blandcanyon

Today is day 100 of 2009 and day 100 of my Project 365 picture-a-day for a year project. Although I am woefully behind in post-processing and uploading the daily photos to my gallery, I haven't yet missed a day with the camera!

Why did I start this picture-a-day project? And why should you consider trying it?

First, using my camera every day gives me more opportunities to improve my photography skills. Like many amateur photographers, most of my shots are duds. Only a small percentage are ones I would show to other people. I hope to improve that percentage so that I don't waste as much film time sorting through so many images.

I also want to use more capabilities of my camera equipment. I get stuck in ruts where I use the camera in predictable ways, ignoring settings that would improve the images, or at least make me think about the scene from different perspectives.

Shooting a variety of subjects challenges me to try different post-processing techniques. Would the image look better with desaturated colors, or even black and white? What crop makes the subject more interesting? How about some wacky contrast and levels adjustments for something a bit unusual?

Finally, taking a picture every day forces me to think artistically and creatively at least once a day. Whether I actually succeed at being artistic and creative is another matter, but at least I try!

I've seen many other photographers embark on a Project 365. Many do self portraits every day. Others choose a specific location or subject, such as their kids, to photograph every day. Regardless of the subject, forcing yourself to use your camera every day will make you a better photographer.

One hundred down, another hundred sixty five to go. You can check on my progress in my picture-a-day gallery.