Why I Started 365 | Myra Cherchio Guest Post
Posted by Katrina Kennedy on Mar 5, 2011 in Blog, Photography | 14 comments
Myra Cherchio is a “nearly native” Floridian, wife, mom and clinic director of a medical practice. She spends her free time with camera in hand, documenting her favorite memories with photos and journaling. Myra is also one of my dearest friends, I’m honored to share her insights with you.
Why I Started 365
If I am completely honest with myself, I started 365 because it spoke to my ever-so-slight OCD tendencies. Touch the shutter once a day. Insert CF card into reader. Upload photo. Tag. Repeat. This project worked for my brain. I am a finisher. I hate the clutter of incomplete projects. I like to think I can do things efficiently. Accountably. Tenaciously.
But there were two more reasons.
This one:
And of course, this one:
I wanted these guys to feel the love. I also wanted to capture the messy details of our lives – all the intricacies that would surely be forgotten without a photo of the day. I wanted to prove to the future that we existed in our world.
Why I Continue 365
Development
At first 365 was an exercise. But as with any exercise performed consistently, the result is development. Now in year three, I’ve become more creative, clear-minded, and thoughtful in my photography. I really don’t need 30 shots of a water droplet on a leaf. One will do nicely.
Challenge
Documenting my life in photos has become my daily journal. What I love most is that 365 has become easy. Effortless (usually). Fun. Now, thousands of photos later, I’ve realized it’s not at all about the camera. I love that I can capture an image with whatever I can get my hands on: point and shoot, iPhone, or my DSLR. It really doesn’t matter. The point is that I preserved a moment through my eyes. My story. My memory.
I love the challenge of capturing a mood with my camera phone or point and shoot. This one was taken on the way home from work with my 3 megapixel iPhone.
Surprises
Sometimes when uploading my photos. I find little surprises. Like this one, where I found my reflection in my husband’s sunglasses. Many times I have nearly deleted a photo, only to look closely and find something special.
Connection
My 365 project has become a family project. Nothing makes me happier than to hear, “Myra, you should get your camera for this.” And it’s a happy day when Jake has a special request. It warmed my heart when he remembered Katrina’s post from Christmas last year, and asked to be the Ghost from Christmas past. So I know 365 speaks to my family too.
But nothing keeps me going more than this:
Seeing my little man value creativity, expression, and capturing his moments too. That’s the best reason of to continue of all.
My Family’s Reaction to 365
This is it. The reactions of my two favorite people to 365. There’s really nothing more to say.
Why did you start 365? Why do you continue? Is your family’s reaction similar to Myra’s?
Wonderful post Myra! Love the the bit about it not mattering whether it’s your DSLR, point-n-shoot or iPhone
I just had to quote you in my blog today! Thank you, Myra for reminding me to just take the picture. Doesn’t matter what I use to do it. Which I further took to mean – it doesn’t have to be perfect, just preserved!
Thanks Myra! What a great reminder to take a second look at photos. You are so right about sometimes finding surprises. Beautiful post and photos!
So enjoyed this post, Myra! My sentiments as well!
Love your words, Myra! You are a most wonderful photographer . . . and inspiration.
ILove that you take the time to look at the small things in photos rather than delete rapidly . . . love the little reflection that you found in your husband’s goggles.
Love that you keep up so beautifully with your 365 photos and that they are now a part of your day and your life! What a treasure.
I love finding those unexpected goodies in my photos.
Your pictures are BEAUTIFUL! I love the one of you son with the camera. I am hoping that my attempt at 365 gets my family into memory keeping!
what a wonderful post Myra!
You are so right, it is all about capturing those moments, regardless if it is the perfect shot or not
Fabulous post, Myra! Your photos are stunning as always!
Wonderful post, Myra! Your photos are amazing!
What beautiful photos! How did you take such a gorgeous shot with your iPhone?
These two are lucky boys, on so many different levels but to capture these memories for then is one of the most specials things you can do for them. Photos are generally loved in the Moment and revered in the future. FABulous words, my friend!
I just have a huge smile in my face. You rock my friend.
what a fabulous piece.