The Beginning

On December 31, I started a 365 day photography challenge.  Setting up my own rules, I have to take a photograph every day and publish it.  Originally I was posting to Instagram and to Facebook, but now just to Facebook.  I use what ever camera I have handy so often times it is the camera on my cell phone. So far I have only missed 2 days.  Back in my perfectionist days, I would have tossed in the towel, since I haven't been "perfect".  But I am o.k. with it.  Maybe I will keep track and add them on to the end.

I suppose the first question is why am I doing this.  The answer: Because I love photography and I find myself, like writing, not getting it done.  I am trying to build a habit.  To make photography part of my every day life.  I certainly want to improve, but also to quiet my inner critic who is always telling me that my work is not good enough.  One of my irrational thinking patterns is the "all or nothing" pattern.  I will never get anything published with National Geographic so why should I even bother.  In fact I may never sell any photos or produce great works of arts.  There is tremendous competition out there.  Why should I attempt to produce something that will most likely never amount to anything.  That is what I am exploring this year.  Why do I want to take photographs.  Yes I love taking photos and occasionally, I think get a pretty good one.  But what is the meaning for me.  What is the purpose.  I am hoping that by doing it, the meaning will come.

What I have learned so far is that there are many supportive people out there.  People who are liking my photos and encouraging me along the way.  And I appreciate every single one of them.  And while I get frustrated sometimes because I feel like the camera on my phone takes better photos than what I can take with my Canon, I can do more artistic photos with my Canon.  I have more options.  And it is the photos that I take with my Canon that I generally get the most likes though not always.

I am learning that photography is about detail.  And I am not a detailed person.  I am taking an online class on taking portraits in natural light and am overwhelmed by everything you have to pay attention to.  I have taken some very good portraits--by accident.  Most of my photos that I like are accidental photos.  Though I think my "accidents" are better than other people's.  When I took a class on composition I realized that I am naturally drawn to the elements of composition.  And although some of my photos are "snap shots" they are thoughtful snap shots.  Some of my accidental portraits used the light in a way that we are learning.  I think what the class does is helps me with consistency.  Hopefully I will learn how to take more consistently good photos.

What I am struggling with is coming up with something new and unique every day.  I know there are photos everywhere, but what is interesting and what is dull.  What is just ordinary and what is ordinary but interesting.  The other piece that I struggle with is taking a photo that has a meaning.  That conveys an emotion.  I might have a dozen photos that I have taken over the years that I feel falls into the emotional category.  The instructor I have now is asking the question what are you trying to covey with this portrait.  What mood.  My friend, another photographer, and I look at each other and shrug our shoulders.  Not a clue.  I nice picture.  Is that enough?