My First Post - project365

I thought what could be a better way to start a blog than with something I've decided to dedicate a year on my life doing. On March 4th, I took my first of 365 self portraits. Being the photographer I have few photographs of myself. I've always tried to take a photo of myself when I'm out somewhere, but that usually doesn't get done. So when I decided to do this project I knew it could only be self portraits. To say the least, I've had a great time doing it. It has been a great way to push my creativity to another level. It keeps me thinking. I have to admit most of my shots are not planned out days or usually hours in advanced, but shot on a whim at that moment. That's probably why I usually find myself thinking "I need to take my portrait today" at 9, 10 and even 11 at night. One thing I've learned about myself is how my creativity comes from the most simple things. Something I see laying around the house, or like the image above, my t-shirt. It's proven to me beyond a doubt an idea can form out or almost nothing and result in something you're amazed it came out of your head.
The think that has been the most incredible to me is the response I've received from people about what I'm doing. Family and friends have given me the best compliments for going on this adventure. As a member of a photography club (Cherokee Photography Club) I'm surrounded by very good photographers all the time. When I receive their praise and encouragement, it blows me away because many of them have been shooting almost as long as I've been alive. It means a lot to me to hear them to say what they do. It makes me try harder and harder to come up with the next, often crazy, but good idea. It is so amazing to have someone tell me they just can't wait to see what I'll come up with next. When one photographer told me when they look at my work it makes them feel inadequate, I realized I have people looking up to me for inspiration. I had been doing the looking for so long, I've never realized what it was like to be on the receiving end. I hope through this project I can only keep encouraging others to strive for better images, be more creative and just keep shooting.