So little is permanent in life, we are all just passing through.
I have seen many people come and go on 365 in the last 15 months. I have learned so much from so many of you and feel that I understand the world better for it. It has been fun, with many high points. The low points have been fewer, and mostly related to some of the awful things that happen in the world we live in that seem to touch us all. I will never forget the desolation I felt at the tragic events at Sandy Hook, a sadness that stays with me still despite the distance in time and miles.
For many reasons, I feel that now is my time to pass through. I do hope that I find the desire to be back at some point in the future, but at the moment I have no idea. You may find me on Flickr as Sean_O'Neill, as I try to find a new outlet for my photos.
For those of you new to 365 or still in the early stages of your project, keep going, the sense of achievement is such an amazing feeling when you complete your project.
To Ross, and those of you who create themes, challenges and discussion threads, I doff my cap in respect.
For everyone who has ever taken the time to comment on my photos I thank you. For the handful of you who have supported me since the start and still comment everyday, I extend my heartfelt thanks. You know who you are.
Some of you have been friends for a day, some for 15 months, and in 1 or 2 cases, even longer.However long I've known you, If you are ever in the East Midlands, please get in touch. I'd love to show you some of the local landscapes that have featured in my project. You'll find my email address on my profile.
Cheerio, love and respect to all, mind how you go.
Oh no are you off? Well best of luck with what ever happens next. You surely can't stop taking photos? Thanks for all the banter as well as the pics. Pop back and post a shot of the Specials gig!
Aw bless, how sad you are almost an institution.to me anyway!! I'm off soon too as have pressing problems but want to thank you so much for all your encouragement, advice and laughter.its been such fun and I now have a brand new hobby which i love, many thanks Sean, bless you x
Oh Sean, that's the worst thing I've heard all day... please come back and post often - I shall miss you and all your wonderful shots as well as the banter we shared. This is a great shot I'm sorry to see it in this context. Take care mate x
Ah Sean, that's really sad. Hope all is well with you and your family. I've found it much easier without all the self imposed pressures so I hope you don't stay away forever. Thank you for all of your help, support and inspiration, your photography is certainly amongst the best. It's been a genuine pleasure, cheers pal.
That's too bad Sean, but I do understand. I'll miss your views on life and your great photos. You'll find me on Flickr, I'm primitiveprobe there too.
Cheers mate.
Oh dear Sean I am sorry to hear that news but understand completely the pressures of every day life...we will all miss you so much . Your photos have been inspiring especially the b/w , not my favourite medium but you taught me they can be beautiful. I toy with the idea of jacking it in sometime but if all my favourite people move on might be sooner rather than later!! Hope we see an odd special photo from you sometimes & thank you for all your encouragement ...all the best!!
That's sad news Sean, but I understand... (I said this to Bulldog earlier only to find that he was April fooling.... I don't think you are?). You have always been so encouraging and supportive, and I've learnt so much from you.... I have you to thank for trying to get to grips with Photoshop, and I now have less fear. May I wish you and your family all the very best and I sincerely hope that when we get up to Loughborough for the Uni cricket season, we can meet up. Take care Sean.....x
Oh Sean, I am so sorry to see you go. You are one of my favorites on here, my friend. Thanks for all of the great comments and suggestions over these months. Take care and let me know if you will be near Ohio for your road trip this summer.
I'm sad to read your at the other end of the 365 tunnel, but I understand. I'm becoming a weekend only uploader, which really isn't 365 spirit. Are you on fb? I have neglected my Flickr account, but will look you up. You are so talented and kind. Will miss you here!
Too bad. I certainly will miss you around here, in pictures, captions and comments. Hope I can buy you a beer in Loughborough in November this year though.
Gosh - will miss your pictures and comments Sean but can understand your reasons. Thank you for all your help and encouragement. Sad news - I'll have to find someone else to share the Aussie baiting come The Ashes :)
Sorry to see you go expecially as I've just found you, some wonderful b&w photographs in your album. All the best for the future, do look me up on flickr, contact details on my profile, so I can follow you there if you decide to take it up.
