Project 365
Photo Tips for Your 365 Project

Participating in Project 365 can be a great way to develop your photographic eye and make taking pictures a habit. There are plenty of reasons to participate in the 365 project. When you find yourself at a lose as to what to photograph next use these photo tips to keep your project on track.

A 365 Project is when you take a photo everyday for a year. To participate you should sign up for a Flickr account. Once you have you can join the Project 365 group. Being a member the group can help keep you inspired to take pictures even on the most uninspiring days. It's also fun to see what kind of pictures others are taking for their projects.

Why Start Your 365 Project

Taking a picture everyday for a year may seem like a difficult task and some days it can be, but when the year is over you'll be able to look back at the pictures you've taken and see your photographic eye slowly starting to develop.

Here are some reasons to start a Project 365.

Develop your eye. When you have to take a picture every day you start looking at the world a bit differently. You'll be more aware of light and shadow. You'll become hyper sensitive to how everyday events can be best captured in a photograph.

Get comfortable with your camera. Getting out and using your camera everyday will help you feel more comfortable with it. You'll be more likely to use different settings and try a variety of techniques. You'll also feel less awkward taking pictures in public.

Develop your style. The more pictures you take the more you'll recognize what you do and don't like about your pictures. This will make it easier to develop your artistic style.

Streamline your workflow. The more pictures you're processing the easier your work process will become. The simple act of having to edit everyday will force you to come up with a streamlined way to work.

Make photography a habit. When photography becomes second nature to you you're more likely to get the great pictures.

Tips and Tricks to Keep Your Project On Track

Here are some tips that will help you keep up with your Project 365.

Always take your camera with you. Great pictures can turn up anywhere. If you're prepared you won't miss the opportunity to take a great picture.

Push your limit. Don't be self-conscious about taking pictures when you're participating in Project 365. You have to take a picture everyday. Get in there and get the great picture that will make you proud.

Give yourself an assignment. Having weekly or even daily photo assignments will help motivate you to take pictures. Think up themes for your photography like a certain color or mood. You can even do an entire 365 project that reflects one theme. For example you can take a self-portrait or a portrait of someone else each day. You can do 365 days of macro photography or food photography the possibilities are endless.

Start your day with a picture. Some days will fly by and before you notice the day is over and you have no picture. That's why you should try taking a picture first thing in the morning.

Write down your ideas. Sometimes you'll have ideas for photographs that you won't be able to take at that moment. Keep a notebook with you to record those ideas. You can take those pictures later.

Copy someone else. If you see a picture that impresses you try to duplicate it at home. It will help you figure out important things about light and camera settings.

Post often. Try to post your pictures daily. Post weekly at the least. Letting your pictures get too backed up will take the fun out of the project.

If you liked these tips about getting your own Project 365 going you might like these other digital photography tutorials.