DO YOU SAY YES?

I was thinking about it the other day — about some of the people I admire.

Photographers, sharks, athletes, artists, you know, the makers.
People out in the world doing interesting and creative things.

And I thought about what it is I admire most.

Easy.

They said YES.

Sometime, somewhere in their journey, they said YES to something uncomfortable.
To something scary.
To something they might not have felt ready for.

They said yes to looking dumb.
They risked failing.
And then they risked failing again.

They said yes to changing course.
Yes to trying.

They get up early.
They do the work.
They say yes.

So to anyone out there saying yes, when you so badly want to say no and run far away and hide forever, I admire you.

Keep going.

The Note I've Kept In My Camera Bag For 738 Days -- Shot Ideas, 365 Project

Do you ever run out of things to photograph?

It’s always the first question I’m asked when someone finds out I’ve taken a photo every single day for the last 738 days.

My answer is always the same.

Nope, I don’t. I never do.

Last week I shared all the FAQs about doing a 365 photography project but I wanted to expand on a question I get asked more than any other.

Never is the honest truth, but I don’t think it would be fair to leave it at that.
In the beginning, I carried this trusty little note and I referenced it a lot.

I wrote it during the middle of a class I was taking with Molly Flanagan called Visual Storytelling. Today I went to my camera bag and dug it out.

I really had to train myself to look at my subject in different ways. I knew it would get boring real fast if I didn’t stay curious and keep things fresh.

It’s crazy how quick this became intuitive, but at first I used that note daily.

Detail. Wide. Portrait. Medium. Action.

Detail

When I approach a subject or a scene, I’m typically drawn to the small details before anything else. Little fingers holding a Duplo, the wet tip of a dog’s nose, the drip of an icicle melting. Details are so important and a great way to shake things up in a 365. You could have a million pictures of your little one but crouching down and taking a picture of just their toes changes the total feel of the photo and when you approach a scene, there’s already a week’s worth of details in just one wide frame shot!

Wide

Getting a wide shot was always something I missed in the beginning. I really had to train myself to take a step back and evaluate the whole picture. Now, these are some of my favorite photographs.. especially for a 365 project. There are layers of memories when you shoot from the back corner of a bedroom or from the top of a chair looking down into a chaotic living room — the Where’s Waldo shot.
Going wide can also satisfy you creatively if you choose to leave some negative space in your frame. If you’re not sure what that means, no worries, I have a bit on composition below.

Portrait

When in doubt, I always go for the portrait. Lucky for me, I live with three very handsome men that I love to put in front of my lens. I also have a lot of visitors and don’t mind asking them to sit for me. Lastly, I try to sprinkle myself through my 365 too. If it’s been a while I’ll get in front of the camera and play. Self portraiture, don’t skip it! If you notice you’ve never been in a photo or it’s been a few weeks it means it’s time for you to set up to be in a shot!

Medium

My memory says this is your basic shot, but even so, it doesn’t need to be average. I try to take perspective into account for shooting medium and allow myself to get creative with my angle when I can. Changing your angle, even slightly can give a totally different feel to you medium shot.

Action

Going into 2020, action/movement is one of my biggest visual elements that I’d like to incorporate into my work. What gives a photo more interest than movement? It’s a perfect way to capture a moment, a feeling.. whether it’s energy or excitement. Action is life!

“Oh no. It’s only week two and I’m already taking a photo of my water glass in the morning.”
- One of the ladies in my first 365 group

We’ve all been there, for real! And the good part is you have 365 photos, so by all means, take the picture of your water glass… but then check out these tips because you’ll need to spice it up if you want to make it the whole year!

First thing you can do is head over to Google and type in ‘Rules of Photography Composition’ and check out some of the results that come up.
Pick one of the rules and focus on it for an entire week. They’ll explain what it is and it really helps to have something to “look for” when you pick up your camera than to wander around aimlessly.
Although I don’t knock wandering around aimlessly, because that’s typically what I was doing when I took my favorite photographs. Maybe you’ll get a great shot, maybe you’ll get an average shot, maybe you’ll capture something portfolio worthy. You just never know… but honestly that’s what makes it fun.

