365ers - An Interview with Aaron (grizzlysghost)

Aaron is one man that needs no introduction around here. He's an active voice in almost every discussion I look at and has been a real help to the site. Not to mention his brilliance at photography and inspiring myself and countless others.

Thanks Aaron for taking the time to share your experience on 365 Project with the community!

What made you decide to take on the 365 Project?

I purchased my first SLR in 1985, and for several years was pretty passionate about photography. Then as happens so often in life, other priorities took over and my camera was boxed up and placed on the back burner. 365 was a way for me to become reacquainted with photography, by "forcing" me to constantly think about it. There have been some tough weeks, but it's been an overwhelmingly successful endeavor that I look forward to every day!

I see you were into photography before you started - how did the project expand your knowledge, and teach you new things?

Having started out in film, I thought I had a pretty good handle on the basics (focus, aperture, etc.), but after seeing some of the artistic work on 365 I discovered I really had no idea! My "mission" when I started this relationship with 365 was to reconnect with photography and IMPROVE. Many join 365 to catalog their daily activities over the year, but my primary motivation was to become a better photographer. This community makes it SO easy to improve; most people are very open with their techniques, and when they want to keep something a mystery that just stirs up my creative juices and I find a way to fold new techniques into my own style. If I find I'm unmotivated or lacking in creativity, there are at least a half-dozen "themes" to join in on for a challenge.

What cameras have you been using for your project – do you have a favourite?

I used a total of 62 cameras for my first year (I'm a huge film fan), most of which can be found in my main 365 album in the months of April and May 2011. Now I use about 20, only two of which are digital.
My favorite is whatever one I am using on any given day, today that happens to be my 1954 Zeiss Ikon Contessa (folding version). A lovely little metered rangefinder I rescued from a pile of discarded "broken" cameras. So to nail it down to a favorite is difficult for me, as each give me a unique perspective or challenge; but if you insist …
My favorite film SLR would have to be my 1985 Ricoh XR-P. Built in the era of hugely popular Nikon and Canon systems, you don't hear much about Ricoh; but even owning the other two competitors, I still like the Ricoh best!
Concerning old film Rangefinders, I would have to choose my 1952 Leica IIIf. Everything about it is mechanical; and all of the mechanics are on the outside; very "steampunk" in it's form and function. And it takes an excellent photo!
Twin Lens Reflex would have to be my 1952 Rolleiflex 2.8C.
Medium Format is my 1966 Rolleiflex SL66, which is so unique with it's built-in tilt lens billows and reversible lenses that you can't help but love it!
Pre-WWII would be my 1930 Voigtlander Bessa, and while not in the best of shape it just connects the user with the art of photography because it is so raw in it's simplicity.
Best digital would be my Canon 5D Mark II; it takes a great shot, and even better it takes a beating; because if there's one think I'm known for, it would be that I put my cameras in harm's way nearly every day! My 5D is on the ground, in the rain, balanced over a stream, thrown into the air, buried in snow, and anything else you can imagine, and it handles it all like a champ!
Ya, I could go on and on! :)

Is there a particular style of photography you enjoy the most?

I bounce around so much it's hard to pin down a favorite "style." I really like landscape, but I grew up shooting nature so wanted to avoid much of that so I could challenge myself with other styles. I can definitely say getting a puppy was a watershed event for me, having never really taken animal or pet shots. To this day I would say getting a great action shot of my dogs doing their doggy things gives me the best feeling. Also, having never really gotten great bird shots (not through lack of trying I assure you), I really admire those who can. If I had to pick a style I enjoy most though, it would be macro. It's amazing how much time can slip by when I visit the world of macro; it makes me see many things so differently and is certainly one of my best remedies when I feel I am stuck and unmotivated.

What kept you going throughout the first year of your project?

Definitely the 365 community. While not a perfectionist, I am pretty strict with my own photographic endeavors and hate it when all I have to show at the end of the day is something I'm disappointed with. That's when I turn to the community; I check out other photos and read through the discussions. I peruse the Popular Page and check out the on-going challenges. I read through some of the most recent blogs, and even dig into the archives. It doesn't take long to rekindle the motivation, and it's all due to how active 365 is. I do know I would not have been able to complete my first year without it.

And what kept you snapping after your first year?

Wow, there is just SO much more to be done! While I have dabbled in a very wide range of subjects and styles, for every "thing" I investigate, two more things seem to take its place. I keep a folder for "photographic ideas" and there is easily enough in there to keep me shooting for years! 365 is just SO diverse, great photographers are doing something completely different every day; which is very motivating. I can't imagine stopping; I feel as though I've only just scratched the surface! In fact, I filled all three albums the first year (and then some); I have been known to mention that I really could use three more albums (is there an Ace Plus option? :))

Can you share a few of your own favourite pictures with us

As I've mentioned, capturing the spirit of one of my dogs makes me pretty happy, so I would have to include Bennett of course!
And one of my favorite places on earth, Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park, Montana, USA (the place I grew up)
Of course, I couldn't get it done without the 365 community, so this one of jsorensenart is a favorite.
And this reminder to get out and see things; there are wonders just outside your door, you just have to get out and see them!

And, according to your followers what were your most popular shots?

One of the favorites I've posted was my "Free Your Mind" shot, kind of an inspirational piece for all of the new 365ers joining this year; intended to remind everyone to challenge themselves, as there is a world of possibilities out there!
My "North Star Campfire" shot certainly has the most "faves", and is one of my favorite shots as well.

With so many types of photos in your albums - is there any thing or any person you would still like to capture on camera?

The one thing I feel is lacking in my album is bonafide "street shots." Being uncomfortable with street photography that includes strangers is definitely a hurdle I would really like to overcome. My biggest wish at the moment though is to visit a real city for a while. I live in a very small town in the wilderness, so shooting a big city would be a dream! And if @michaelelliott could be convinced to give me a tour, a trip to NYC just might be in my future!

Any advice for budding 365ers?

Keep challenging yourself. And try to figure things out on your own first. If you see a great photo of a bubble, figure out how the person got that shot. Check out their exif. Search for more bubble photos (either in 365 or on the internet). And start experimenting with your own bubbles. You will find that sort of investigation is much more gratifying than starting a discussion about it. Ask yourselves the question before you ask someone else; that's the best way to learn! And if you're stuck, just start pointing your camera at things; you'll soon find you are getting more ideas just by simply clicking that shutter.

And finally... What next? What do you think you will be doing in 5 years time?

Traveling and getting outdoors more. Now that my first year is complete, landscapes are no longer "off of my list." The natural wonders of our planet are just begging to be captured in our cameras and shared, and I aim to do a LOT more of that; mixed in of course with all of my other quirky shots! And 365 will continue to play a big part of my adventures!