Try It: Start a Project

In January of 2010, I got a call from my brother, Joe.  (Take a few minutes and check out his website.  You will love watching his work.)  He was starting a “365.”  He was going to post a photo every day on Flickr all year long.  I talked to him about how great projects are. “It’s not about the photos it’s about the process of creation,”  I said. “That is something I’d love to do someday.”

I got off the phone and folded some laundry.  I called him back and said, “I am going to start a 365 too.  I’ll get a photo up soon.”  Joe said, “I’ll look for your photo later today.” 

I set up a Flickr account and posted my first photo that day.  

Did I know what I was getting into?  Not at all.  

For my first 365, I started at the beginning of the new year in cold, dark January.  

This time I’m starting on my birthday.  The beginning of a new year that starts in the warm, bright summer. 

There are many reasons not to do a year long project.  Many reasons.  You know them.  You have them too.  They are reasonable.   (We don’t have time. Our lives are already full, full, full.)

Here is why I decided to do another 365.

About halfway my first 365 Project, I began to have confidence that if I showed up (got my camera off the shelf and looked around me) I would get a photo for the day.  Every day, there would be something.  

It reminded me of the story in Exodus of God giving the Children of Israel their daily bread: manna. Every morning they would gather the manna and there would always be enough.  They couldn’t save extra for another day.  They had to trust that the next day they would be provided for.  

I’m starting a new 365 because I have realized that this kind of project feeds me.

What kind of project would feed you?  What is keeping you from starting a creative project?

I’d love to have you join me.  Comment below or send an email to jenny@familiarlight.com so I can look for your photos.

4 thoughts to “Try It: Start a Project”

  1. Hi Jennifer! My fiance and I are doing a 365 project this year… we started on Jan. 1st and are still going strong. I’ve done it twice before (once for 2010 and once starting on my birthday in June 2011). This is the first time that he’s joined me and it’s been really fun to see the days thru his eyes as well. Please follow us at http://returnofthepod.tumblr.com/

    1. Hi Stephanie,

      I love how you and your fiance are doing yours together. It will be a great record of an important year of your life.

      Thanks for stopping by my blog and I will watch your project for the rest of the year.

      Jenny

  2. I began a 365 in January, 2011, and loved it so much that when 2011 ended, I didn’t even notice, but kept on shooting. Sometimes it’s hard to find a subject, but it’s never hard to pick up my camera. It’s become a new appendage, I think. I’ve really enjoyed reading your blog these past couple years, may not always comment, but check this space every day. You have a beautiful family—it’s messy and fun and noisy, but your kids always are so full of life. And your photography shows it.

    Here’s a link to my daily photo journal, if you care to have a look:
    http://runnshoot.blogspot.com

    1. Thanks, Katie.

      I enjoy your photos so much. I check in on your daily photos too. I’m happy to say that there will be something new to see here every day.

      I appreciate your kind words about my family. I’m glad you see in the photography what it is like here!

      Thanks for your comment. I’m going to head over to yours right now.

      Jenny

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