But We Were On A Break | Lessons Learned From Project 365
Posted by Kelly Buss on Feb 22, 2013 in 365, Blog | 7 commentsTaking a photo a day isn’t just about the photos. It’s about something that happens inside us. It’s about a transition. It’s about altering our orientation to the world. CY365 Team Member Kelly Buss‘ post begins a regular feature on Lessons Learned From Project 365. There are many. They are different for each of us. -Katrina Kennedy
I finished 2012 by completing my first 365 project. Yep, I did it. I took at least one picture every day for an entire year. While I was thrilled with my accomplishment, I was also thoroughly exhausted creatively, so I set my camera down for the month of January.
For the first week, I felt free. I breathed a sigh of relief and started looking for a new, challenging project. I announced my intentions to the world (actually only a few friends) and moved forward.
By the middle of January, I knew I had to pick up my camera again.
Photography was part of my daily routine. Like brushing my teeth, making my bed, or cleaning the kitchen counter, photography had become a habit. I felt as though my day was missing an important detail when I didn’t capture a shot. As one friend wrote to me, “It is ingrained in me.”
Without even realizing it, I discovered my 365 project was actually my personal journal. Although I only chose one photo to represent the day, I often took many, many photos each day. Several times my family has questioned when an event took place. I pull up my Lightroom catalog and discover exactly when we bought our baby chicks, planted potatoes, or went camping.
More importantly, I missed the relationships that were enhanced because of my daily photography. I missed sitting around the computer while showing my family what I captured that day, listening to their input, and watching them choose their favorites. I missed my kids saying, “Mom, you gotta get a picture of this!”
While I was sitting out of my project 365 in January, another friend wrote this to me:
Kelly, you must never put down your camera. You’re too good at capturing. I’ll take a risk at sounding extreme, but it’s almost as if you’re obligated to keep shooting… Your camera is just a medium to show your family what you see.
Her words challenged me. And she’s right. Some write letters, poems, or songs to remember their view of the world. Others sketch or paint. A few keep boxes and boxes of memorabilia.
I pick up my camera.
I’m going to do that everyday.
Katrina – I know that you know this, but I went through the same thing after I completed my first 365 in 2011. I was wiped out from the commitment of taking a photo every day. I decided to cut myself some slack and for 2012, do a project 52 instead, committing to a photo a week. But, a funny thing happened. I kept shooting. Every day. And, it just so happened that your prompts in January spoke to me, inspired me. After a week or two, I decided to stick with the 365 plan, but I knew I needed a more specific goal. I decided to capture every one of your prompts. I decided not to stick to them in order, or even one a day. Some days I captured none. Some I captured 3. But, I have a photo for every one of your 366 prompts for 2012, and it was fun. By now, it’s total habit to take a photo every day. Whether I use my iPhone, my 60D, or another camera, I press a shutter button and record an image (or more) each and every day.
Thanks for sharing Deb! It is amazing how much photographing our lives becomes a part of our lives. Love seeing how you use the prompts and love that you share your life with all of us!
I love your post Kelly. Taking a photo every day has become a habit for me. And I am so thankful when I look back of all the recorded moments and stories.
I love your post Kelly. Once in a while, the 365 project feels burdensome, especially at 11:30 on a Monday night and I haven’t shot anything yet. More often though, I need that camera in hand to help me connect with everything and everyone around me. My 365 has helped me to see so much more, even when my camera isn’t handy.
well-written sentiments from a wonderful, talented photographer and artist.
I’ve just begun your Capture 365 project in February, stumbled across while looking around on pinterest for photography blogs. I’ve been at home for about 2 years on permanent disability from a stroke. Wanted to do something to bring some into my life so I got a camera last and began snapping away..your project has put some into my picture taking and given me a daily challenge to pick my camera and capture something different, awesome or ordinary about my days. Thank you kelly for bringing some inspiration into my life.
This exactly how I felt the first time I finished the 365 Photo Project in 2011! And I said the say thing…2012 will be me taking a break…I stopped bringing my camera to work and slept on my days off and just became a lazy person. And at the time I did work at a portrait studio in the mall. That didn’t last long though…I continued bringing my camera with me everywhere until my camera stopped working. I was so upset and so sad! And even more upset when I was told to just buy a new camera instead of getting it fixed. So I didn’t take pictures from March 23- April 24. I felt lost and uneasy and super depressed. And then I got my new camera in the mail and life was better again! And now I’m doing the project again this year!!! Its fun and helps me remember things. hahaha.
I have felt like this for awhile. My camera is usually attached at my side but lately, to be very honest I think the last time I actually picked up my camera was Christmas and the last time I truly went to shoot something was this summer. I miss it. It feel like I have writers block, but with photography. Its my passion. And I feel sad that its seems to be fading. Every time I start the 365 project I give up. I have tried for the last 2 years. Sometimes the list help other times it stresses me out. I dunno. But as I was looking for a new photography challenge I stumbled upon your blog. And you seem to understand the up and downs when it comes to the challenges of doing the 365 day project. So I am going to try once again. =] Here is to hoping that this year will be a success!