So sorry to see you go Sean, it was seeing your photos that got me onto 365. I've really enjoyed seeing your work, especially some if the recent b&w, and I'm sure you will continue to compose some great shots ( especially with your new toys). I may even have to tap you up for a family portrait! I hope you'll stay in touch through some means or other, and if ever you are passing through my neck of the woods, be sure to call in for a glass of red or three. Best regards to Rebecca and your great boys and all in East Leake.
@fannyb Thank sFanny. I hope all is ok? You have been a lovely friend, who has been there since the early days of my project, and I am very grateful for your support, the fun and friendship. You have really developed your skills and have become quite the accomplished photographer. You lend your sense of humour and helter skelter life to your project at times, and that has been so enjoyable. Still hope to get to Dungeness with you one day!!
@soboy5 Thank you Danny, I have always enjoyed the style of your project, especially the cars, the road trips, the woodland walks and the New York shots. I will miss your friendship my good friend. Thank you for the support for my project, which has always been greatly appreciated. Take care.
@filsie65 Thanks Phil. I have loved our banter and friendship. You have a canny nack of brightening my day (along with a few others). I hope to drop in from time to time, and maybe even return one day, but the break is needed at the moment.
@bluefirebucket Thank you Mick, that is good of you to say that. Keep in touch, we will get to the races one day, I promise! Looks like Tigers v Sale is on now for next season too!
@primitiveprobe Thanks Andreas, hope to see you on Flickr in a week or two. You were one of the inspirations for my B+W March, which I loved doing so much. Thanks for helping me leave on a high.
@happypat Thank you Pat. You have been there for me since the early days of my project, and I am very grateful for that. I really hope to get to stay at your place one day, but I do expect to pop in to 365 from time to time. I have always been entertained by your 3 good things a day. You glass is definitely more than half full.
@jackie8 Thank you Jackie, no I'm not fooling, but I may be back if I the trial separation doesn't work :) You have also been there since the early days of my project and I will always remember that. You have become such an accomplished photographer and processer, you should be very proud of your achievements. Absolutely counting on a glass of wine or two during the Uni cricket season, just name the date. I will keep the email account open for the foreseeable future, seans365@hotmail.co.uk
@amandal Thank you Amanda, that means a lot to me. You are another of my friends that has been with me since the start. I remember your road trip across America when you moved, and your sense of humour has always appealed to me. Sadly our road trip never got off the ground due to more important kids school trips to Jordan, America and South Africa over the next 18 months using up the budget. One day though! Take care and never lose that sense of humour!
@rockinrobyn Thanks Robyn, you gave me my first fav, so we go back a way to the start of my project. I have so enjoyed your friendship. Your family and friends are blessed with you. I still stand by my comment that if i wanted my family portraits doing, you'd get the gig! I often think of you rfriend Michelle and her family, and what they ar egoingthrough. You have made their challenges easier, and that sums you up I think. Sorry I don't do fb, but I do hope that contact isn't totally lost. I will be on Flickr soon hopefully under my own name and will pop in to 365 when I can.
@hjv Thanks Hubregt, we have unfinished Agfa business sometime too. I am counting on a few beers in November. We have Loughborough Fair and Remembrance Sunday to look forward to with our cameras. If you come in a few days early and need somewhere to stay, it would be a pleasure to host you in our home.
@kwind Kim, that is so kind of you. You have also been a friend for a long time on 365, and I will so miss your friendship and your project. You have an incredible talent for composition, and I have learned a lot from you, especially that less is more in many forms of composition. I will drop in from time to time and watch that waterside palace of yours take shape!! Good luck to Gage with his swimming, and I expect to see his name on my TV screen at a future olympics!
@willowdragon Thank you Al. I will miss everyone on here too, not least yourself. You have always been so positive about my project, and for that I will always be grateful.
@ccb Thank you Celia, I was very conscious of your project in taking my decision. You have always been so supportive of me and my family when our paths have crossed. I know this isn't the first time you have seen me reach a decision to say my time is up. Maybe all I need is a break, so I could be back sometime in the future. I loved B+W March, so today seemed a logical time to come to an end. I would be honoured to take some portraits of the family when you are all back, and even better to pop in for a glass or two in the Minervois. I hope that we can keep in touch too, feel free to drop me an email to seans365@hotmail.co.uk
@jocasta Thank you ever so much Jocasta. You know how talented I think you are, so I take it as a huge compliment. Hopefully i will be back sometime in the future, but feel free to seek me out on flickr in a week or two. I hope to post under my own name.
