What do you think . . . u

ohkphoto

ohkphoto

Snow White
So, another year is almost upon us and I'm curious to know how your approach to photography has changed after participating in a project365.

I did 2 years back to back (2011 and 2012) and didn't this year, 2013, so it gave me a chance to see if it made a difference.

What I learned when I did participate in a 365 was that photography was always on the "front burner" and it made me push my technique and creativity. This year I seemed to have other things that took priority . . . and rightfully so because for me 2013 was NOT my favorite year in terms of crises. . . so my images have suffered a little, I think. I don't have as many from this year that I'm proud of.

For me, there's something magical about starting on January 1st and completing a project. I know I felt really good after completing each year . . . and I ended up with a nice portfolio. So, I am going to do another one for 2014 . . . maybe structure it a little differently for myself.

How about the rest of you? Did it help or hurt your skills?
 
Scott Murray

Scott Murray

Senior Member
Helene I am thinking the same thing, I struggled this year and honestly it was my first attempt at a 365. But I am going to try a 365 for 2014 if it kills me lol.
 
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mikew_RIP

Senior Member
Well I have finally decided not to do a 365,the reason being ime recently retired and have spent the best part of 50 years working to deadlines and having to achieve targets.
Its now time to kick back and only do what I want when I want,my often as possible thread has given me great pleasure and I will continue it into next year and complete a full 12 months on that.


Good luck to all those that attempt it, looking forward to all the great pictures
 
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Moab Man

Senior Member
Let me say, this thread will be an absolute must read for anyone starting out or wanting to improve their skill set. And I hope that those that didn't complete theirs entirely, but did do it, will share their thoughts as well.

For myself...
Stage 1: I started out with great enthusiasm and there was something to shoot everywhere around me. Thirty days in was where I found stagnation. The easy stuff to shoot that lays all around you has been used up.

Stage 2: I started looking at other peoples work differently, for inspiration or ideas. Not to copy their work, but to try similar things and figure it out.

Stage 3: Reading, reading, reading! I needed to understand what made one photo so much better than another photo - composition, lighting, etc. It also included a thorough understanding of aperture, shutter speed, and ISO - not just book smart but real world application.

Stage 4: Planning my shots. Of course I couldn't always plan my shots because life gets in the way and a Project 365 waits for no one, but when time was available there was thought and preparation that went into making a photograph and it showed.

Stage 5: Improving and understanding my post production skills. It takes more than just a cursory knowledge.

I also asked people how they did a shot. One person imparticular that I owe a lot of thanks to is Dave_W. I was in awe at his Milky Way shots. Of course none of us can give a recipe of how to shoot a spectacular Milky Way, or anything else. However, I approached Dave_W the right way - knowing I knew nothing at the time - and asked Dave_W, "I know you can't tell me how to hit a home run Milky Way photo, but can you tell me how to get in the ballpark?" Like many of the great photographers on here; they are willing to share if when asking a question you are actually listening - remember, you asked them, they will share but don't want to debat, YOU ASKED THEM. I am thrilled with how my Milky Way photos look, and artistically they are different from Dave_W's, but he kindly shared with me how to get in the ballpark and I have grown my own style.

Finally, at some point things just really came together. No longer was I going through a clunky mental checklist of do this do that. It became fluid. The fluidity came from everyday reinforcing what I had been learning along the way and having to apply it day-to-day.

In the end, thanks to the Project 365, my skills have grown leaps and bounds over where I expected to be at this point. And like a maturing wine, I am now maturing my skills and can see how much more there is to learn and have the tools to do it.
 
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Pretzel

Senior Member
I only did an "as often as I can" project this year, but I enjoyed every bit of it as it pushed me to have "something" to show for my endeavors at least once a week or so, and I can see the improvement from day one until now. Thinking a "true" Project365 might be a little stressful at times, or might create some "junk" photos, as it's just not feasible to have my camera with me every single day, and I'd hate to just run out and snap a shot, but I'm considering it anyway... as to avoid the "junk" photo, it would force a guy to try and find that creative/artsy view no matter the situation.

I know one thing, I wish I had the time to browse every single one of the 365 threads, as what everyone else does pushes me to do better, and, well... I just love the pics! I have a feeling the forums are going to be just as packed as the gym for the next month or so, then some folks will probably settle out again. LOL

I've still got 2 days to consider. :)

edit: I do know one thing that came from going out and shooting so often, hoping to get up to that "shot a day" pace. In one of my classes, my instructor was guiding everyone through certain hands on projects, and each time she came to me, I dialed in, shot and sat back down. It kind of created a sense of pride when she said, "Wow... you REALLY know your camera, don't you?"
 
