I have taken a momentous step for me with this picture.
For the last 392 days I have taken a photo a day and posted it in my main album. Today, my main album shot will feature a shot that I took yesterday, but only had time to process today.
This is the only viable way that I can continue to stay a part of this incredible community, to post shots that may not have been taken that day. I have a number of big projects on the go at the moment, and one in particular would bring 365 to an end for me if I had to continue to get a shot a day. I will still try to, but some days it will not be possible. This also frees up time for me to learn more about processing and set up photo projects at the weekend.
My Kit Kat shot with no title or commentary yesterday was a metaphor, simply saying that I need a break (Kit Kat ads in the UK strapline is "Take a break, have a Kit Kat") but 24 hours on I have managed to break through the mental barrier of "a shot a day or I'm outta here" and am now relaxed about posting shots not taken that day.
Yeah, you may think I'm uptight, but taking a shot a day has been so important to me. Life is about compromises, and sometimes the toughest person to reach a compromise with is yourself.
OK, now I've got that off my chest. This is a shell, on a piece of black velvet that has a small hole in it, on top of a sheet of acetate. My flashgun was positioned below the hole to light the shell up. A simple 10 minute project including processing, and I learned something along the way about inverting selections in PS too!
Oh, I was just having this same discussion with another 365 friend. I have other obligations I've put on the backburner for my daily photo, and I think it's time I prioritize. Seriously, any photo posted is new here, so does it really matter when you took it? I just can't leave because I love my 365 friends!
Cool shot Mr Sean and I am glad you have found the necessary balance. I too felt unclean the first time I bent the rules a little, but also I felt a little more liberated.
You will see a shot of mine (if you have the time) coming up soonish which I will admit is not really post-worthy but it was the only photo I took on that day. So it will have to do. I think we all understand the dilemma that you find yourself in.
Phew.thats that barrier broken through then!! So understand I have done the same today...feels sort of cheating and you have done your 365 a day so you can relax and enjoy yourself!! fantastic shell shot, beautifully lit
I'm right with you Sean, I just feel so relieved today.
This shot though is about the other major aspect of 365 I think....learning....learning both from trying to emulate the shots others post and learning by daring to push yourself and then opening up yourself up to criticism from your peers. I bet you wouldn't have even thought to set this up just to discover what the result might be this time last year. So give yourself a pat on the back, and don't succumb to any belated guilt trips :)
Your project is about you... I hardly ever find the time to post a photo I took that day but for me spending time on photos every day is more what this project is about . And I do just that, every day, even if sometimes I may not post and sometimes it is a photo from way back.
I never even look at the date on photos so I wouldn't even notice Sean ....far better to be relaxed & enjoy & we certainly don't want you giving up!!!!! second year anyway ...you do what you like!!!!! Fabulous effect here , clever thoughtful idea!! I can see the glow behind & it lights that shell up perfectly!
Yes, I agree Sean, now I am about to embark on my second year I don't feel so restricted. For heavens sake don't beat yourself up about this, so long as you post something to inspire us all ( and that's what you do!). It doesn't matter about the date you took it! I t was easy for me because I m at home all day, goodness knows how I would have fared if I had a job to worry about. So relax and let's enjoy ourselves!
A beautiful shot- lighting, composition and pushed you to try something different. I think the joy is in the sharing, learning, the creativity and the " awe and wonder" element. And rules? I've followed them all through my working life and now I'm liberated from them, so not going to worry if I no longer do things 'by the book'!
Sean, you are the man - 392 days of posting the photo you took that day - I am super impressed with that effort. I will continue to support you and your fabulous work no matter how you choose to do your project from here on! As for me, I made it 24 days with posting the photo I took that day. On day 25, I posted one that I took the night before but processed that day. So I began saying, well it is ok as I processed it today, so that counts. Then, I started posting images I had taken and processed earlier. Now I do series of shots. I no longer care about taking a shot the same day I post it. The project is mine and I will do it the way I choose. My friends understand and support me, as will yours no matter how you choose to continue.
Beautiful shot; great lighting. I do feel exactly the same about shooting a picture a day. The first time I couldn't manage I felt really bad. Now I do take a more relaxed approach.
Great shot Sean, now I completed my project. I just post shots now and again, I love 365 it's a great place for meeting and discussing with like minded photographers. I would find it hard to leave completely from this site. Who cares about a shot per day, it's your project!
I personally Have had to ease off due to family commitments. : )
I know exactly where you are coming from Sean.... It's such a tough call. On the one hand there is this wonderful, absolutely wonderful, community of like minded people that quickly become our best friends, with whom we share all our highs and lows. Our photography comes on in leaps and bounds, pushing the boundaries and trying new techniques, sharing tips and ideas with all. But, the price we pay is quite high in terms of time spent thinking of what our shot of the day will be, how we will achieve it, taking it, processing it, and then keeping up with everyone else. I've got 40 odd days to go and although part of me would like to continue, part of me also wants my life back, and I think Roy would like to spend more time with me too! So..... After all that rambling, what I really mean is, just do whatever you feel is right for you, pop in and out when you want.... There are no 365 police, it's your call......!
@lisjam1@bobfoto@fannyb@bluefirebucket@bb@happypat@tishpics@ccb@soboy5@sugarmuser@hjv@simon0128@filsie65 Thankl you all. I appreciate all the support. It is my project, and I appreciate that so many people do theirs differently, so this was very much about me making the decision. Ironically I have taken a photo today, of a bacon sandwich, but have deliberately not posted it. I feel a huge sense of relief that I have broken the 392 day cycle!! Thanks guys, you're the best!
