A couple days ago Jenny wrote about her 365 project, going on year 3!
Take a moment to let that sink in and then lets congratulate her.
Hurrah Jenny!
How many of you have started a 365 project, struggled half way and then never tasted the sweet flavor of day 365?
Well, I, for one.
I was sure last year was going to be it, I chose a date, started off great, set boundaries, had ideas, themes and most important, a safety net.
I knew I was going to take those self portraits because I was taking a self portrait workshop that would last all year long!
Sounds easy yes?
My computer broke.
On day 75 I was unable to upload images from my camera to my computer.
Do you know how hard it is to do a 365 without images?
Well I’d go as far as saying… not possible.But not impossible.
Do you know what else has a camera?
iPods & camera phones.
“Hello, my name is technology and I’m here to rescue you. Do not resist.”
Alright, alright.Using an online platform and my iPod I started uploading everyday, little glimpses of daily beauty, self portraits and memories.
Even on crapity days I managed a shot, and before I knew it, a year had gone by.
Then I thought “why not?”. It felt like cheating, that’s why not.
It was just too easy, point, shoot, upload.
But it’s not really.
I was amazed by the amount of people who wanted to improve their phone photography, wanted in on how to take that special shot.
I’m no expert so I just gave the answer I always give “Shoot what makes you stop.”
There. That’s my secret.
If it makes you stop, it’s worth it.
Like that one time I met an agoraphobic elephant.
I walked right past it and then stopped.
“Wait… Is that…”
Yes. Agoraphobic elephant.
There’s no way to continue a sentence after “agoraphobic elephant” is there?
So you see, turns out its not as easy as I thought, and if you thought that as well, think again.
A mobile 365 is just as challenging as a regular camera project. It’s that commitment to make it an everyday event that makes it scary, but fun.
Suddenly you find yourself looking for beauty, viewing the world with a different pair of eyes and everything, and I mean everything, falls into place.
Sometimes we just don’t realize it.
But it’s all there. So this time, I’m not taking chances, I’m keeping it simple by just using a mobile device, I’m writing it on a blog to share and connect and I’m keeping it theme free.
Just ordinary everyday beauty. So here are some tips, in review:
* A 365 doesn’t have to begin with the new year. Much like time difference and seasons, it’s fun to have it going all year long. If everyone suddenly stopped on December 31st it would be sad. This way some end while others continue.
* Make a list of themes. Somedays you’re just not going to want to shoot so if you refer to the list, you have a reason to click.
* Capture what makes your heart beat faster, what makes your feet stop.
* Don’t worry what others may think.
If you shoot self portraits prepare for people to wonder why you’re doing it. If they don’t get it, move along.
* Unless they are doing it too, they won’t get it. Move along.
* Choose an app and play with it. Textures, words, anything goes.
* Get a support group. You will meet wonderful people through your photography. Embrace them. They will cheer you on.
* Prepare to feel the winter blues. Refer to support group.
* Find a photography project that speaks to you and use that to keep shooting.
Meghan wrote about some here and I have my personal Treehouse Club which now has its own place on Instagram @thetreehouseclub.
So why should we do this?
To capture dreams when they appear, in a familiar yet sneaky “Hello. I’m still here.”Now go outside and click.
Van
I love your words here Van. It’s so true, mobile makes the 365 world keep on going. I’ve been tracking my days now for the second year using a 365 app just for me, and i love going back and seeing what i caught. It drives me crazy when i cleared off my phone before I had a chance to put the images into my calendar. So many lovely shots up there. Keep up the amazing work!
I couldn’t agree more. I started my most current project on November 1st with my “real” camera. In June, I switched to my iPhone and am finishing the year with all mobile shots. I think a year long project has to be approached with an eye on what you need from it. In the Fall, I was struggling to get inspired and really needed to push myself. By the Spring, I had my business up and running and wanted to the ease of just grabbing a shot when I saw it. Thanks for sharing your experience and some of your lovely images!
Your words are amazing, Van. And your passion for your photography shines through it all. Brilliant! x
Oh, this is weird. I was just thinking about starting a 365 project, what I might do, whether to have a theme … whether to do it. And then I came to Mortal Muses and found your post! Hmm. Must be a sign!
I’ll use both my phone and my “real” camera. I like the idea of playing with apps as part of the project. In fact, I think I might emphasize that – process an image each day, not necessarily taking a new shot each day.
Okay, I’m going to do it! Thanks for the post.
Yaay – love your words and all these tips!
With my 365 starting on October 1 I sometimes feel sad that I can’t join in with everyone else starting in January, but then I think about how much less pressure it is NOT to start in January, and then I’m happy again with my choice 🙂
This is inspiring! I am in the midst of my second 365. There are days when I think, really….ugh. But I always find something. For the majority of it, I’ve stuck with my big girl camera because I felt like that was what I wanted to do for this year. I’m already thinking that next year, if I decide to go at it again, it’s going to be a whole year of mobile photos. Thanks for cheering, and here’s to keeping on finding the moments that make us stop.
inspiring post. love it!
Yes Yes Yes. What wonderful photos, I´m so inspired and hope I can take such photos some day. Wish so much I could win a place in your picture everyday class. (sadly money is barely this time) <3
I am so glad you are doing this again. When I saw your stream in IG filling up with images I smiled huge…
I love doing my 365 (self portraits w/ my DSLR) and the mobile 365 of every day moments with m y iPhone. each has it’s place and way of keeping time for me.