Final Project 365 Portrait

Well, it’s complete. I’ve spent the last year shooting a portrait every day. This has been an incredible journey and a very good exercise in creativity. It’s been a full year for me also. I’ve gone from being a husband to being a husband and a father. Where most photographers I’ve seen, who have done this, start on January 1. I keep putting it off and then decided on my birthday I would start it. It just so happened we had snow on the ground and a friend called me to go to Springer Mountain with him where there was 12” on the mountain. What a better way to start a project than one, on your birthday and two, on a snow covered mountain. So it began.

I tried to keep it original with every shot. I expected some similarities, but tried to make each one unique. The funniest part is there were so many nights where I can up with the idea in about five minutes. And then there were the nights that I realized at 11pm I needed to shoot my photo for the day. There was only one day I almost messed it up. I had intended shoot that one in Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park at night. The park ranger had another idea. Some friends, my bride and I were shooting for a little while and just before I could do what I intended, we were kicked out. I did make it into one that night, even though, you can physically make me out, I was in it light painting with a flashlight.

I’ve looked back over the images and I can’t believe the ideas I’ve come up with. It’s so great that there are several life changing moment that are represented in these photos.

I have a photo from the day I found out I was going to be a father.

The day we found out the due date.

The day he was born.

There’s our sixth anniversary. 

Birthdays (including the first photo)

A few trips including our first pacific sunset in San Fancisco.

A wedding we shot.

A beach at 4am (http://4amproject.org/). 

The end of one year and the beginning of the next.

Friends.

Family.

I have to say a very big THANK YOU to those that have not only had to deal with me doing this, but those that have also been a part of my photos. I know I can be so detailed it takes time to get it correct. I have had nothing but the best support from my family and friends. This include my Twitter, Flickr and Facebook fans. I appreciate all the comments you’ve made on my photos. The feed back you have given me and the constant encouragement from day one has been amazing. I never expected to receive that much.
I have to say a special Thank You to my wonderful bride who has had to endure this day after day. There have been several nights where plans had to work around me being able to get my photo that night. She has been a great sport through each of these. Even spending time helping me to put 364 images all over our living room so I could get my last photo. It took almost 30 minutes to set up and pick up all them up and all that for about one minute of actual shooting. You have been the best through this and your support has been incredible. I know you are too small now, but thank you also to our son who has already had to deal with me and this project. It is great you were able to be a part of this.

I appreciate everyone taking time to follow this wonderful journey for me.