Ooh Sean, sad to hear you are stopping, I'm going to miss your incredible shots and your kind, encouraging comments, but I understand you too, we all have a lot to do, and this project is a time- eater ....enjoy your other projects, your family...it was a pleasure to meet you even for some short exchanges.... I hope you will come around from time to time....I'm half sure you will ;)
Take care ...
@cocobella Thank you Corinne. You have also been with me since the start, and I have enjoyed your shots of exotic holidays, your wonderful family and the sense of humour that you have in your project. I have so enjoyed your friendship and support. You are almost certainly right, I will be around when I can. Take care of you and your lovely family.
I'm sad to see you leave 365. I've so enjoyed your photos and appreciated your comments on mine. You've been a big part of the community and made me feel so welcome and valued. All the best!
Hey Sean! I just came back after a long absence to find you leaving. I just want to thank you for the encouraging and suppotive words you've given me in the past. I always looked forward to your next photograph. I hope you will post here one last time to tell us where you've landed. Take care.
Sorry to see you are leaving, Sean. I finished my project on March 28 and have cut back a great deal, so we are leaving together. If you get a chance, check out that day's post. Unlike you, I have chosen to cut back on comments and post occasionally. I remember your comments on the Sandy Hook tragedy more than anybody else's comments. They touched me deeply, and I forwarded them to friends in Newtown. Best of luck to you, my friend, and I hope our photographic paths cross again.
I'm sad to see you go Sean, even though I've only been on here a matter of days I've genuinely enjoyed your photos and the stories behind them. You are a very talented photographer and I hope to come across your work again in the future. Thank you for you support and feedback and I wish you all the best for whatever you decide to do next :)
Totally love this... walking into the light. Great shot. Will be sad to not see you around. You know where to find me though, so I know that you won't be a stranger :) Take care, my friend, it's been a pleasure to have met you here. I'm glad our paths crossed :)
I am very sad to see you go Sean, but it sounds like you've made the right decision for yourself at the right time.
I have thoroughly enjoyed your project. I love your photos and the way you manage to continually push yourself to try new things and see things in new ways. I adore the way your love for your home and family shines through in your gorgeous landscapes and thoughtful portraits. Your abstracts blow me away. You are a very insightful, creative, and talented person!
I thank you very much for following me so early in my project, and for taking the time to frequently comment on my humble photos even though you have hundreds of other followers. You have given me many laughs and so much supportive feedback. You have cheered me on and encouraged me to continue when I was stuck. Thank you so much for everything. It is obvious from reading the comments above that you have touched many others with your efforts and your talents. Not many people can do that! :)
Sorry I may not have done very much commenting lately (I've been floundering a bit too), but I have sure enjoyed seeing your new photos each day. 365 won't be the same without you, but it is that much better for having had you here! I hope to still be able to see your work on Flickr or some place in the future if you choose to do something like that.
If you ever want to drop a line or just say hi, please do so any time, my email address is in my profile!
Very best wishes to you and your lovely family in all your future endeavours. It has been a pleasure and an honour to know you. May the road you walk be safe, happy, and blessed. Cheers! :)
Oh no that is sad - but I understand - it can be very time consuming. I have loved seeing your photos and sharing my passion for Michael Kenna with you. I will miss your valued comments on my work. Good luck to you and I hope our paths will cross again one day
Shame Sean I am really going to miss you & your photos, I feel we've been together for quite some time & I always appreciate your comments & love seeing your photos :)
Good luck with whatever you decide to do in the future & if you do decide to flickr or facebook please tell me so we can stay in touch :)
Take care xxx
Sean, Just came looking for your shots, as I have been away for a few days, to see that you are finishing up for now.
Sorry to see you go, as I have always enjoyed your work and appreciate the time you took to comment on my work, as well as the banter back and forth. Was just thinking about you this morning in my Pump class, because I really think there was someone pumping ( the Uk version) nearby. Very off putting :(
Anyway I hope to see you back here soon, or if not, then on flickr or somewhere else. You have my email address, so don't be a stranger.
