PRETTY 365: Join Our Photographic Journey

T H R E E  H U N D R E D  S I X T Y  F I V E.

That’s a big number. It sounds even more daunting when you think of all the days, moments, laughs, tears, activities, and memories that will fill your everyday over the next year. So, just the mere thought of picking up your camera and taking a photo on each and every one of those days may make you want to stop reading this post right now. But, please, don’t!

I am here to invite you to join the first 365 Project hosted by the Pretty Forum! As of today, I will have completed my very first 365 Project!

What is a 365 Project?

It is the task of taking a photo every day for a one year period. Which I guess technically, this year will be 366 days!

There truly are not enough words to express how much all the emotions I am feeling at the completion of this! It was an undertaking for sure. Whew, a photo every. single. day?? If that seems overwhelming, just think of this old adage:  you can’t eat an elephant in one bite”. Just remember, one day at a time. One click per day. Through these daily clicks, my skills and creativity have been stretched, and I have pushed beyond self-imposed barriers to my confidence. They say practice makes perfect. And while I cannot say I am perfect, I can admit that the daily exercise of taking a photo has helped fine tune and expand my talent and skills.

And it is my hope that many of you will experience the same confidence and skill building I have. Through 2015, I learned to tote my camera everywhere and shoot in many different situations (whether lighting challenges or finding unique perspectives) to tell the stories of my every day.

Why Take on the Challenge?

Besides the tremendous growth you’ll experience as an artist, you will have tangible memories of your family’s day to day activities. In the fall of 2014, I reflected back on my business and was excited to see how much my business had grown. But, the side of the story that made me sad, I took no pictures of my own family. As in literally only photos on their birthdays. I was so consumed with documenting moments for others that I neglected to capture the moments of the people I cherish the most. Talk about deflating!

That was my motivation to start my 365 at the start of 2015. Do you have the same feelings? It’s time to fix that! What better way to grow in skills, creativity, and confidence all while building a year’s worth of tangible memories of your family to be passed down through generations!

And really, there’s no constraints or strict guidelines to follow other than shooting daily. You can take pictures of anything that inspires you. Some things I’ve photographed this year outside my kiddos: nature, food, sunsets, and self-portraits. Truly anything that inspires you to pick up your camera is worthy of your daily shot. No children? No problem! I’m certain your life is rich with moments begging to be captured. The point is to reach outside shooting only for clients and start shooting for yourself!

Talk about exciting! I will be helping host this project over on the Pretty Forum starting January 1 and running through the end of 2016! It would be great to see you all! Over on our special board I will be sharing tips as well as creating ideas throughout the year to keep you motivated to shoot. This will also be a place to share your images and see the ones from other’s who join in on our project as well. And we will be featuring our favorites here on the Pretty Blog each month!

So, who’s in? You, I hope!

Let’s make 2016 a great one of growth while capturing the moments of your everyday life!