Doing a Project 365

Many people reading this will know what a Project 365 is about. For those who do not it means taking a photograph every single day for a year.

People undertake a 365 for many and varied reasons. Some people do it to record a year in their life or a year in the life of a loved one. Such projects can be more about recording the days and events than about the photography. Others do a 365 to keep shooting and to force themselves to take more photographs – underlying these reasons there can be more, I will discuss mine later.

Whatever your reason for taking on a 365, I would urge you to remember one key fact throughout the project – It is your project; you are doing it for you and your reasons. It is a very personal journey. You will be challenging yourself and you will be competing with only yourself.

Be Prepared

I would think that everyone experiences a 365 in their own way which correlates with their reasoning and goals. But I say, “be prepared.” Being prepared goes well beyond planning shots and themes. What I mean is be prepared for the ups and downs of doing a 365. Perhaps it was only me but from talking to others who have tried a 365 and/or completed a 365, it does seem that most experience ups and downs. The “ups” come from days when you are motivated, driven and excited about a shot you have thought of.  However, the “downs” occur when it’s late in the day and you haven’t taken a shot, motivation is dwindling, and the 365 begins to feel like a chore. From my experience, getting “that shot” which you are pleased with can help you get through the “downs”.