Hope you stay well and happy and positive. Janelle xx
@taffy Thank you Taffy. Best of luck to you. You have been very supportive of my project and I am very grateful. Best of luck with the remainder of yours
@rvwalker Thanks Ross. I have always appreciated your support, you are a true gent. I too hope that our paths cross again one day. I have set up on Flickr as Sean_O'Neill, so will see how that goes. I will pop over to your project shortly. The fact that I had missed your last shot by a number of days sums up one of my main reasons for taking a break, that I have struggled to find time to comment for sometime, which rather defeats the object of 365 for me.
@heidihp Thank you Heidi, that is kind of you, but then I know you are from good stock! Th every best of luck with you project. I hope to get and look in on it at some point in the not to distant future.
@monkeykid Thank you Therese, I have enjoyed follwoing you and receiving the warm feedback from you on my own shots. Best of luck with your project, I hope to pop back and see you all from time to time.
@ozziehoffy Thanks Cassandra. We've had some laughs, and been very appreciative of each others support since way back at the start. I hope we can stay in touch, my Flickr account is up and running Sean_O'Neill
@reva Reva, your words have touched me so much. You were one of my very first followers and have been there for me throughout my 365. I have always enjoyed your project. I think more than anyone else on 365 you have an ability to make me laugh and smile with your work, and your comments.Aboe all though, you've really got me questioning how long I can stay away for :) I am honoured to read your comments about my work, and have a big lump in my throat at your tribute to my love of my home and family. Hug returned.
@stoat Thanks Debbie, you will see from above comments that I am on Flickr already, and I hope to pop back on 365 after a break. I also hope our paths cross again.
@sjodell Thank you Sarah, yes we've followed each other since the start and I have loved your shots of South Africa. I'm now on Flickr Sean_O'Neill so hopefully will see you on there? I don't think I can leave 365 forever, so I hope to catch up again soon.
@stuckinoz Haha, which member of my family has been talking about my wind problem? Thank you Janelle, I have so enjoyed our friendship, I think we are kindred spirits. You have aklways been very supportive of my project and I have enjoyed yours too. I still love that Gallery shot so much. I am sure I will be back, just need a break. I do have your email and will stay in touch. Take care my friend. xx
@seanoneill Thank you for your very kind words, Sean. I too was struggling with comments, and even though I am retired, couldn't find the time to do it all. I have made up my mind to spend no more than one hour a day, on the laptop in front of the TV, making comments. That will mean missing most of the photos I want to comment on, but it will allow me to avoid completely ignoring my favorite people. I'm only going to post when I get something worthwhile during ordinary activities. No more daily photo hunts. If you should decide to resume on a part time basis, I suggest a single album to cut the time needed. You will be sorely missed without at least a minimal presence, Sean.
Came here because of Amanda's comment about your leaving! It's your choice of course, but I think you have so much to offer, not in just the photography but in your well constructed comments!
Oh Sean _ I was without internet for over a week and came here to comment on your work and I see you're leaving!! Love all your work and will catch up with you on Flickr, although I'm not on there much. This is a great shot btw - all the arrows pointing to the light - cool ! I should say you've been incredibly supportive in the short time I've known you - thank you !!
Regarding passing through- so true. Your photo and comment meld so well. I will be watching for an occasional photo, at least, until you finish what I hope is actually only an R & R.
Not an April joke?? I'll miss you, your stunning shots and encouraging comments, but I can understand you well. Hopefully, we'll stand in contact on Flickr (added you as a contact already). If you'll ever come to Hamburg please, let me know. Good luck for you and your family.
@jsw0109 Sadly no Jeff. I was beginning to fall out of love with photography, and had been ignoring my camera for weeks. I have already picked it up again this week, and got some wonderful shots today. I have a couple of days at the races this week, and will take stock next week. I am not sure that Flickr is the answer either! I guess I just need a break. I do hope to come back at some point.
@ingrid2101 Thank you Ingrid. I have enjoyed your work. It is different, has huge depth, and shows a great talent and understanding. I shall miss it, but try to look in when i can. I am already doubting that I can be away forever, but need a break after 15 months. I need to learn to love my camera again. Maybe that started with some shots I took at New Covert today.
