I'm not really sure where I first heard of "Project 365," but I recall being inspired and thinking to my self, "one day I'll do a project 365."  Well, that day is today.  I guess I'm starting a couple weeks late, if we're counting from the beginning of the year.  But, project 351 just doesn't have the same ring to it.  So, ignore this small discrepancy, m'kay?

If you're not familiar with what Project 365 is, let me spend a few moments to explain:

Project 365 is any project you commit to doing once a day for an entire year.  The one I originally encountered was a photographer.  But, I suppose this could really be applied to anything you want to do more of in your life that you don't do, or do very little of now.  For me, taking a picture a day is a big undertaking.  I'm a husband, father, and a graphic designer.  All of those things take up time, and can easily overwhelm me to a point where adding another "something" into my life seems impossible.  This project, however, it's something I need.  I need to expand my creative horizons, and take time to slow down.  And, I want to reap the benefits of taking a picture a day for an entire year.  If you're wondering why I might embark on such a thing, here's some benefits I hope to experience:

I look forward to looking back after the year has passed, and seeing all the pictures I've taken--all the people I've met, places I've been, things I've eaten, experiences I've gone through.

As I said, I'm excited to make the world slow down.  It seems that ever since I've had my kid, life moves 2x faster than it did BE (before Ella).  And, it was already clipping along pretty quickly beforehand.  Being able to take in the world around me in a conscious manner will certainly help.  As Ferris Bueller said it, "Life moves pretty fast.  If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you might miss it."

And lastly, I've been told that taking a photo a day will make me a better photographer.  I guess this goes without saying.  No matter where anyone is in their artistic endeavors, practice makes "perfect."  For me, I think this will push my creative potential; Forcing my self to find something new to photograph every day will undoubtedly squeeze out my creative juices.

So, here's how I plan on making my Project 365 a reality:

I'm going to take a camera everywhere.  It's not practical for me to take my "professional" camera everywhere.  But I will when I can.

When I can, I'm going to go on theme shoots.  I'll go shoot red doors, or dogs, or nature stuff.

And lastly, I'm going to blog the week's favorite pic on the blog, and I'm not going to let it slip.  Knowing who I am, I won't follow through if I get overwhelmed.  Staying on top of the posts, is imperative.  So, if you see me slipping, send me a nasty-gram.

With that, here's picture #1.  A sorta self-portrait--of my raggedy tennis shoes.

Public service announcement.

This is a great idea pulled together by fellow photog Jeremy Cowart, someone I've been following on Twitter for a little over a year.  His message is simple: on December 12, 2009 we all grab our cameras, find people in need, and take their pictures.  And when the prints are ready, we deliver them to those people.  It's about helping people who never dreamed of having their portrait made.

So, what is this all about?  It's not about you.  It's about them.  It's about helping people see the beauty of who they are, and exposing their greatness.

For more information, visit Help Portrait.

If you're planning on helping, please say so here.  It may inspire others to get out there.

Great video from Zach Arias. A bit long, but worth it.  Enjoy.

If you haven't heard of Into the Darkroom (ITDR), you've been living under a rock.  Not only do they have some of the bombest website and blog designs for photographers, the team at ITDR is top-notch, 100%.  Professional, kind, responsive, and responsible.  Good peeps all the way around.

My site and blog are part of their Dream Package, which includes an integrated blog, website, and slideshow design.  Smokin'!  Check out the Dream Package Here

I'm always in search of inspiration, inside and outside the wedding industry. James Christianson led me on to Eric Ogden, a fashion and celebrity photographer and filmmaker that has graced the pages of publications like The New York Times Magazine, Vogue, and Vanity Fair.  Check him out!

Photo copyright: Eric Ogden.