@jackie8 Thanks Jackie, see above, my response is mean't for you too :) The dilemma has not been about what others will think, it has been about what I will think, and now I've crossed the rubicon, I'm relieved!
@fannyb Delicious. Organic Bacon from Hambleton in Rutland, and Corn Bread from the local Deli. You know the sort of bacon that doesn't shrink in the pan? It was like that!!
Really Sean? You're kidding, you have lasted 392 days posting a photo from the day? I admire your dedication and fortitude, my friend. I think I lasted a week, work travel made it very hard for me. Glad you're sticking around (well, at least until the ashes series starts)!
I was the same Sean. For the first 365 days I took and posted a photo every day.....it was more like lots of photos every day. I started year two the same way, then thought the same as you. I still never leave home without a camera, but if I don't get a photo it doesn't matter.
Ah, hooray on ALL counts!! I was so obsessive as well (although never to the degree you hit, kind sir!) and I am so pleased with the warm fuzzy feeling I have about it all now. Know that so many of us are taking the same approach and be pleased with your time to explore. We did something very similar with the inversion technique! ;->
Fantastic. I was the same way the first 365 days-- but after that, life gets in the way sometimes, so I choose to try to get one a day, but if not, do not feel guilty at all about a "filler". Its my/your project.
Lovely shot Sean, I did my 1st year with a photo-a-day but resolved that with the 2nd that I would take it easy & only post either when I had taken something I thought worthy or if I processed an old shot I really liked!
I find especially this year it's either do that or give up & I don't want to lose my friends here so I think you've made the right decision...just take it easy on yourself, we'll all still be here for you :)
@asutherland1964 Cheers Andrew, I can't wait for the Ashes!! I think you've got a great chance if we forget that you've only got one batsman and no bowlers of note. Haha, just teasing, I think it's going to be a close two series,,,,,
@kjarn Thank you Kathy, yes, I always knew that, I'm the problem!! I have a real feeling of being liberated this morning and a desire for different projects that has returned now I fee off the treadmill.
Do you need an appointment with a therapist? Or perhaps a priest for some confession? :)
Glad that you have managed to do what is right for you and makes this project work for you in the constraints of your life. It's meant to be something you do because you enjoy it, and because you enjoy photography, and making the rules relaxed and flexible will make sure it stays that way.
I do not give a hoot when you shot or processed your photo. I enjoy seeing your work and commentary and interacting with you, be it today, tomorrow or last year :)
Oh Sean - well said. I've decided too, that this year will not be as anal as I've been the past 3. The result - Relief! The discipline was good while it lasted but life, work and commitments have been put back in the balance.
@stuckinoz Unless the priest has a good brandy and the Racing Channel in his vestry, he has nothing I need Janelle. As for a therapist, I think I am way beyond that.......Me you too by the way!!
Well I'm so glad you're not leaving here!! A good decision my friend. You've done a whole lot better in the commitment stakes than lots of us and I commend you. There's a whole lot of balance to be got right. I didn't realise how much 365 consumed my life until I took the break. It's nice to be relaxed about it because for me this year is a little more about trying out some new skills and improving others without that daily pressure. :-)
You have done incredibly well Sean - work, family, other interests and at least one photo taken processed and uploaded that day plus all those comments on the work of countless others. Amazing! ... don't know how you have done it. It doesn't sound like you intend to slow down though! I have really enjoyed looking at your photos and reading your posts. Hope the adjustment works out and I look forward to seeing more (if less) from you!
Interesting picture, looks sort of computer generated. Glad to hear that you're going a bit easier on yourself as regards the project, burning yourself out in the second year wouldn't make much sense. Hope you'll just enjoy yourself as and when. Personally, in two and a half months' time I'll be chucking all the rules out of the window and focusing on quality rather than quantity.
Well, there ya go, another gorgeous shot and I am going to try this with a different kind of shell because it is so gorgeous and who cares about when you post, cause your stuff is always great to view. and FAV. I felt such a load off my shoulders when I finished my first year and now I take a day, go around a shoot stuff I like, post it sometimes a week later and I don't care at all.
This is great Sean. I decided that this year I couldn't do a photo every day like last year as my work commitments are greater this year. I feel like I am cheating by posting only once or twice a week but it is the only way I can do it at the moment. After one month I am not feeling as guilty about it, only thing is, I am also not gettting quite as much time to view everyone elses albums either. I would rather see you post here occasionally than not at all.
Well done for letting go Sean. I'm sure you feel a lot less pressured. Enjoy the year ahead and look forward to the great British Summer butterfly hunt with you :)
You will see a shot of mine (if you have the time) coming up soonish which I will admit is not really post-worthy but it was the only photo I took on that day. So it will have to do. I think we all understand the dilemma that you find yourself in.
Cool shot.
This shot though is about the other major aspect of 365 I think....learning....learning both from trying to emulate the shots others post and learning by daring to push yourself and then opening up yourself up to criticism from your peers. I bet you wouldn't have even thought to set this up just to discover what the result might be this time last year. So give yourself a pat on the back, and don't succumb to any belated guilt trips :)
I personally Have had to ease off due to family commitments. : )
The lighting behind this shell is beautiful.
I find especially this year it's either do that or give up & I don't want to lose my friends here so I think you've made the right decision...just take it easy on yourself, we'll all still be here for you :)
You know that we don't care what day your photo is taken.
Glad that you have managed to do what is right for you and makes this project work for you in the constraints of your life. It's meant to be something you do because you enjoy it, and because you enjoy photography, and making the rules relaxed and flexible will make sure it stays that way.
I do not give a hoot when you shot or processed your photo. I enjoy seeing your work and commentary and interacting with you, be it today, tomorrow or last year :)