Day 508 of 365 More.
And Happy New Year. I personally didn’t do very much today, so I don’t have much to talk about. I spent the day recovering from my new years hangover while working on photos and playing video games.
Instead I’d like to use this space to welcome all the new 365ers that are showing up in my little web community today. I always say it amazes me what this thing has become, and new years, as one might expect is always the biggest membership day of the year. Usually we get about 11 people signing up every day. But between midnight and midnight zulu time, we got 134, and that number is still climbing as the first day of the year winds down on the western hemisphere.
Not only are a whole bunch of new people signing up, but my fellow 365 All-Stars, flickr.com/photos/daverexwood/2154084009/, ambrosialove and Stephen Poff. After finishing their first years and taking some time off, all of them have returned for a second go around. That just speaks to how addictive this whole project is.
If any new 365ers happen upon this photo by your humble founder, please allow me to welcome you and give you a few tips. 1) Don’t sweat the project. It’s a very hard (while fulfilling) committment. Just make sure you try to take a shot everyday. They don’t have to all be works of art. Once you get into the routine of it, it becomes a lot easier. 2) Look through the 365 Forum for ideas. There are some great photographers in there that you can draw inspiration from, as well as a whole list of mini-challenges you can use on days where you’re stuck for an idea. 3) Comment on some pictures. This project becomes a lot easier once you realize there are other people out there doing it as well. If you find some people who’s work you like, mark them as a contact and comment on their pics. They’ll likely do the same. Once you have some good friends you’re sharing this experience with, it becomes much more fun and rewarding. 4) Watch the 365 Days Podcast. You can also subscribe to it in iTunes. Stephen and I have done this project before and have run into a lot of the problems you’re likely to run into. Hopefully we’ll be able to help you out. 5) Check out some of the 365 Alumni. They’ve all been through it as well, and after a solid year of self-portraiture, you become something of an expert. Take a look at their work. If you’re really feeling into it, take a look at mine, either in my set or (shameless plug) maybe get the book I wrote of my first year.
So good luck to anyone attempting the project, and anyone thinking about it who hasn’t jumped in yet, here’s your chance. Take the leap.
Happy new year, love
Seriously, back when I started this whole thing, I had no idea that people would respond the way they have to all of this. But I’m glad to have you all aboard. Listen to Mav, he’s always a source of good advice on all of this.
Just remember that it’s really all about you. Learn something about yourself through the process. Most importantly, learn to love you.
Also be sure to write something about your day. It’s so much more fulfilling at the end of the year to go back and be able to remember why you look the way you look in any given photo. I look forward to seeing you all every day in 2008!
~Stephen~
I started my second year today. I took a couple of months off, now I’m ready to go again.
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Seen on my Flickr home page. (?)
All I know is this: if I can get through it, ANYBODY should be able to get through it. Of course I still have 26 more days 🙂 Happy New Year!
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Seen in my contacts’ photos. (?)
you shoot with an XTi!? wow… *impressed*
or is this merely a second body!?
*glad to now be part of the Alumni… but back for another full year!*
I agree, and I agree with something that mav said on the podcast. Don’t think all your photo’s have to be creative and feel scared cause there are some 365ers out there that have some really fantastic ideas and you may feel that you can’t compete with them.
It’s not about that I feel it’s a way to express yourself and you’ll fnd out a lot more about yourself at the end of your project….most of all..
Have Fun!
I started my 2nd year yesterday.
I wanted to tell you though
…
that even though I suck at commenting
I do check out your stream
and you are a wonderful source of inspiration
and I thank you for that.
Wishing you and yours the happiest of New Years!
May this be your best one yet.
I just started year 2 also!! Couldn’t stay away!
@spresogna: happy new year to you too, babe.
@Stephen Poff: well said. I wonder how long before you and I get tired of preaching the joys of this project?
@Rockin’ Rob: cool. Welcome back and good luck.
@amanky: nope, I use the XTi. This shot was actually taken in a mirror and then flipped in photoshop.
@or4ngecrush: its Mav, not Marv. But thank you. Well said.
@jeneyepher and @Mand-eye: Glad to have you back for a second year.
Week 3 Podcast… We’re sick of this… anyone feel like hosting?
j/k, I hope I never tire of it.
@Stephen Poff: heh… I just hope we don’t run out of things to talk about.
I’m on day 39 for my 1st round of 365 and I’m still reading through your 365 pictures, I think I’m on day 4 or 5 of reading you… hell I don’t know anymore LOL I’m loving it so far, I really need to get the podcasts.
@~*Denise*~: glad you’re enjoying it. It’s always nice to hear that I’ve touched someone else’s life.