365 Photo Project Update: Day 301

Wow! I cannot believe I’m approaching the finish line of this 365 Photo Project! 

Back in January when I started, I had several goals and a few initial thoughts of where this project might lead, but I NEVER expected this level of excitement and didn’t realize just how truly rewarding it would feel to succeed with such a challenge. I wanted to learn my new camera, and not only did I do that, but I am SO grateful for the opportunities that have arose because of this. In addition to taking tons of photos for work now, I also expanded my freelance art portfolio to include two engagement photo sessions, a maternity session, and currently have a few additional pending requests! 

To say this is a challenging project is a complete understatement. Believe me, it is well worth it and I would encourage ANYONE to give it a try! It just requires an intense commitment level. Today was officially Day 301, and I can honestly say that the actual “taking a photo a day” has become very routine and fairly simple at this point.  Some photos I love, some I don’t, but remembering to take them has gotten much simpler.  There’s this little internal alarm that goes off in my head around 10pm reminding me to snap something quick if I haven’t already that day.  I’ll admit though, that the most difficult part has become actually finding time to upload, edit, and post my photos! I went from posting every other day to posting once a week and then sadly (and recently) a few times came when I got nearly two weeks behind in posting! The posting daily isn’t a “requirement” for the project, but it certainly helps avoid having to search, figure out which photo was taken which day and then write a memorable description for the day. So, with that said, my advice is to POST OFTEN! 🙂

I think what I cherish most about this experience right now is concept of capturing time. It’s amazing how quickly this past year has flown by, but at the same time, I now am able to remember EACH day more clearly. Looking at the photos opens a floodgate of memories from each particular day. Everything seems a bit more clear than previous years. The timing is also quite ironic with the monumental events that have occurred this year (that I now have documented) including my engagement, wedding planning, a best friend’s proposal, countless vacations, expansions of my art business, and my (soon-to-be) completion of grad school!

Approaching the finish line is definitely a bit bittersweet (wahoo ~ here’s to my remaining 64 days!).

I’m now slightly addicted to this creative-challenge concept, so be on the lookout for when I share details about my new idea for 2012! Also, I’d love to hear about any similar projects you all have done or plan to do!