@noragentian Thank you Ruth, you too have ben with me on this journey since the start. I have enjoyed your work so much, and your friendship. I would love to meet up in Hamburg sometime, and maybe vice versa in the UK? We are in Berlin in the summer, but then head south to Bavaria and the Black Forest.
@seanoneill when it turns into work, its no longer a hobby, and if you're doing something that feels like you have deadlines to meet and standards to uphold, it can quickly go from hobby to work. I know a guy that wanted to be an artist until he became one. He had a boss, and so it was about deadlines and compromising creativity, etc, and he grew to hate art. Don't let the internet become like a "boss".. take the vacation you need.... if 365 and Flickr aren't the right outlets for you, then do your own thing, forge your own path.
Sorry to hear you're moving on from 365, in other words getting your life back! I thought you came with the sight! Thank you for the inspiration of your shots and your encouragement and advice on so many occasions.
All the best to you and your family!
I'm sorry to see you go Sean. I've enjoyed the input you've had and viewing your excellent photography which has been inspiring, to say the least. Pop back and post a shot every now and again if you can. ;-)
Aww Sean, I am so sad to hear that, but totaly respect your feelings, they are feelings i have often but just havn't acted upon yet. You have been both a rock & an inspiration to me & i am so glad we shared this 365 journey....I guess in life we are all just passing through, but i wish you all the very best for what your future holds.. X
I managed a 3 day break before feeling the need to get back in touch with 365! I will post 'as and when' and without putting myself under pressure to post one a day. I'll keep an eye on your Flickr pages. Your steam photo is now on my wall! Good luck Sean; you will be missed by many 365ers
Oh........I am going to miss you!!!!!!!! Have so enjoyed your pics...especially the recent b and w project.....
I am sure you know what's best.........other things take so much time and there's only so much energy..........here's wishing you, your wife and those gorgeous boys all the very best indeed.......I'll find you on flickr, will note ur email.
Don't be sad.....it's the way of things....ride the wave and enjoy every day, and never stop enjoying taking and producing those fabulous photographs!!! :-))
Don't disappear completely please, Sean! I need to rub it in when you poms get your backside whacked in the ashes later this year.... :)
I have added you as a contact on flickr as well.
Great work, mate, the banter has been fun and I thoroughly enjoyed following you all through 2012.
I'm only a recent follower but I'm sad to see you go. I love your style and thought I would learn from you. Good luck with your future endeavours. I had most of last year off and am happily posting every day again. Hope you find your way back at some point.
Having just returned from a holiday, I wondered where your daily photos were and have been missing them. Good luck for your other ventures, you will certainly be missed on 365!
@roadshow Thank you Gloria, for such kind words. I hope to be back in a week or two, am just a bit tied up with other stuff at the moment and in need of the break from 365.
@sailingmusic We are indeed Myrna. At the moment I seem to have a number of people I know who have passed through 365, and passed through life as well.
@gailmmeek Thanks Gail, I have enjoyed your project too, and if and when I return, I will be sure to hook up with you again. I hope we get to Brum together at some point too.
@annbo Thank you Ann, I am touched to have had that impact on your project. I have always admired the strength and gentleness in adversiy of your soul. You always put others before yourself. I have enjoyed your local landscapes, and sunnier climes, and your progression as a photographer. Take care, and I hope to be be back sometime soon.
@ruthmouch Aw, Ruth, you have such a way with words. Thank you so much for all your wonderful support. I am missing your project particularly because of its incredible power to show me life in Lebanon. I really do believe that there is a book in you, a Steve McCurry type creation.
@humphreyhippo Thanks HH, you are an amazing photographer who gives us humour, gritty urban, beautiful landscapes, and a look in on my wonderful home town, the list goes on. I look forward to my return so that I can catch up on your work.
@fishy Cheers mate. I have always enjoyed our banter. I think it is because if my great, great, great, great grandad had been convicted I would have been an Aussie (made myself laugh there!). I will be sure to be back when the Ashes start, have tickets for every day of the Trent Bridge test, can't wait. I do hope that Mitchell Johnson gets selected!!
