I've been in a bit of a photography rut the past month or so. After I finished my last online course in natural lighting (which was awesome, by the way) I decided to take a little bit of a camera break because I took so many pictures during that course. My kids were tired of seeing me behind the camera and getting my 3-year old to cooperate was more than a nightmare. I attempted our Christmas card pictures and they were bad so I threw in the towel and called a professional (excellent decision, I must admit). I've taken the mandatory pictures of big events like Thanksgiving and my son's monthly pictures, but other than that I haven't really touched my DSLR. I used my camera phone a lot and even used my point and shoot more in 1 month than I have in the 3 years since I got the DSLR. Taking a break from the big camera has allowed me to read more and think about what I would like to do next without worrying about taking and editing more shots at the same time. When I saw a thread started on Clickin Moms about starting a 365 photo challenge for 2013 I knew I had to do it. I did a 52-week blog challenge in 2011 and appreciated that it forced me to write and document our lives that year. While sometimes it was boring and forced, it made me think and kept me committed. I didn't even consider doing any challenges this year with my son's birth and the insanity that followed. But, I need a new challenge and I think a 365 project is just what I need. Now, I won't promise these will ever be perfect, portfolio-worthy pictures. There might be days where all I can muster is a camera phone shot or maybe my point and shoot. But I really hope taking a picture every single day will force me to learn and grow in photography and challenge me as well.
So, that is my plan. I hope for the best and can't wait to see what comes out of my camera in 2013.