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Bill16

Senior Member
Frankly I failed my 365. I've been learning a lot, but doing that type of daily thing just isn't possible for me. But I can say I'm enjoying and learning with every photo I take. I can also say I've been learning and I have been inspired by the works of others here in their 365 and other threads.
I would like to keep adding to my 365 thread, even though as a 365 thread it doesn't fit. It does show my efforts and improvements as I learn and grow in photography even if it's slower than those here I consider my mentors that I look up to! :)
 
RockyNH_RIP

RockyNH_RIP

Senior Member
Bill16 said:
Frankly I failed my 365. I've been learning a lot, but doing that type of daily thing just isn't possible for me. But I can say I'm enjoying and learning with every photo I take. I can also say I've been learning and I have been inspired by the works of others here in their 365 and other threads.
I would like to keep adding to my 365 thread, even though as a 365 thread it doesn't fit. It does show my efforts and improvements as I learn and grow in photography even if it's slower than those here I consider my mentors that I look up to! :)
Click to expand...

Bill, Congrats! I would not call that a failure... Improving is what it is all about!

Pat in NH
 
Whiskeyman

Whiskeyman

Senior Member
I really want to participate in a "project 365", but I'm already behind the eight ball on that since I'm away from my home with no way to download shots from my camera until I get back home. Can we participate if we don't upload to the site every day, but just take a photo each day and upload them when we can?

Any way I look at it, there really isn't a downside to working on one of these. How could you not end up having learned from it?

WM
 
RockyNH_RIP

RockyNH_RIP

Senior Member
Wow! Great question Helene, where to start???? Maybe the beginning?? :)

In 2012, it was Sept when I got my DSLR and joined Nikonites.... I saw the 365's and decided to start my own... I took pictures most days and posted something everyday. It was fun and most important, the more I shot the more I saw! My ability to see a photo op was improving... I had some good weekend outings and would somtimes share some on sat and others on sun...

When 2013 began, I decided to try and do the whole complete 365 year. I understood this meant:
1. Photos taken everyday
2. Photos Posted everyday-posting (no more taking 8 on Saturday and post 4 and then the others on Sunday!)
3. Any photo goes (but to me, I wanted to try and make Good Photos - not just shoot all the wall hangings in my house - "bunnies")
4. Vary my opportunities - I shot a lot of products from work but:
Shot scenic, HDR, Flowers (really liked those), Wildlife (liked that 2), pets at home and dogpark, Buildings, internal work, Panormas
5. I also wanted to vary my gear, I always had 2 lens with and tryied to switch up. Also spent days of using just one lens or a single focal length
6. varied locations and conditions - Lakes, parks, rivers, cities, day, night and in between!

So, what did I think of it????
1. Harder than you think, especially trying to make good photo's and not a bunch of bunnies.. (yes, I took a few bunnies but a minimum)
2. Was it worth it?? Absolutely.. often I was out of my comfort zone but that forced learning...
3. What do I believe was my biggest benefit?? Learning to see opportunies in anything, a fence post, guard rail, blade of grass, rain drop on a leaf.... I found myself seeing a photo in places I never would have before. I have a long ways to go, but I learned so much relative to "seeing". I can go almost anyway and make and "image" that is decent because I am learning to see.

What were the negatives...
It was all consuming to do it right... it was difficult on occasion where I only saw daylight at my 20 minute break (winter) or full rainy days etc. But that was also part of the challenge.
Late in the year, my time was limited and I felt I was not always presenting my "best" image as I maybe did not have the time for a complett PP.

Would I recommend it??? Absolutely, a great learning experience and I want to thank all at Nikonites for sharing feedback as that helped me learn!
Would I do it again??? I am not sure... It was so intense... and time involved... I am thinking I will maintain a 365 thread but will NOT be in the contest... I can miss a day if I choose... I can chase a better image even it takes a couple days... I will still look to shoot daily but want to be more selective of the images I post, even if it means missing a day.... I will need to make that descision soon...

If you have never done it, give it a try... you can break off from everday if it gets too much... You will be amazed.....

Thanks to JDEG for the contest... all the nikonites who participated .. and most of all, all the Nikonites who shared knowledge with me..

Pat in NH
 
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RockyNH_RIP

RockyNH_RIP

Senior Member
Whiskeyman said:
I really want to participate in a "project 365", but I'm already behind the eight ball on that since I'm away from my home with no way to download shots from my camera until I get back home. Can we participate if we don't upload to the site every day, but just take a photo each day and upload them when we can?

Any way I look at it, there really isn't a downside to working on one of these. How could you not end up having learned from it?

WM
Click to expand...

WM, absolutely... I was away for 10 days, took the daily photos and uploaded them when I got back... tagging each post with the Date and Day of the Year and putting the correct photos in there... yes, 10 days away, 10 posts to catch up!! :)

Do it my friend! :)

Pat in NH
 
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Moab Man

Senior Member
Some have mentioned that a Project 365 might be just too much, and it is a lot to do. For those people I would say set yourself your own schedule. Maybe a Project 52 - one per week. Whatever the schedule you set for yourself stick to it. Similar to what RockNH found, that obligation of the photo schedule you set for yourself will help force you out of your comfort zone when you get bored with the stuff right in front of you.

I know the finding time part can be tough, but check yourself to see if it's actually a lack of time holding you back or is that an excuse for lack of effort. If it's a lack of time then so what you miss a shot for that day, week, or whatever schedule you set for yourself. However, if its just forcing yourself to get off your bottom end and go shoot something, at least for me, those were the days that forced me to see things differently and find a creative shot when I didn't want to actively go hunt one down.