@esolvideosuk Thanks Jennie, you've been there for me since the start, which I really appreciate. I have enjoyed our friendship, and hope to resume it again soon.
@nadaa Thank you Nada, I will be back soon I am sure. I need to finish some things that are taking a lot of my time, and then hopefully return in a few weeks.
Eeeeek ... Sean I just spotted this .... I've been very half-hearted at my 365 attempts over the last few weeks. Hope you're ok and that you get back into enjoying photography - you're very talented.
@reneeevans21 Thank you Renee, I am glad that the boys still love their bears and look me up on the globe every now and again. Tell Owen I think about him a lot too, and that he is one of the bravest boys that I know. I will keep looking in on his blog whenever I can, and maybe get back to 365 sometime soon.
@ruthmouch@stuckinoz Thank you both. I'm good, but haven't picked my camera up for 3 weeks!! May take my P+S to the footie on saturday, and be back on 365 in the next couple of weeks. Love to you both, thanks for looking out for me.
@fishy Those Aussie selectors have prompted a national day of mourning tomorrow Andrew, I think we'll still sing our MJ song at Trent Bridge in July, hope he's watching ;)
Oh no :( So said to see you go. Even thought I have been in and out of this project, I have loved coming over and seeing what amazing, inspiring and incredible photo you have shared for the day. I will be looking you up on Flickr for sure.
Be kind to yourself and take care of your wonderful family xx
@rachelmackenzie Thank you Rachel, I hope to be back soon. I'm actually taking my camera into to a dealer for a service and sensor clean tomorrow, so I think my return is getting closer!!
Cheers mate.
Thank you so much for all the comments and advice :)
Take care ...
I have thoroughly enjoyed your project. I love your photos and the way you manage to continually push yourself to try new things and see things in new ways. I adore the way your love for your home and family shines through in your gorgeous landscapes and thoughtful portraits. Your abstracts blow me away. You are a very insightful, creative, and talented person!
I thank you very much for following me so early in my project, and for taking the time to frequently comment on my humble photos even though you have hundreds of other followers. You have given me many laughs and so much supportive feedback. You have cheered me on and encouraged me to continue when I was stuck. Thank you so much for everything. It is obvious from reading the comments above that you have touched many others with your efforts and your talents. Not many people can do that! :)
Sorry I may not have done very much commenting lately (I've been floundering a bit too), but I have sure enjoyed seeing your new photos each day. 365 won't be the same without you, but it is that much better for having had you here! I hope to still be able to see your work on Flickr or some place in the future if you choose to do something like that.
If you ever want to drop a line or just say hi, please do so any time, my email address is in my profile!
Very best wishes to you and your lovely family in all your future endeavours. It has been a pleasure and an honour to know you. May the road you walk be safe, happy, and blessed. Cheers! :)
*insert hug here*
Good luck with whatever you decide to do in the future & if you do decide to flickr or facebook please tell me so we can stay in touch :)
Take care xxx
Sorry to see you go, as I have always enjoyed your work and appreciate the time you took to comment on my work, as well as the banter back and forth. Was just thinking about you this morning in my Pump class, because I really think there was someone pumping ( the Uk version) nearby. Very off putting :(
Anyway I hope to see you back here soon, or if not, then on flickr or somewhere else. You have my email address, so don't be a stranger.
Hope you stay well and happy and positive. Janelle xx
All the best to you and your family!
I am sure you know what's best.........other things take so much time and there's only so much energy..........here's wishing you, your wife and those gorgeous boys all the very best indeed.......I'll find you on flickr, will note ur email.
Don't be sad.....it's the way of things....ride the wave and enjoy every day, and never stop enjoying taking and producing those fabulous photographs!!! :-))
Hope to see you around on Flickr.
I have added you as a contact on flickr as well.
Great work, mate, the banter has been fun and I thoroughly enjoyed following you all through 2012.
My boys still LOVE their bears and Owen asks about you often and wonders how you are doing. We look at his globe and always send you a "Hello!"
Do take care, and hope to keep in touch!!!
Hope you're well
Be kind to yourself and take care of your wonderful family xx