Another way to create some ideas would be to actually sit down and brainstorm. Why are you doing this project? What is it that you really want to remember?
Do you smile to yourself every time your toddler puts his clothes on inside out and backwards? Is it the way the light hits your wall your bedroom in the fall? Is it your grandmother’s hand? Your pups footprint in the snow? (or sand for my Hawaii friends ;P)

I’ve documented everything from the start of my grey hair (it’s coming in hot by the way, WTH!), to the nursery with a rocker (knowing it would only last a few short months), to big moves across country! A 15 minute brainstorm session could give you a month’s worth of ideas!

Lastly, and this is the most important, if I could share one thing with you, it’s to not be afraid to take a bad photo. Or a week of bad photos.
If I’ve learned anything from any of the amazing teachers in my life, it’s that you need to make a lot of bad or okay stuff to make the heart sing stuff. Don’t over think it and don’t let it stump you.

Just keep going.

Alright, I think that’s everything!

Please please let me know if you have any questions and I’ll be here rooting and posting and wishing you all an awesome 2020!

Elyse’

Remember to Dip a Toe in 2020

It all started with a harmonica my son got in his Christmas stocking.

He was excited and eager but didn't have a clue what to do. I attempted to show him, but trust me, I wasn't the one to do it, so I pulled up a video online so he could see what it was all about.

One simple google search and there were pages and pages and pages of results. Lessons, tutorials, classes and how-tos. Beginners, intermediate and masters -- any and all ages.

And as I played a couple songs for my son, picturing him as the next Bob Dylan, all I could think about was how we can so easily learn about anything. Absolutely anything.

And that's so cool, isn't it? That we can pick any topic, walk to the edge and dive in, head first.

When it comes to exploring creatively -- the opportunities are endless.

Dip a toe.

You've got nothing to lose.

- Elyse’

I’m waist deep, as we speak, in digital collage art. As someone who has literally dipped all of my toes in something different, it feels good to be progressing. I might be going under with this one! Combining my photographs with other elements to finally complete my thoughts.

Skillshare is my companion into the night and I’m currently watching Marcos Morales’s classes on digital collage. Neat stuff.

Anyways, as always, I’d love to hear about what you’re exploring in 2020 so I can root you on! I hope this year blesses you beyond!

2019 in 36 Photos / Making a Home

Oodalalee, another year has come and gone.

I have to laugh reading my blurb from 2018 — about looking forward to a low key year. I have two dudes under three and Tom had hip surgery, twice!
It was not low key.
It was wildly challenging — but we did it. We made it. And of course, looking back at the photos, I’m reminded of what a beautiful year it was.

2019 was packed with visitors, trips, milestones, firsts and lasts. It was good.

I look optimistically at 2020 and of course, I’ll be here, documenting along the way.

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

MARCH

APRIL

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

This photo recap was created by taking three photos from each month of my 365 project - gosh it’s hard to choose! It was my second year completing one and I just sent it off to the printer!

Wishing you many blessings in 2020!

Only One Thing I'm Focusing On This Year

Let’s cut straight to it.

I don’t have time for mega resolutions, at least not this year.

But I’ve always loved the fresh feeling of January 1st.

So this year, I’m going to chase one thing and focus.

One thing.

Observe.

Life happens fast. Throw in a husband, two babies and a dog that’s like another baby, it feels like life doesn’t stop.

But there’s magic.

Everywhere. All around.

And I believe in it with my whole heart.

But I want to see it, more.

Details are everything.

Like this photo I took this fall.

It’s amazing, really.

The way the light hits the leaves outside my window. For only about an hour or so in the morning. Only on days when there isn’t cloud cover. Only for about a week when the leaves are a fiery burnt red-orange.

I never want to be too busy or too lost in my day to miss something like this.

So there we have it. I want to observe more in 2020. See the things that make the magic.

What do you always notice during your day? What is the kind of magic you’re drawn to? Is it the light, the colors, the emotion?

If you’ve never noticed stuff like this, that’s ok. There is no better time to start.
Why not today?

Drop your email below to stay connected.

Here We Go Again! | 365 Photo Project - FAQ

On January 1st, 2018 I started taking a photo every single day.

I haven’t stopped.

Life goes fast. You know that.

