What an incredible journey it was. Taking a photo with your camera every day, for 365 days is not as easy as it seems. Back in 2018, I saw one of my close friends, Shazar, complete a 365 and it was very intriguing for me. I wanted to commit to a project like this and truly see if I can do it. So, we made a pack — one photo for 365 days in 2019, with our cameras and we have to journal about it. Well, goddamn. Shazar is on day 500 and something at this point. He is the real MVP.
The thing that I loved about this project is that it gave me a visual memory when I tend to forget things that happen in my life. I’m simply not good at remembering important things that happen that I should be aware of. I have these photos to look back on and remember emotions, events and important days for myself or loved ones. I had a hard time with keeping up with the journaling aspect of this project as well. As I’m writing this I’m a few months behind but I have every photo for each day of the year documented and titled through this app called DayOne. Which by the way is an incredible app. At the completion of this — we are printing a copy of the photos and writings in a book form to share with one another. For those who want to start journaling or any form of documenting, this app is really great.
Some days were challenging to find something different to take a photo of that was interesting and not repetitive. It happened a few times for me. That is just the reality of this project. You wake up, maybe some coffee or tea, go to work, come home, make dinner, watch The Office and go to sleep. I did this quite often. It comes down to how badly you want to grow, practice and take the true time out of your day to do something like this. There are some days where I wish I took it more seriously.
Day 218/365 — August 6th, 2019
I was trying to get a photo of my sneakers for the marathon video I wanted to put together and this happened.
2019 was a special year for me personally. A lot of great things happened, some hardship and some days where I just had to get up and figure things out. I ran my first marathon. I will never forget that day from start to finish, every emotion, thought, and feeling from that day. I feel the same way with the 365. I can go back and remember what I did, what I was feeling, and proud moments that happened a long the way.
I challenge everyone to do something like this. It doesn’t have to be with photography. It can be anything you're passionate about that you can create some sort of goal or journey to better improve your skill set. I have seen growth in my photography and that to me is important. I stopped comparing my work to others and I now create content for me and that is so refreshing to say. I got caught comparing myself to others, for years when in reality it’s you who matters and you need to love who you are and be proud of the work that you create. I want to see a different and unique way of taking photos and this project helped me do just that.