So, I’ve completed the first 16 days out of the 365 days project that I started in the new year. Well, 17 days – including today.
And, wow. It has been quite an experience so far.
Even just by spending a few minutes or an hour or so a day, I’ve already learned a lot about photography. As well as being part of different types of communities. And more.
You see, I decided to join these 365 projects because:
1. I want to learn as much as I can about my DSLR (we’re now together for over a month!).
2. I intend to improve my skills in photography.
3. I need to keep some of my creative muscles moving.
4. I hope to “live” my word-of-the-year: Today. In more ways than one.
5. I plan to be involved in different types of community. Not just to lead, but to be an active participant. I really believe that this will help me in my work and my overall view of life.
I believe I’m getting all that right now. Plus, a few other things that I didn’t quite expect: Personal insights. Human behaviour. Internal vs External Self. Motivation. Discipline. Commitment. Telling Stories. Seeing Life and the World. Really seeing.
Some days are tougher than others, of course. But, that’s all right. It’s all part of the whole process. Even those days have something to teach.
Anyway, other than sharing a re-cap of my first few days in this project, I also want to take this time to celebrate a Flickr/photography milestone: One of my self-portraits made it to the front page of Flickr Explore. If you’re in to Flickr, you’ll probably understand my excitement. Didn’t know about this until recently. But, apparently, it’s considered ‘high honour’ to be “Explored” on Flickr. And, Day 16 managed to make it to #20 (on 16th Jan 08). I was really amazed.
Here’s a screen cap of the pic that made it to the front page of Explore -
Yay me. 
So, 16 down. 349 to go. (Or 350, if I intend to complete the 2008 challenge – 366, as this year is a leap year). Hmmm… Let’s see if I make it!
Also see my Project 365 Stream (the different types of photos one, not just self-portraits).
Photos: 1. 365 Days – Day 1 – 1st Jan 08, 2. 365 Days – Day 2 – 2nd Jan 08, 3. 365 Days – Day 3 – 3rd Jan 08, 4. 365 Days – Day 4 – 4th Jan 08 – SEE/SEA SIDE, 5. 365 Days – Day 5 – 5th Jan 08 – HOW TO LOOK AT ME, 6. 365 Days – Day 6 – 6th Jan 08 – LETTING MY HAIR DOWN II, 7. 365 Days – Day 7 – 7th Jan 08 – THANKFUL, 8. 365 Days – Day 8 – 8th Jan 2008 – LATE MOOD, 9. 365 Days – Day 9 – 9th Jan 2008 – S IS FOR…, 10. 365 Days – Day 10 – 10th January 2008 – FINDING LIGHT IN THE DARK, 11. 365 Days – Day 11 – 11th Jan 08 : SUGAR & SPICE & ALL THINGS NICE…, 12. 365 Days – Day 12 – 12th Jan 08 : NO, NOT MADNESS, 13. 365 Days – Day 13 – 13th Jan 08: BLUE JEANS, 14. 365 Days – Day 14 – 14th Jan 2008: EXPERIMENTATIONS, 15. 365 Days – Day 15 – 15th Jan 08 : GIRLS’ DAY IN, 16. 365 Days – Day 16 – 16th Jan 2008 : AS I AM
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Kari 01.17.08 at 6:08 pm
That’s fantastic! Congrats to you!
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johnmryan 01.17.08 at 8:02 pm
Fantastic photos girl, really great
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LC 01.17.08 at 10:02 pm
Congrats !!! Those are REALLY good photos
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Wonderwebby 01.18.08 at 2:48 am
congratulations. Thanks for sharing your journey with us. I joined 52 weeks since your original post (a bit similar to the Self Portrait Challenge, but without the themes) and it has been a great experience and creative stretch. My kids keep wondering why I am taking photos of myself!
And I like that day 16 pose too, it reminds me of my own wifi moments!
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Shai Coggins 01.18.08 at 4:31 pm
Kari, John, and LC: Thank you so much. Really do appreciate your support and kind words.
Wonderwebby: That’s great! Hope you make it too.
And thanks.
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Heather 01.19.08 at 4:04 pm
Hi Shai,
Wow, what gorgeous photos. Looks like the challenge was what you really needed. I am interested to see what the other days bring.
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toni 02.06.08 at 1:51 am
Wow! Gorgeous!!!
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Shai Coggins 02.06.08 at 9:49 am
Thanks, Heather and Toni!
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