Well I can hardly believe it, but today marks the one year anniversary of the date I began my Project 365 journey. It’s been quite an adventure! While I wasn’t able to post an image every day, I can at least say that I stuck with it despite feeling, more often than I care to admit, like chucking the whole exercise. So very many day I wished I had never taken on the challenge. So very many days that I really didn’t have the time to spare to participate, but grudgingly did so anyway. And so very many days I did not even want to post all those so-so and even bad images, but felt compelled to do so anyway just to get it over with.
But then there were many, many days that I rejoiced in the challenge because I knew I was growing as a photographer, growing faster than I could possibly have grown without taking the challenge. There were many ah-ha moments along the way, moments when things just clicked (pun intended) right into place. But I think what’s even more important than all of those light bulb moments was the cumulative effect of learning just by “doing it” every day. I am thrilled with how far I have come over the past year and I know a great part of that is because I stuck with it and forced myself to keep shooting, editing, and posting my images even when I didn’t feel like it.
Today marks the end of my Project 365 journey. A lot of life happened over the past year, and there were times the challenge just wasn’t an even an option for me. But I feel satisfied in knowing that I did my best and stuck with it until the end. It was a challenge so worth taking and I encourage you, if you are a photographer reading this post, to take the challenge yourself. Without a doubt you will grow and you will learn. It’s a journey worth pursuing, one you won’t regret (at least not most of the time 🙂 ).
So, if you’re wondering if I plan to continue with the P365 journey the answer is no… and yes. I don’t plan to continue the daily challenge because I need to spend more time working on other important projects, not the least of which is my new photography business. Several months ago I opened a small home photography studio and I will be dedicating much of my time to growing and developing my business. It will be a balancing act between caring for my family, my business, and my personal life with friends and through my church. But my passion for photography will keep me shooting and sharing, so I will still post my work as often as I am able.
I want to say a special “Thank You!” to those of you who have been following me through this journey! I appreciate you more than you know. And I want to especially thank those of you who reached out to me with your kind words and “likes”. Your support and encouragement means the world to me. As an artist it is often very difficult to put our work out there for the world to see. Though we are generally our own worst critics (I am certainly mine!), we can’t help but fear (perhaps a little too strong a word to use here, but I am at a loss to come up with another) the other critics out there. So it really does help to know when we’ve sparked a little something in the viewer and get the proverbial pat on the back or thumbs-up. This too was a big part of the growing and learning process for me, and I am truly thankful for all of you!
So although today marks the end of my Project 365 challenge, my photography journey is still in its infancy and I anticipate, with eagerness and joy, many more adventures along this incredible journey. I am dedicated to learning and growing, day by day and year by year, to become the best photographer I can become. I hope you’ll stick with me, offering your encouragement, support, and even constructive criticism along the way. If you decide to take the challenge yourself, or are already participating in the challenge please let me know! I would love to see your work, learn from you, and encourage you along your journey.
Thanks again to all of you and God bless!
Sassy Susan Creates 