365 Challenge Midpoint

Today marks the midpoint of the 365 challenge that I set for myself in 2024- I will take at least one large format photograph everyday. Originally, that was the only requirement, and that was simple enough however, I have run across some extra hidden challenges and have learned some things and would like to share with you my journey thus far...

First is that taking a photograph every day has been extremely rewarding. Although, extremely difficult. I sometimes dread the moment when I realize that I still need to drag out my view camera and fulfill the promise I made to myself. I haven't missed a day yet, and I will not miss a day in this challenge! It was very easy to take pictures for the first week or two. Everything, I saw I simply set up and photographed, but this list of things quickly ran dry as I did not want to replicate a photograph too closely.

As February became closer I decided it was practical to assign myself themes for the month. This was very helpful as it channeled my creativity down a very specific path and in the end brought the challenge up to a new level.

Taking pictures inside my home, but what I knew going into this project is that I couldn't take 365 pictures inside my 400 sq/ft apartment. I eventually had to take it outdoors. This was not easy as I want to first, stretch myself creatively by trying new things. I decided to assign myself the theme of "architecture." The act of setting the camera and tripod out into someone elses way or property was unsettling at first. I had a very load internal voice that screamed, "You are in the way, you are not good enough, you can't be here, you can't photograph here leave now!"

This voice was so powerful that I wandered around the streets of San Francisco, sometimes just battling with that demon inside of me and moving on from potentially good photographs. I wanted to face this demon and work through this trouble, and I did. It was not easy! I had to celebrate every small achievement even when I didn't know it would be good. But really does it being good really even matter?

Then I realized the point of this project, the point is not to take good photographs, for me the point is to become a better artist and a better photographer. I went from taking my view camera out once a week if I was lucky, to every day and beyond. I am meeting people and talking with people about my process, my camera, and my art. I have been able to build confidence and share my work as a result. That voice in my head is still there, but it has become much quieter.

The camera actually has started to feel like an extension of not only my body, but of my thinking process. One example was that I was talking to a person about the camera and how I developed film WHILE pulling the darkslide, taking the picture and putting it back in (If you are unfamilar with this process, usually this requires a great deal of focus not to mess up). Another example is that I can see with my eye what the view camera would see very naturally. I can set up the camera and get the angle of view and composition nearly perfect, even when I change lenses.

This will probably sound like I am bragging, but what I am trying to say is that daily practice in something, anything, will lead to skill building in that area. Even when you feel like you are not fully committed to it in the long run.