A lot of times the days blur together.. weeks to months to years.
Add growing and raising small humans and it’s like pushing fast forward.

Starting a 365 project is such a good way to slow down, even for a minute each and every day.
Your details, your memories, your life! It’s all so important.

Have you ever thought about doing your own 365?

If you’re up for it, I’d love for you to join me in 2020!

Throughout the year I get a lot of questions, so I did a FAQ to dish it all below.
If I missed something, send me a message! Also, I’d also love to know if you’re on board — so please, leave a comment at the end of this post!

FAQ’s

What exactly is a 365 Project?

Taking (at least) one photograph every single day for the entire year, 365 days. Compiling the photographs in a blog or album. Honestly, you make the rules, but that’s the gist. Some people are strict, while others are pretty lenient! It’s totally up to you!

How did you get started?

At the end of 2017, I had just completed a Shooting in Manual online photography course. One of the other students asked if I wanted to join her 365 photo group.
I figured there was no better way to learn my camera than to commit to shooting every single day! It was a big time of transition in our lives which was also a draw, to document it all.

Why do a 365?

I don’t want to forget a thing! So much has already changed since day one.
Family memories are the most important to me.. I also appreciate the opportunity to practice my craft and be more observant of the magic of life happening around me!
Really, it’s a way to hold onto special moments and to remember little details, feelings and places.

Have you ever missed a day?

Yes, I have missed two so far! Both times, taking a photo just completely slipped my mind. There was nothing special going on that day, just spaced it. I didn’t even miss when I was in labor, lol! I’ve also accidentally deleted a couple days. On all occasions I just drew photos from other days. No stress.

Oh! And I’ve had plenty days where I shoot after 9pm because I just forget. It sure forces you to get creative and I like that!

Do you need a DSLR camera? What do you use?

Most definitely not. I know people that have done one with their DSLR cameras, their phones or a mix of both. Personally I use my Canon 6D DSLR for every photo, every time. Mostly because this is my craft and art I chose and because I print a big book at the end of the year. There’s no right or wrong, It’s up to you. More about printing below!

Do you ever get behind?

Oh yes.. but I try my hardest not to because it’s a pain. I’ll keep my camera on the counter and shoot everyday only uploading every few days or so. I don’t like to get even a week behind! I usually remember what was taken on what day but as soon as I upload to Lr it shows the capture date which makes keeping track easy!

Do you ever run out of things to photograph?

This is by far the most frequently asked question. No, I never do! I usually have ideas a week out, honestly!

Have you ever taken a break?

I’ve gotten lazy, sure. I’ve gotten busy… but I always keep shooting.

How do you print the photos at the end of the year?

I upload my photos into the BookWright app I downloaded from Blurb.com on my desktop computer. It’s easy to print at the end of the year because I frequently upload and save.* Since I shoot with my DSLR and edit in Lightroom it’s a pretty easy workflow.
I do the 10x8 hardcover and I’m happy with the quality. I think it got it printed last year, with the 40% off coupon for about $90!

I do know people that have shot completely on their cellphone and upload their photos to the Chatbooks app and print a 365 book with them! They have 3 different sizes up to 366 pages soft and hardcover. I can’t say about the quality because I’ve never used them but it looks like a great easy option if you’re using your phone!

*Whatever print/storage service you use, make sure it supports at least 365 pages. Not all books do that many pages.
*Wait for a good coupon before printing. Blurb offers 40% off every so often so I wait until they offer and then print!

Alright, I think that covers everything. Again, if you have any questions, please let me know!

Happy creating and the best of luck!!

Like a Photograph

So many thoughts pass through my mind during the day.
They always have.

Except now that I find myself in the thick of motherhood, thoughts get lost, ignored or just crowded out.

I miss it. I miss this.

Art found it's way back into my life through photography.... & I love it.

I mean, I really love it. Utterly fascinated with the making & taking of a photograph.

Then, from photography, my creativity began to bleed into other mediums...
lettering, watercolors & my first true love, collage art.

And now here I sit, staring at a blinking cursor.

Gah, it makes me so happy.

I've always loved to write.

A way to catch thoughts, questions, feelings & ideas -- nailing them down before they're gone forever.

In a way, a bit like a photograph.