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365 Project

This year I've challenged myself to start a 365 project ~ that is, taking one good photo every day. Care to join me?

Now I fully realize taking one good photo a day, every day, is ambitious... so maybe I can hope for 7 good photos a week, or 30 good photos a month, or 365 this year.

Defining good, of course, is arbitrary too. Since my personal focus is on selling stock photos this year, I'll endeavour to produce at least one photo that gets accepted by a stock agency per day (or 7 a week, or... you get the picture!)

* Photo of the Day

Tips to Succeed with a Daily Shoot

Daily Shoot Tips # 1: Always have your Camera with you

If you always have your camera with you, it helps you to maintain a heightened awareness. Always be on the lookout for a photo-opportunity, even in the most mundane of things. You don't have to aim for a dramatic, eye-catching photo every time you lift your camera, but don't allow yourself to become lazy either.

Also, don't tell yourself you'll take a picture later... when the inspiration strikes, be ready to act. Once you start developing your observational skills in this way, magic starts to happen.

Many photographers also use iPhone photography to supplement their images. You almost always have it on you and it allows you to capture those wonderful small details of life and living that you may overlook if you rely solely on a DSLR.

Daily Shoot Tips # 2: Make Light your Best Friend

Train your eye to analyze light and use it to your advantage. Look out for light that is unexpected and does more than just illuminate a subject. For example, there is drama in backlight.

Look for contrasts between shadow and light and the beautiful spotlight effects that often appears in the early morning and late afternoon.

Make use of off camera light to supplement available light. Experimenting with light can be a wonderful way to create spectacular photos.

Daily Shoot Tips # 3: Break out of your Comfort Zone

As photographers we often get into a comfort zone of shooting the same things over and over, but this won't develop you as a photographer. Try something different. If you've had a lot of success with landscapes, focus on portraits for a week. If you're comfortable with portraits, why not experiment with macro shots?

There are great tutorials on the web to develop your skills. Don't just read them, apply your knowledge as soon as possible. This will help you broaden your perspective no end.

Daily Shoot Tips # 4: Think in Themes

If you start thinking in weekly themes, you'll never run out of ideas. Focus on color for a week, or pets, or beverages, or a favorite location.

Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

* Compose abstracts out of something common;

* Get out the ladder and make a bird's eye view your theme for a week (or get down low and try a worm's view);

* Find a puddle, pool or any body of water and make photos of reflections;

* Make photos that go with the lyrics of your favorite songs;

* Create images that highlight an object's texture;

* Focus on a word: hot, cold, soft, shiny;

* Think concepts: the economy, health, victory, love, anger, technology;

* Photograph modes of transportation.

Really, the list is endless!

Daily Shoot Tips # 5: Process your Photos in a Timely Fashion

Taking photos is the easy part. The challenge is not to fall behind with processing and publishing. This is where a healthy dose of self-discipline comes in. Try to get into a rhythm of editing photos at least weekly, if not daily. This is what makes the difference between success and failure.

Daily Shoot Tips # 6: Be Accountable

Find a way to make yourself accountable. Find a buddy or post your progress to a social network. Have fun with it!

Check out blipfoto.com, a daily photo journal. This is a website that lets anyone join in to publish one photo per day. It's a great way to document your life in pictures.

Daily Shoot Tips # 7: Start Today!

A lot of photographers start their 365 project on the first of January, but of course you don't have to. You can start any day of the year and really, today is as good as any!

I would love for you to join in the fun! Submit your thoughts on themes and favorite images here...

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Have A Great Shot?

Do you have a great shot you'd like to submit? Share it!

1. Please upload 1 to 4 images that you consider your best shot(s).
2. Give us some information about your equipment and camera settings.
3. Tell us more about the location that the image was taken.
4. We would love to get to know you, so feel free to introduce yourself and tell us more about you and your passion for photography!

Happy shooting and sharing,
Mia Rose :)

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