Photo A Day Experiences

[Mike Farley]

I have just posted the 92nd image in my 365 project, which means that I am a quarter of the way through having started on 1 January. Officially my project did not come about as a New Year's resolution. It was more of a spur of the moment thing and I started because it was a sunny day. It has been a seat of the pants thing ever since! If it had been a resolution, it would have been the best one ever as sticking to something for more than three minutes, let alone three months, has never been my forte!

Looking back at what I wrote in my introduction to my very first image, in many ways shooting an image a day has met my expectations. Some days have been more difficult than others, but having a camera with me has meant there has always been something. One of the lessons has been that it is possible to get an image in situations which I would not have previously considered or had the courage to try.

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My skills have improved in other ways and I have plans to try out different subjects and techniques in the coming months. There is still a long way to go!

What has been the experience of others here who are doing a regular photo project?

[Mike Farley]

One technique which I have learnt is to use live view when doing macro work, which is so much more convenient than looking through the view finder. I like the convenience of being able to move the focussing point to where I want it, the live histogram, the ability to enlarge the view and that the screen does not darken when assessing depth of field. The only downsides are the slower focussing, which is rarely an issue as I have only shot static subjects so far, and the way that live view rapidly depletes the battery.

[Paul Heester]

Well Im only doing a photo a week so not working as hard as you 365ers but a few things have come to mind.

I concur with your use of liveview for focusing. I hadnt used that option before but for my Week 05 shot of the brandy glass it really made a difference to sharpness.

Ive bought more camera accessories than in the last 5 years combined - finger lights, battery-operated tree lights, light stand & umbrella and wireless flash triggers. I even persuaded the local aquarium shop to give me an unused tank! Most of these items will be props for future images over the year.

Also the realisation that you must be adaptable to changing situations. My set plans have been skuppered on a few occasions and needed to fallback to other ideas quickly.

[Mike Farley]

Until I used it, I did not see the point of live view. Now that I know what it can do, I would not be without it.

I know what you mean about accessories. I have not invested yet, but I just know that Dave's strobism post is going to cost me money.

[davidc]

I'd written a detailed email and upon hitting send it lost itself in the ether... So I'm afraid it's bullet points

- Overall I'm really enjoying it! The pictures I've taken and what I've learned have been really fun and useful, so far it's giving me what I want. Granted on some occasions it's been stressful having to find a photo but I've also found so e of those times have yielded images I've loved.

- Goal 2 of the project was to improve my photoshop skills. Although I still want to stay firmly on the side of photographer rather than photoshopper, it's an integral part of photography and I did need to improve. I think it's coming along nicely and there are images in my 365 already that have more, and more subtle, image manipulation than wwr before. A prize if you can spot it

- An unexpected benefit in getting involved in numerous online groups/forums/photo sharing sites has been the huge increase in contacts, feedback and interaction! It's really surprised me! A slight drawback is the occasional frustration when I post a good picture yet the likes/favourites/comments are rather lacking yet you see utter garbage score highly purely because the person has a later social network! It's human nature, and I realise and remind myself the only person whose opinion counts is mine but still... A little gentle envy is human nature

- I get disappointed with the "macro photos of everyday household object" shots. Though I do find macro photography interesting they aren't challenging and the point of the project is to learn. They sometimes feel like filler which may be inevitable in a 365 project but I still feel I ought to plan better and think of other options.

- totally agree with Paul on the photo prop spending! My amazon order history looks bizarre!

- the strobist stuff especially has been overwhelmingly the best part for me. It's something I knew nothing about and although I realise many of my existing efforts are pretty modest it's been great fun and an enjoyable learning experience. Expect to see much more of this

- I need more willing models! Although I'm now no longer worried/afraid about doing self portraits anymore which considering I was quite camera shy is also a huge benefit

[Nina]

Good to see your review David. I wish I had your patience and determination. I never intended to do a PAD, but posting every now and then has been disappointing as I don't get any comments even from people in my own club. I know it's not all about that, but it is nice to know what people think, sometimes.

[davidc]

Good to see your review David. I wish I had your patience and determination. I never intended to do a PAD, but posting every now and then has been disappointing as I don't get any comments even from people in my own club. I know it's not all about that, but it is nice to know what people think, sometimes.

One thing I've been noticing is that - excluding sites like flickr/500px where you only post there for comments/feedback - is that other photographers seem to be the least inclined to comment and discuss other photographers work Which is ironic since it's usually the opinions of other photographers that are most useful!

Don't get too disheartened though, the forums here are still finding their feet!

[Mike Farley]

When an image is posted in this forum which is intended for sharing, there are very few options available. Other than saying something along the lines of "good photo", it is difficult to know how to respond with appearing to disrespect the photographer's intentions. This has been excerbated by a number of photos being published as part of PAD or PAW projects. With the PADs in particular, quality is inevitably going to be variable. Around half the images I have added here have no comments against them, including some which I like. That said, these projects are more about learning and improving, rather than publishing a superb image every day, something which would be beyond the reach of ANY photographer. My own view is that I take photos for myself and if someone else likes them, that is a bonus.

[Ronald Barker]

For my part I go on the forum everyday to look at what you guys are doing, I find it difficult to comment on tech. side of things and to post well done each time would be boring. Having said that you are doing very well.
I do not thing I have the mind to do such a project. Please keep the good work.

[Nina]

When an image is posted in this forum which is intended for sharing, there are very few options available. Other than saying something along the lines of "good photo", it is difficult to know how to respond with appearing to disrespect the photographer's intentions. This has been excerbated by a number of photos being published as part of PAD or PAW projects. With the PADs in particular, quality is inevitably going to be variable. Around half the images I have added here have no comments against them, including some which I like. That said, these projects are more about learning and improving, rather than publishing a superb image every day, something which would be beyond the reach of ANY photographer. My own view is that I take photos for myself and if someone else likes them, that is a bonus.

Well put Mike, my feeling exactly. I'd like to see more pics posted for comment/critique and people actually bothering to respond. For my own part I shall endeavor to comment on all pictures posted in image critique section of the forum.