Yesterday, February 5, marked 400 consecutive days of photography... I started the 365 day challenge on January 1, 2010, and when 2011 rolled around, I had no desire to stop. At first I had very little idea of what this challenge really meant, and was pretty much at a loss for what I was doing or how I should go about it. But I kept shooting. I set up a portable tabletop area in my darkroom studio and spent the least pleasant days of the winter exploring light and shadows with everything from sea shells to Converse hi-top runners.
As the days went on, I continued shooting at every opportunity, never missing a day. I started to develop themes in my shooting, which was very informative, as it helped define for myself what kind of photographer I am. In subjects, I tend towards landscape, nature, architecture (well, buildings... old, storied buildings) and abstracts. I think I strive for some level of abstraction in almost all my shooting.
So 365 days has become 400, 500 is in my sights come May 16. The challenge has become much easier, much more focused. I have a much better idea of who I am as photographer now than I did 400 days ago. I carry my cameras wherever I go. I am rewarded by the challenge of searching out new photo subjects, by the mechanics of composing and shooting each frame. I am rewarded by each day in the darkroom, each finished print hanging to dry.
I am looking forward to day 500, but even more, I am looking forward to tomorrow.
As the days went on, I continued shooting at every opportunity, never missing a day. I started to develop themes in my shooting, which was very informative, as it helped define for myself what kind of photographer I am. In subjects, I tend towards landscape, nature, architecture (well, buildings... old, storied buildings) and abstracts. I think I strive for some level of abstraction in almost all my shooting.
So 365 days has become 400, 500 is in my sights come May 16. The challenge has become much easier, much more focused. I have a much better idea of who I am as photographer now than I did 400 days ago. I carry my cameras wherever I go. I am rewarded by the challenge of searching out new photo subjects, by the mechanics of composing and shooting each frame. I am rewarded by each day in the darkroom, each finished print hanging to dry.
I am looking forward to day 500, but even more, I am looking forward to tomorrow.