One year ago, I decided to embark on a year-long
challenge: Take a photograph every day, 365 days in a row. It's the first time that I have ever done anything like that, and let me tell you: I had a blast!
For someone who doesn't have the best track record when it comes to challenges (I never finish them) I am proud to say: This time, I did it! There may have been the odd day where I didn't get a decent photo (or any photo at all), but there were also days were I took tons, so I figure it all balanced out in the end, right?
I had two main goals with this challenge: To document the year, and to get better at photography. Did I succeed?
Well, I learnt both less and more than I expected. Confusing much? Let me explain: I had hoped that I would be a pro at using my camera after a year of photos, and speak the language of f-stops, aperture and white balance fluently. Sadly, I don't. Not at all. I also still rely heavily on the pre-settings, because they are just so damn good! So in this aspect, you could say I failed.
However, I still say the project was a success, and here is why: I have lost my reluctance to bring my camera everywhere I go. I used to feel awkward lugging it around, but not any more! I also learnt a bunch about editing, and have switched from mainly using filters to now change the brightness, contrast, saturation and warmth.
But the best part is falling even more in love with a creative hobby. I simply love taking photos, mainly of our animals and nature, and this challenge was a great incentive to go out and do more of that. I won't continue the challenge in the new year, but I will definitely continue taking pictures! I love having photos to remind me of a fleeting moment in time, and they cheer me up on days when I'm down and remind me of the beauty of the world.
Over the last week I have tried to narrow the photos down to my 12 favourites. Omg, talk about an impossible goal! It was really hard, but it needed to be done, so here they are:
My favourite photos of the year 2014
I chose these 12 because I either associate them with a really good memory, or because - well, I just like them. Sorry, I can't explain why!
Here are all the pictures that I took for the challenge:
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
There is one more left - tomorrow's. Can't wait to see what it will be!
Have you ever done a photography challenge? If you have, please link your photos in the comments, I would love to see them. If you haven't, I highly recommend it!
Love, Miriam