Project 3(six)5 Complete.

On January 1st, 2010 I began what seemed to be a simple project.  One of my resolutions for the new year was to become more comfortable using my camera beyond the automatic settings.  What better way to encourage me, I thought, than a 365 project?  And so I started a new micro-blog called Project 3(six)5 and resolved to take a photo a day for an entire year.

Fast forward one year and I can look back with pride at a project completed.  One whole year went by and I took a photo every single day.  I don't often pat myself on the back, but I am so freakin' proud of myself.  

Thanks to 3(six)5, I:

am a better photographer

got over my shyness with my camera (mostly)

had the courage to enter a photography competition

learned to appreciate the beauty around me

kept my eyes open and paid attention 

have a treasure of memories captured

I'm not going to lie.  Many days it was a pain in the ass.  I lost inspiration for weeks at a time.  I wanted to quit.  I'm so glad I didn't.  I struggled between trying to capture things that were arty and interesting, versus my natural desire to photograph what came easiest and most happily to me (my kids and food.   And, apparently, birds).  I hope I struck a decent balance.

It probably wouldn't have been so time-consuming had I not undertaken the blog.  And yet, had I not committed to editing and publishing each and every picture?  I probably would have quit at some point.  So thank you to those of you who took the time to view and comment on my photos.  You've given me quite a gift.  

Thanks to a fabulous suggestion from my friend Tim, I have the most incredible project in the works to bring the entire year's effort together in one place.  I can't wait to show it to you when it's done.  

I'll be honest.  I haven't taken a single picture since December 31st.  But I will, very soon.  I see the world around me differently now, and I can't imagine going more than a day or two without capturing the ordinary and extraordinary around me.  So while there won't be another year of photos in 2011, I can't quit cold turkey.  I plan to find a special way to share my favorites here on a regular basis.  In the meantime, you can always visit my flickr page to see what's caught my eye.

If you have any inclination to begin your own project, just do it.  365 too daunting?  How about a Project 52 - one picture a week for a year?  Project or no project, if you love taking pictures I hope you'll resolve to take more this year.  Take a camera, any camera, wherever you go - because moments like this happen every day. 

 Lucky are we who take the time to capture it.