Embarking on My Project 365: A Year of Photography, Growth, and Daily Moments

Hello, friends! I hope this year has kicked off wonderfully for everyone. As my kids are still enjoying their extended Christmas break from school—yes, you heard that right, well into the new year!—it feels like I’ve been on a bit of a break myself. This extended period of relaxed routine has offered a perfect opportunity to reflect on aspirations for the year ahead and to finally set some exciting personal goals.

One of the top items on my list of intentions for 2013 is to significantly increase my camera usage. Photography has always been a passion, a way for me to document life’s fleeting moments and culinary creations, but lately, I’ve felt a disconnect from my “real” camera. After inspiring conversations with my wonderful friends, Kim and Kristen, I’m deeply motivated to participate in a “photo a day” project, specifically for myself. This commitment involves taking and posting a photograph from each day throughout 2013, a truly ambitious yet exhilarating endeavor.

The concept of “Project 365” is to capture one image every single day for an entire year. It’s more than just snapping pictures; it’s about observing, finding beauty in the mundane, documenting personal growth, and creating a visual diary of life. While I’m still working out all the finer logistical details—like organizing the vast number of photos and establishing a consistent posting schedule—my current plan is to post my weekly compilation “ish,” aiming for a regular update rhythm. I truly believe this project will not only challenge my photographic skills but also help me cherish and remember each day more vividly. So, stay tuned for these regular updates!

Over the past year, I’ve noticed a significant shift in my photography habits. I’ve found myself reaching for my iPhone camera much more often than my ‘big girl’ camera, the DSLR. While the convenience of the iPhone is undeniable—its portability and instant sharing capabilities, especially through platforms like Instagram (which has become a delightful obsession of mine!), make it incredibly appealing—I’m honestly a little conflicted about this trend. On one hand, it means I’m capturing more moments; on the other, I fear my skills with more advanced equipment might be stagnating.

This year, I’ve set a clear personal goal to elevate my photography skills. I want to move beyond simple point-and-shoot and delve deeper into understanding composition, lighting, aperture, shutter speed, and manual settings. To actively work towards this aspiration, I’ve decided to challenge myself: my DSLR needs to be by my side, ready to snap more pictures. It’s time to intentionally step away from the immediate gratification of the phone camera and embrace the learning curve that comes with a more professional tool. This Project 365 is the perfect catalyst for that change.

However, there’s a charming irony in the story of my first week embarking on Project 365. Despite my firm resolve to utilize my DSLR more frequently and improve my technical skills, every single photo I captured and documented for this inaugural week was taken with my iPhone. Yes, that’s right. Every single one! It serves as a gentle reminder that even with the best intentions, old habits die hard, and the journey of self-improvement is indeed a “work in progress.” But you know what? It’s all good. This initial hurdle simply highlights the path ahead and the genuine learning experience this project promises to be. It’s a testament to the fact that starting is the most important step, regardless of the tools at hand, and that acknowledging where you are is crucial for growth.

This challenge is not just about the camera; it’s about the discipline, the observation, and the commitment to capture the essence of each day. It’s about appreciating the small details, the grand moments, and everything in between. It’s about creating a visual legacy for myself and my family, a tapestry of memories woven from 365 individual images. I’m excited to share this journey with you, week by week, celebrating the successes, learning from the missteps, and hopefully, watching my photography skills evolve in real time.

January 1: Fresh Start with Fresh Fruit

To kick off the new year and my Project 365 challenge, I focused on a simple, vibrant subject: fresh fruit. This image features juicy clementines and beautifully sliced star fruit, symbolizing a healthy and bright beginning to 2013. The natural light catches the textures and colors perfectly, making for an inviting first photo. It was a conscious choice to start with something that embodies renewal and well-being, setting a positive tone for the entire year.

January 2: Game Day Excitement at the Sugar Bowl

Day two brought the thrill of college football! We were glued to the screen, watching the Florida Gators compete in the Sugar Bowl. This capture isn’t just about the game; it’s about family. I managed to spy my nephew, Cody, proudly wearing jersey #53 on the field. The photo brings back the energy and excitement of that day, a perfect example of how Project 365 helps document not just objects, but experiences and cherished family connections.

January 3: Celebrating Amber’s 8th Birthday Week

This week marked a special milestone for our family: my wonderful daughter, Amber, turned 8! Capturing her joy and the essence of her personality in a photograph is always a delight and a challenge. This image, taken on January 3rd, is a lovely remembrance of her birthday week, highlighting her vibrant spirit. Documenting these personal milestones is one of the most rewarding aspects of a daily photo project, allowing us to freeze time and revisit cherished memories.

January 4: The Comfort of Holiday Cleanup Scents

Even the process of holiday cleanup can offer photographic inspiration! This photo from January 4th captures a still life of my favorite scents of the season – perhaps candles, essential oils, or potpourri – nestled amidst the remnants of festive decorations. It’s a reminder of the cozy, comforting atmosphere of the holiday period and the gentle transition back to everyday life. It illustrates how beauty can be found in the most ordinary of moments, a key lesson for Project 365.

January 5: Universal Studios & The Incredible Hulk

Our adventures took us to Universal Studios on January 5th, and this shot captures the sheer thrill and impressive scale of the “Holy Hulk” roller coaster. The ride’s intricate structure stands out against what was truly a picture-perfect sky that day – clear, vibrant blue with just a few wisps of clouds. It’s moments like these, filled with excitement and dramatic backdrops, that make travel photography so rewarding, even with an iPhone. It also reminds me of the importance of looking up and around for compelling compositions.

January 6: The Comfort of Feel Good Soup

After a day of excitement, a comforting meal is always welcome. January 6th’s photo features a steaming bowl of what I affectionately call “Feel Good Soup.” Food photography, especially for something as homely as soup, requires attention to steam, texture, and inviting presentation. This image aims to convey warmth and nourishment, reminding me of the simple pleasures of home-cooked meals and the art of capturing their delicious essence. It’s a genre I particularly love and one I plan to explore much more deeply with my DSLR.

January 7: Following the Leader at Blue Springs State Park

To round out the first week, we took a trip to Blue Springs State Park, where we were treated to the majestic sight of manatees. This photograph, aptly titled “Follow the Leader,” captures these gentle giants as they gracefully navigate the waters in a calm procession. Wildlife photography requires patience and quick reflexes, even for an iPhone. This moment was truly special, a serene conclusion to an eventful first week of Project 365, showcasing the beauty of nature and the unexpected wonders each day can bring.

Reflecting on this initial week, the irony of using my iPhone exclusively, despite my goal to embrace my DSLR, is not lost on me. It underscores a fundamental truth about photography: the best camera is often the one you have with you. However, it also highlights the opportunity for growth. As I continue this 365-day journey, I am committed to consciously integrating my DSLR, exploring its capabilities, and pushing the boundaries of my photographic understanding.

This project is more than just taking pictures; it’s about intentional living, finding joy in daily observation, and embracing continuous learning. Each photo is a story, a memory, a piece of a larger narrative that will unfold over the course of the year. I’m excited to see how my perspective evolves, how my skills sharpen, and what unexpected moments I’ll be able to capture. This is just the beginning, and I’m ready for the adventure that a year of daily photography promises to be!