exists in the tension between total self-indulgence and the need for understanding."
I have so often been caught between these two points of view when considering if my shots are "good enough" to post...

The image for today combines a drawing by my son on one of his report cards, and my daughter's grade two 'portfolio' , with a picture I took last week. I recently mentioned I was learning to be less disappointed with my 'dud' shots, and so with that in mind, I am submitting the background image as my 'semester one work sample' .
I had such great hopes for this shot of some pearls in a pea pod, but alas, a masterpiece it was not meant to be!

The fundamental lesson from 365 participation is 'learning' - from others, from my failures, and from my improvements and (occasional) 'success'.

Is persevering with the challenge tougher than I thought when I started - absolutely
Is it far more rewarding than I thought when I started - absolutely!

[Nat Stuart Perks]

Your last paragraph sums it up for me.... Tougher but soo rewarding!!! And I like the pic!!!!

[Anna]

Lovely!

[Mike Warren]

Very creative. It should always be for you. If people want to come along for the ride, that's great. That way it doesn't become a chore.

[Tabbycat]

Nice reflections! I had no idea at all what I was getting into when I started here with no skill whatsoever and my dodgy little P&S. Now, 10 months later, thanks to 365, I'm Nikon-equipped and have been accepted to study photography full-time next year. I'm almost 40 and was beginning to fear that I might NEVER find a rewarding vocation, but now I have better than that - an all-consuming passion! I'm glad you're a part of my journey! ..and i think the pearls in the pea pod is wonderfully creative!!

[Lyn Todd]

@mwarren365 - I totally agree Mike, it is the only way to get through. Sometimes however, the voice in my head worries too much about "what will the audience think?" and argues with the voice from my heart ("this is for me, and too bad what others think"). :)

[Lyn Todd]

@tabbycat - how absolutely exciting for you next year! Please let me know how you find the studies - I am quite envious, and I really wish you well.x

[Amy Spada]

Before even reading your comment in the caption I thought "Aren't those pearls in a pea pod?" You got something right... The thoughts are valid ones that we all bounce back and forth with I think!

[Nic Taylor]

i rembering seeing your first shot of pears and i started to follow you glad i did knew you would be good :)

[Brian Baptie]

Lyn, you've done better than you think. I know you have had more than 'occasional' successes. I look forward to viewing the rest of your journey and see what other 'pearls' you create and share with us all.

[Michelle]

I agree with everything you have mentioned, wonderful words, so thought provoking.. Fantastic shot

[Lyn Todd]

@rainbowsnic42 thanks Nic - we've been 'on the road together' a while now hey! (I really was pleased with that shot and it was also green)
@bdb3471 that's such a lovely compliment Brian.