I posted a few weeks ago about big changes with H. Parker Photography, and how I am now specializing in newborns and babies through their first year of life. Even though I am excited with the new direction for my business, I definitely don’t want to give up on practicing my photography skills in more real world situations (natural lighting, moving subjects, grouchy subjects—hehe). To continue practicing my skills and provide a creative outlet, I’ve decided to begin a 365 Project this year. A Project 365 is where you take a photo every day of the year (technically this year has 366 days due to it being a Leap Year, but I digress). Some people choose to follow a theme, but the main purpose is to get out your camera and shoot real life stuff. This isn’t for clients or for money. It’s just a personal pet project unconstrained by my professional life. I hope that this project helps me grow creatively. I also hope that it forces me to capture more of the everyday, simple details that make up the bulk of life. I want to look back at the photos from this project and recall moments in time—for the photos to freeze a second and bring me back to the sights, smells, sounds and emotions of what was happening. This project should tell a story. I’m trying to be realistic about this. I know that I won’t have time to post photos every day, so my goal is to take a picture every day and then post them altogether once a week on my blog. I’ve been looking at other photographer’s 365 Projects online for inspiration and I’ve even pinned a few theme lists. I’m trying to keep my camera and my most versatile lens (Sigma 50mm f/ 1.4) at the ready. Now I feel like a kid on the first day of school with my blank slate notebooks, sharpened No. 2 pencils and perfect pink erasers at the ready. I actually began this journey on January 1, 2016, so I am less than one week into it, but I want to go ahead and make my first post now because I know that the weekdays when my son it at school are my best times for getting anything accomplished. Things I’ve learned already:
- This is hard.
- I feel woefully inadequate at lifestyle photography with my own family. I am hoping that enough practice and inspiration from other photogs will help me beef up in this area.
- My house does not get a lot of good lighting in the winter.
- I failed at sticking to a weekly theme. I think what I may do is use the themes as a backup. If I’m facing a day where I can’t think of anything to photograph and need that extra nudge then I have a theme in my back pocket.
I’d love to be in community with others who are on a similar 365 journey, so whether you are professional photographer or want to use your cell phone to snap a daily picture, I’d be honored to follow your blog (just email me). You can always find me here, or on Instagram (@hparkerphotography) and I’ll be using #365hparkerphotography if anyone feels like sharing their journey with me. Now without further delay, here is the first installment of my H. Parker Photography 365 for 2016:
1/366: Welcoming the new year with a glass of sparking wine. Technically this was taken at 10pm on 12/31 because there ain’t no way I was staying up until midnight.
2/366: Since Christmas it seems like every night is game night at the Parker casa. Holden is obsessed with playing Cootie Bug, Break the Ice and Mousetrap.
3/366: Holden is a new member of the bike riding club. Straight from balance bike to big kid bike for this guy–no training wheels. Major proud mama moment, as he is only 4 years and 2 weeks old. Hard to believe that just three years ago to the day he took his first steps and now he’s on wheels.
4/366: Wrestle-mania. What is it about boys and wrestling? I only have sisters, and I so don’t get the whole rough and tumble thing, but these two guys warm my heart with their antics. Photo bomb courtesy of our dog, Bailey, who legit can not handle not being pet by someone all.the.time.
Heather of H. Parker Photography is a Ft. Worth Newborn Photographer also specializing baby and child photography in Forth Worth, Texas and surrounding areas including but not limited to Dallas, and Roanoke.
You’re going to have fun with this project!! 🙂