365 Tips
Wednesday, January 12, 2011 at 11:03AM 
I ended 2010 with a finished 365. On January 1, I watched many of my friends start their 2011 with a 365. I answered a couple emails from friends & family members asking for advice on a 365. As the first couple pictures began to pop up, I started to become sad that I wasn't going to play along. Yes during the last couple months of 2010, I complained about having to take a picture. Yes, I was getting bored with my photos. But in the end, it was a satisfying experience. And on January 2, I jumped back on board. Now sixteen days into my second 365, I thought I'd share some tips to help you finish & enjoy your 365.
1. Any camera will do. Just shoot something.
2. You don't have to share your 365 or post everyday. You just have to shoot everyday.
3. Starting today, pull out your camera in a public place. And snap. Photograph something that isn't in your house, your cubicle, your car. Photograph something where there are strangers walking around. Don't do it while you're walking with your kids or a friend. Do it alone. And then tomorrow, do it again. Shooting alone in public is one of the most embarrassing things you'll do. But if you don't do it, your 365 will become difficult. If you're using an iPhone, you won't feel that heat creep up your neck. Everyone shoots in public with an iPhone. But whipping out your camera to photograph something that isn't a child or a dog, can be uncomfortable. In 365 days, no one ever questioned me. But if you're still worried about it, come up with some white lies. My plan was to tell people I was doing a project for a class I was taking. The sooner you lose that fear, the easier your project will become. Trust me on this point. Before you know it, you'll be standing on a memorial bench at Graceland asking German tourists to help line up the shot.
4. If you photograph friends, be mindful of posting their pictures online. Imagine if you were in the picture. If you'd be unhappy about the photo, shoot & share something else. No one wants a sliver of belly showing. No one enjoys seeing their chin morphed into a triple chin. I don't care how beautiful the background is or how cute the kid is, your friends & family will be angry. When you pull out a camera, they will run. If you are posting the photos to Facebook or Flickr, tell them. And always ask if there are clearly visible children are in the frame. It's polite. And they won't run from you the next time you yank out the camera. Your goal is to make everyone comfortable around the camera.
5.Tell friends & family about your project. It will be easier to explain why you're shooting the dinner or their trash can. It might take a few months for some to understand your project, but they eventually will.
6. If you choose a theme, make it loose. Taking a photo a day doesn't seem difficult. It is. Once you stopping writing 2010, that's about the time when the 365 becomes boring & sloggish. Themes can make the project more difficult or easy depending on what you do with it. I have a friend who is currently doing her 365 about Life in NYC. This theme will always give her plenty to shoot. I have another friend who has been doing her 365 about her daughter. We've had a number of conversations about how this has been difficult. You don't think it would be, right? Kids are adorable. They always give you a great picture. There's emotion in every shot. If they're happy or sad, you will see it. However, some days you aren't home for good light. And some days, your child keeps you too busy to photograph them. Play it loose & be willing to change whenever you feel yourself wanting to quit.
7. Take your camera everywhere. Getting gas? Take it. Quick trip to get the kids? Bring it. At home, leave it somewhere near the action. But also be mindful. Sometimes it's important to be part of the moment & not standing outside of it with your camera glued to your eye.
8. Learn where the light lives in your home. Flip through my 365 & you'll notice that most shots are in the same places. Bathroom, kitchen counter, in front of the couch, & by our microwave is where you'll find the light in our house. Move things to those areas & photograph. This has been written a number of times, but I'll repeat it. Shoot at your lowest f-stop. Use anything to stabilize the camera: mug, books, or rest it on the table. Or buy a nice external flash & learn how to use it properly (note to self).
9. Don't shoot all day hoping for a good shot. You'll have tons of photos to delete and or edit. You'll get overwhelmed by the work. This took me forever to learn. Slow down & look for the photo that you really want & then shoot it.
10. Don't expect or aim to shoot perfection every single day. Some days are just plain boring & you'll get over it. There's always another day. Some weeks you might be happy with two of the days & other weeks you'll be blown away by all seven photos. Be gentle with yourself.
12. Hook up with friends that are also doing a 365. Talk about your plans, talk about your frustrations & talk about what you love. Schedule photowalks. Meet for dinner or drinks before hand & explore a neighborhood with your friends & cameras. If you don't have friends near by, join Flickr & find a 365 group. Ask your questions or just get lost in the thousands of photos by talented photographers. Those photographers will push you to look at things differently, try new things, & inspire you to keep going with your 365.
13. Shoot something every day. Anything!
No one says that you must start a 365 on 1/1. The best thing to do is to start. Pick a day & start shooting. And if you quit, you gave it a good try. No one says you can't start again.
My round two lives here.
365, Personal Projects
Reader Comments (2)
Very good explanation of a 365.
i can not believe you are doing it again....amazing. i wish i had the will to even try, but man, i really blew the 120 i was going for...someday, i will.