In a previous post I mentioned that I will be starting a photo-a-day project and asked you if you would like to participate. There was some great discussion in the comments section and on the facebook page.
Some of you said that you would like to participate in the challenge, others shared their past experiences and raised good questions.
My First Photo-a-Day Project
When I did my first photo-a-day project, it was challenging. I started with a 30-day trial and decided that I would pursue the full length project. As the time went on and as I tried to take a photo every day, I started seeing photographs everywhere.
My eyes were getting trained everyday. Looking through that view-finder and creating at least one photograph had helped me. I would be driving from work and I could see a photograph. I literally started seeing frames. “This would make an interesting photo”, I would think.
So photo-a-day was clearly helping me. Read on.
What is This Project?
This project is most commonly known as 365 day project. There are other variations of this project like 50-day project, 100-day project or 300-day project, you name it, its there. This project is to improve your photography in general.
This is NOT solely focused on food photography, and for that reason, this challenge will NOT be hosted on this food photography blog. I am working on a separate website for this challenge, so that others continue getting food photography related post on this blog.
Details about the projects:
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You choose the length of the project. You can pursue a 50-day project and then stop or you could choose a 100-day challenge. If you are up for it, you can participate in the full 365-day challenge. You choose.
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As part of this project, each day one theme or photo idea is sent to you in your inbox.
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You should use that theme or idea and create a photograph.
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You camera does not matter. DSLR is not required. Use a point and shoot or even a phone camera.
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Post it on project facebook page.
If you’ve made up your mind and would like to start the project, go to the link below:
Who should NOT participate?
This photo-a-day project is not for everyone. Not everyone will be able to participate in this challenge. Following are some things to consider:
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This is not an easy project by any stretch. This project does require serious time commitment on your part. If you cannot commit to create at least one photo for some time (50, 100, 200 or 365, whatever suits you and is more than 50), do not participate.
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This project is for improving photography in general and is not focused just on food photography. If you are only interested in food photography, do not participate.
Start With a 30-Day Trial
Not everyone is able to commit all 365 days or even 100 days. Participate in a trial and see if this project fits you. If it does not fit your schedule, stop participating.
No Instant Gratification Here!
This project is about training your eye to take better photograph. Does this mean you will get amazing photos on day 1? No.
The goal of the project is NOT to force yourself to click a button. Each day, you should make a conscious effort to make a great photograph. Make a photograph with a purpose in mind, don’t take snapshots.
“So does this mean, I will get great photo everyday?” No. For a minute forget that this is about making one great photograph everyday that will get your raving reviews. This is not about that, statistically that’s not even possible to get 100% great photos. This slow and grueling process will help you to start seeing photographs everywhere. This is about learning to see a photograph not taking it.
By consciously thinking about elements of art and choosing a frame and everything else that goes into creating a photograph, you will start training your eyes. So taking a snapshot is not going to help. Each photo you create needs to thought through and not just clicked to cross an action item off your to do list.
This is a marathon friends. And marathon training is a slow process. No instant gratification here.
So if photography is something you would like to improve this year, go ahead and click the link below:
Project 365 Photos
You choose.
Calendar Photo by bubbo.etsy.com
I have a little suggestion to help this project run smoother for participants. You stated, “As part of this project, each day one theme or photo idea is sent to you in your inbox.” Having done my own 365 project all of last year, I know many of my photos were planned days or weeks in advance. If at all possible, I’m sure it would be most helpful if participants could have a list of daily themes or photo ideas well in advance rather than receiving the idea that same day.
I’ve always wanted to do this with food photography; photos of meals people eat in a day, something like that.
This is something interesting. Planning ahead your to do jobs for photography would help you be more prepared and more time to collect new ideas.
I couldn’t find where to post the photos I click. Please help.
great idea, looking forward of it
good luck god bless.
Oooh! What a great idea. I am challenging myself to work on my photography this year and I know a friend that really got into photography after this kind of a challenge (a self-portrait photo a day).
awesome men. it will help me a lot to do all my photography activity and to use my skills.
thanks again for sharing
We probably need lessons for our website haha <3
Great Idea, thanks, will definitely make me get my camera out. cheers for post
Hello,
Thanks for sharing good lessons with us.We learnt very new tips of photography.I just want to say that this is awesome and it will help us to do all my photography activity.Thanks for sharing us.
To be a good wedding photographer, one not only needs the best camera, but also needs a lot of experience in taking pictures of people. This 265 challenge would be a good way to help a budding photographer get used to taking pictures and finding the best views. Though it is hard, there is no better training.
This sounds real interesting..But how should i go about executing it…if i want to post it on my blog??
Thanks in Advance
Anita
mokashianita.blogspot.com
Food photography is one of my favorite. I would like to take this opportunity to showcase some of my works that fits the theme and let see how far I can go.