For myself, I was not planning on doing another one in 2014. It can be exhausting. I really wanted to just do a Project 52. However, MoabLady has decided she really wants to give it a go so i am all in again. And to everyone else, set up your own Project ___ and give it a go. It's tough, but satisfying and oh so good for your shooting ability.

ps. After re-reading my above post, I'm hoping my post didn't come off to pushy. It's meant to be encouragement to set up what you feel you can do. :)
 
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Deezey

Senior Member
I for one am getting excited for the new year. I am looking forward to challenging myself. And to the new inspiration that awaits from my fellow friends on Nikonites. I believe the biggest reward to attempting a 365 is the fact that you are not alone.

Everyone on here will be there to cheer you on when you hit that wall. That's what makes it so great. You will see everyone struggle at some point in time. And then it will be your time to help them out. Not only do I believe we will grow as photographers, but it also gives us a splendid opportunity to grow as a community.

And as stated, it will push us into areas we didn't even think of taking our photography. Or maybe we have thought about it but lacked the courage to go there.
 
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Ironwood

Senior Member
I take my hat off to you Guys that can complete a 365, it would take a lot of commitment. I won't attempt one again this year, as I think it would put too much pressure on me, and would possibly take the fun out of photography for me.

In 2014 I will continue with "Ironwoods Plod", but hopefully contribute a bit more regularly than I did in 2013. I will also continue with "Ironwoods Pen Journey", though the quantity of pens I have been making has dropped off, due to less demand (mainly due to the downturn in the economy here I think).
When I look back through both of those threads, I can clearly see improvements in my work as I go.
Hopefully I will continue to improve.
 
BackdoorArts

BackdoorArts

Senior Member
I started out with an idea this year - a bad one - and failed after a week as it was far too restricting for where my skills were. I decided to try to shoot every day, and life circumstances made it such that I couldn't really do what I wanted, but I shot as much as possible, and was able to stretch into areas this year that I hadn't planned to go, and got much better in my post processing skills simply by spending time with the tools and learning to "make pictures" rather than simply play with filters.

I had my Mom stay with us over Christmas this year, and she asked me to give her copies of some of my photos so she can have them rotate through her screen saver at home. I used to post a lot to Facebook and she would grab them from there, but since their use policy changed I've stopped doing that, and Mom hasn't bothered to learn how to download from Flickr (hey, she does well in the internet age for a 72 year old former housewife with no computer experience until she was almost 60). So we paged backwards through my Photostream and as she asked for one I'd find it in Lightroom and export an appropriately sized copy, and as I did it I couldn't help but notice the points at which I made measured improvements in my "darkroom" techniques. I found myself cringing at overcooked HDR shots, over-saturated and way too contrasty cityscapes and the like. But the kicker would come when she'd say something like, "I love how you did that" or "I love how you made that look", and I'd go back and show her the original RAW file and try and step through my process. I never save my layers in PS when I'm done as they take up so much more space, so I attempted to recreate the shot, and every time I did the version I came up with was absolutely better than the one I'd done earlier in the year, even when I repeated the overcooking.

I'm not saying this to pat myself on the back, though I'm proud of the growth I've made. What I'm saying is that there's nothing that helps your photography more than just doing it. On top of that, I spent a lot of time this year looking at the work of others and allowing myself to be influenced by what I saw. With some I saw things I wanted to emulate, with others things I wanted to avoid, and with the rest it just served to fuel the fire with ideas - places to go, styles to try, lenses to buy.

This year I am thinking I have two parallel paths I want to travel on. The first is simply a continuation of this year's journey - to keep shooting and growing, trying new techniques and refining what I'm only starting to see as a personal style and vision.

The other path is something that I have only given serious consideration in the last week and that is to try and maximize my photos straight out of the camera - to start shooting JPEG. I was gifted an Eye-Fi card, allowing me to immediately upload and share my work, with edits limited to what I can do on my iPhone. After reading an article today I realized that by only shooting RAW I am shortchanging my camera knowledge. There are so many functions that folks ask about, from Active D-Lighting to High ISO NR to Profiles, that I can claim justifiable ignorance of since shooting RAW allows me to bypass them. And while that's neither a crutch or an excuse, it does point to a potential area of growth. Were I to be thrust into a situation where someone was willing to pay me to shoot something where I simply needed to hand them an SD card at the end of the event, could I deliver results, or does my photography rely more on my post processing skills than my shooting skills? I think it's more than OK to be a better "darkroom guy" as it's something I see with a lot of big names in photography. Heck, even a guy like Scott Kelby who lectures everywhere on Photoshop has a guy who handles all his post processing for him. But I know that I have room to grow there. So while I will continue to shoot RAW, my plan is to shoot RAW+JPEG this year and learn to maximize that other end of my camera.

I'm not sure if I'll do a 365 or not, or possibly even two 365 projects, but I will likely have 2 "as often as I can" threads this year with one featuring only Straight Out Of Camera" shots. I'm going to strive for one-a-day, but no promises.
 
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