When I began my 365 project at the beginning of 2018, I wasn’t entirely sure what I was getting myself into. For those who don’t know, a 365 project is a challenge to take one photo every day for an entire year. Part of me figured I would probably do it for a couple of weeks before letting it slide; another part truly wanted to see it through. What I didn’t expect was the difference this simple challenge would make to my entire approach to photography. Although I learned so much during this process, here are just the top 5 lessons I took away from my first 365 project:
1. Discipline
With a background in both music and the military, you might figure I had the whole discipline-thing down when it came to my photography. Unfortunately, that was not always the case. I often found myself treating it more like a hobby, photographing in waves as I had sessions or whenever inspiration hit me.
The problem to this approach is obvious: if you are a client, would you want to hire someone who only practiced their craft during your session? Absolutely not. If for no other reason, I needed to invest daily practice to make sure I was giving my clients the very least they deserved from me: constant improvement.
Throughout my 365 project, I learned again and again that practice is not always inspired. Some days I didn’t feel like picking up my camera. Some days I just wanted to do other things. But in the end, putting in at least a little bit of daily time behind the lens greatly reduced my chances of being blind-sided by the unexpected while out on a gig.
2. How to focus my practice
In the beginning of my 365 project, I often found myself taking ‘throw-away photos’: images snapped just to say I had taken my photo for the day. However, the longer I kept up with the challenge, the more I realized I could really utilize the daily commitment to my benefit. Slowly, I began to take on ‘themes’ with my photography, little personal goals I wanted to improve upon. I realized that simply taking an image with no goal of improvement in mind was a wasted photo. Every day was a chance to practice a weakness and transform it into a strength.
3. How to embrace the ordinary
It’s easy to take pictures when it’s picturesque, but it’s a challenge learning to embrace what is mundane or less-than-ideal. When I began this challenge, I thought of myself as a ‘bright and airy’ photographer. I loved rooms with large, open windows and shooting at golden hour. I dreamed of a studio with white floors and walls that would continuously bounce gorgeous light back onto my subjects.
Unfortunately, I don’t have that studio, and the home I live in is much more like a cave. Light is often scarce; clutter is usually in abundance. It was difficult to embrace these conditions in the beginning, but by forcing myself to photograph in less-than-ideal conditions, I became a better photographer.
4. I rediscovered beauty in nature
If you don’t live in north Texas, I’ll let you in on a secret: it is not very scenic here. I often find myself jealous of other photographers’ picturesque settings. While so many others seem to live in the deserts or mountains or on a beach, I live in an HOA neighborhood with wood fence backyards surrounded by strip malls….so not the most inspiring of settings.
Even so, just stepping outside into my own backyard and looking up, or down or around me could be so refreshing. While photographing people is my passion, it is still nice to connect with nature, even if it is just in my own backyard.
5. How to introduce interesting elements
Okay, so some days my photos were just boring. Really boring. Like, I would get bored just looking at the back of my camera. On those days, I realized I needed something to spice up my images. Again, I’m not talking about anything award-winning, but at least something that wouldn’t make me want to fall asleep looking at my own photos.
That is when I learned that inspiration is all around; anything can be made into a modifier to make a photo more interesting. I experimented with shadows, dust, prisms, humidifiers. I shot through vases, water droplets, sun-catchers, ziploc bags and my own fingers. If a shot wasn’t doing it for me, I tried getting up high, down low, shooting up, shooting down. I changed lenses, filters, learned to photograph at different apertures for other effects and how to incorporate flares into my photos (I love flares–I probably need to cut back on them, but I’m like J. J. Abrams–I just love them).
Some of my photos were truly weird. But I’m kind of weird. I probably won’t use some of these techniques out on sessions…probably….
In Conclusion…
I loved my 365 project. It’s just that simple. After completing my first one, I can’t imagine going back to not practicing every day. It has become addictive. I love the way it pushes me to be a better photographer. I love the creativity it has stirred up within me. And I absolutely love going to my clients’ sessions with more confidence, knowing that whatever the weather, the time of day or the location, I can make it work. I can’t wait to see what another year of practice will bring.
Read more:
The start to my 365 project
Why you should start a 365 project this year
The importance of deliberate practice
Christina Freeman is a lifestyle photographer based in Anna, TX. She specializes in photographing families, newborns and children in Collin County including Melissa, Van Alstyne, McKinney, Plano, Princeton, Farmersville, Prosper, Frisco, Wylie, Celina, Little Elm and other Dallas suburbs. Get in touch with her and start planning your session today!
