For the last two years I have done a very low-key, mostly iphone, 365 project. Mainly so something was done with all of the iphone photos I take of my kids. I won't lie, these photos aren't the most creative or technically pleasing photos. Some days I'd forget and take a quick snap of the kids sleeping and use that super grainy photo just to say I took one that day. During the tail end of 2016 I fell behind. The photos are still sitting on my phone waiting to be uploaded (and my phone's storage space is struggling because of it). I keep saying I'll do it, and keep pushing it further and further back. Can anyone relate? I've still been trying to take daily photos in this new year, but I won't sweat if I miss a few here and there this time.
This year I wanted something fresh and to challenge myself a bit more - and use my DSLR - so I signed up for the 52 Frames Challenge. They supply a challenge topic every week. We have to shoot, edit and submit our photo that week - if you are late submitting, your photo is not included in the gallery. They also give you an extra credit assignment should you wish to accept it.
Aha. Finally a photo project that will hold me accountable. I like it. A lot.
I also thought this would be a great way to try new techniques I may have been nervous about in the past, or try to look at things I'm shooting a bit differently.
The first week was a bit daunting. The topic: Self Portrait.
I struggled hard with this. I've never really taken a self portrait before. I hate being in front of the camera. I won't lie, I thought about bailing on the challenge before I even started. But I decided to push though and face my fears.
I decided to show the other creative side of myself. Most people now know me as a photographer, or a mom, but long before I picked up a camera or had kids I became a musician. Music has always been a huge part of my life, and still is, but I took a break from playing regularly about ten years ago while dealing with life stuff (you know how it is). This fall, I decided it was time to pick it back up again and so I did, and joined a local community concert band. In December I played in my first concert in 14 years. I didn't think I'd be nervous, but I was. It felt so good to be back doing what I had done and loved for so many years though. It also gives me a night out each week for rehearsal, which is a much needed break sometimes.
Here is the photo I submitted for 52 Frames Week One.
Do you have any hobbies that you've picked up again after a long break? I'd love to hear about them in the comment section below!