Next time I write a post it will be 2016! Do you remember what a big deal it was back in 1999 when the next day it would be a new millennium! That was 16 years ago already! While I’m not into making New Year’s Resolutions, I do believe in setting and working towards personal and professional goals. One of my goals this year was to complete a photography project – I choose Project 365 this year. With that I committed to taking a picture each and every day of the year. If you have been reading my blog regularly you have seen the pictures (they can also been seen on my instagram account). I have loved/hated it. Someday’s I have the time and the opportunity and I love setting up my picture. Other days I have a sudden and terrible realization at 10pm that I have completely forgotten to do my picture and now I have to throw something together at night when I’m tired 👿
I have loved the opportunity to share the pictures I’m proud of and cringed at posting those I’m not… 😳 I just took today’s picture which was a selfie – I’m guessing I could sell tickets to those who would enjoy watching me during this process! It’s hillarious and I’m always alone because I would die of embarrassment otherwise! 😯 And with that picture taken I only have one picture left and I will have completed the project! 😆 I am currently working on my book where I will print the pictures from the year.
Why did I do it? I kept reading over and over again photographers claiming they were amazed at how much they grew as photographers by taking on this project. I wanted to grow as a photographer so I jumped in. Did it work for me? Yes, but only because I pushed myself to do those things I really didn’t want to do or was just scared to try…
What I learned –
-I now shoot %100 on manual mode – bye, bye auto
-I had never used my remote shutter release and now I am comfortable with it – except for the fact I hate not being BEHIND the camera when taking pictures. I took our families Christmas pictures this year and while I could figure out the technical aspects I couldn’t see what the camera was seeing before taking the pictures – which frustrated me!
-Composition – I have worked hard this year on improving the composition before taking the pictures. Noticing the details found in the frame and how to frame the subject. So many details!
-Slow down – I hate it when people are waiting for me! That has been the most difficult part of being a photographer for me. Sometimes I just need a minute to figure the camera, location, posing, light, etc and there have been times when I’ve just panicked and rushed because having my clients standing around waiting for me just completely unnerved me. But that always costs me and them dearly because a picture is missed or messed up 🙁 I have improved and I’m still working on slowing down and allowing myself a minute to think, compose, breathe 😉
-Lighting – while I’m still not super comfortable indoors I have worked hard all year in all types of lighting situations. There are so many ways to use light in a photograph – and I will continue to work on and learn about lighting as long as I’m photographing.
-Confidence – It has been a slow transition for me to call myself a “Professional Photographer” But now as I move into my 3rd year as a full time photographer I no longer feel like the new kid on the block. Yes I have PLENTY to learn and TONS of growing to do. But instead of being embarrassed by what I don’t know I look forward to learning each and every day!
And now the big question…
Will I do it again? Project 365…
Cozy
362/365
I spent a {cozy} afternoon in my office sorting through and organizing and planning for next year!
Winter Wear
363/365
I’m perfectly happy with my {winter wear} boots, mittens, jeans, scarves – I love them all!
Have a wonderful, safe Happy New Year! 2016 hear we come!
-S
Next: Selfie and for 365/365 Celebrate!
