"How a 365 Project Crushed My Creativity"
diyphotography.net/how-365-pro...
Interesting read. Please feel free to discuss.
The author makes a few interesting points. Fortunately -- or unfortunately? -- they don't directly apply to me. First, he is a professional photographer. How many of those are among us? Probably more than 0, but probably fewer than 20%? Just a guess.
He says most 365 projects should follow a theme. I can't say this had not occurred to me, although in a slightly different form. I thought that perhaps all the photos I post should be in the same style, like, perhaps, the same Snapseed processing recipe. But that's assuming all my photos are taken with an iPhone, which is a trend I am hoping to break, not maintain.
So far, the five photos I have posted (not counting the inaugural screenshot) look like they could have been taken by five different people. That does not make me happy.
You can call it eclectic. I call it random. I respect the projects where the theme or the style are evident.
The author says 365 is hard work and has a purpose: getting better. If I start thinking that way, I will probably give up to. I came to play, not work.
If I had to explain why I embarked on this project, I would probably say to better remember my days. We (who have kids) often say that days are long and years are short. I think I would like to slow down and stretch out my year a little more.
And yes, it would be nice to get better in the process. But I don't think getting better will happen by itself without putting in the kind of work the author describes, and without more pointed discussion of what works and doesn't work in my photography and my project.
I am going to concentrate on the documentary and community aspect of the project for now, and see what happens.
tigg Clearly you love colour .... which maybe a style in itself. Very interesting talk you have started here.
Gogi Golzman
i don't know man
i'm a professional photographer
that's my second year (in tookapic)
and my creativity just gone bigger and better =]
ponzu What about
" If we’re not going to put in the effort, why bother? And effort, my friends, takes time. Planning it. Shooting it. Processing it. Posting it. At its most basic, those four steps actually take up a considerable amount of time. And time means pressure."
Do you see the parameters differently, or do you agree with the basic premise, and just don't mind the pressure as much as the writer?
Gogi Golzman
look at my project
i think you'll see the effort , the process , the posting
Katrina Yu WOW. He seems such a whiner.
If finishing a 365 project is a mythical creature then he must haven't met someone who is doing an "everyday" project. (I recently started calling my project Everydays too after I finish my 365). They must be God-like level for him.
Let me introduce you to a few.
Meet, Scott McBride (flickr.com/photos/scottmacbrid...). Currently on his 7th round of 365-project. That's 2436 photos right now.
(Check his titles and how they interpret them, they're sooooo punny and witty. Absolutely genius.)
Meet, Mike Winkelmann (beeple-crap.com/everydays.php), 11th round of 365 (I got the name "everydays" from him). Currently on 3789th day of non-stop art. And they're not even just snapshots, they're creative images.
Mike in one interview even describes what's it like doing an "everyday" while his wife was in labor. Everytime I feel like I can't do it because I don't have time or just being lazy, I would ask myself - would that stop Mike? Loll Seriously crushing on this guy's work ethic.
You mentioned that you started this to project to help better remember your days. I record my days too, in video form. A project called "1 second everyday", where you compile 1 sec (I sometimes do more cause the clip is precious) everyday for 365 days and you'll have 6 minutes of your life in flashback. 10 years, 60 mins of your life. I've been doing this since 2013. (I have around 30 mins of my life in flash back video rn.)
My 365/Everyday is where I practice creativity.
I think it's really important on what kind of people you surround yourself with. Equally important on what kind of inspiration you absorb on a daily basis, not just in a single project but on life in general. Don't they say that you are the average of 5 people you spend your time with?
Creativity? We all have it in us. Really. I truly believe it. Unfortunately, we don't give ourselves enough leeway to do so.
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jewels Interesting indeed.. And I do love the That tree project (I have been following it). I do however disagree with the author: no you don't necessarily need a theme; yes, some of us have their own personal style from day one, while most it seems don't find that style until much later, if at all. Of course your photos are bound to be better on some days than others, of course, you'll have days when your best will be a simple streak pic, but you will also surprise yourself with good shots on the days you least expect it. Once thing I DO know: no matter where one starts from, what their theme or style is, a lot of learning, fun, frustration, elation, beauty, serendipity will be found along the way. Good luck with your project and your journey :-)