Sunday, February 17, 2013

A Photo a Day

For this year I had planned to take a photo a day - at least one photo each day of the year, no matter what it is. I even joined some groups on flickr for this purpose because I thought that would keep me motivated.

Well - seven weeks later I have to say that I haven't quite followed through. At the beginning I did take at least one photo each day, but as the year progressed I couldn't catch up anymore. Instead of feeling guilty, however, I did give myself permission to take it easy and that it is perfectly okay if I have only three or four photos for an entire week. Although the challenge of taking a photo each day was interesting and, yes, a real challenge, it took out the fun of photography for me - and that is simply too high a price.

What I will do, however, show you my favorite photo of each week on Sundays - starting today with my favorites of the first seven weeks.

Week 1 - the magnolia in my neighbor's front yard, shot on January 2nd.

Week 2 - yummy red wine

Week 3 - pink waves at the Northern California coast near Jenner (Goat Rock State Beach)

Week 4 - California Towhee

Week 5 - tree trunks

Week 6 - planting pots in my garden, drying out

Week 7 - a detail on one of the bunkers along Conzelman Road on the Marin Headlands, just north of the Golden Gate

Are you taking any photo challenges this year?


11 comments:

Ginny said...

Hi Carola,
I love your photos. Each one was so different. Since anything with water always draws me right in, I was especially drawn to your pink waves.

I do participate in Kat's Photo-Heart Connection but not every month. Right now I seem to be painting more than I am taking pictures.

Marianne said...

no photo challenges but I did start the 29 faces challenge. I got up to #5 and stopped. I agree, when it becomes a chore and is no longer fun, it's time to stop.
I have been playing with my DSLR more and more so I should post more photos to my blog.

Maria Ontiveros said...

Carola,
These are all spectacular! My favorite one is the waves, although the magnolia and pots also really call to me.
I know I could never do a photo a day. I usually lose energy after three weeks of a daily challenge or class.
I am doing a look up/look down weekly photo challenge and have developed my own occasional instagram series, but that's it for now.
Rinda

Sally H said...

These are all beautiful! I particularly love the waves and the magnolia. You have done exactly the right thing, making the challenge your own. I am looking forward to seeing your photos each Sunday now x

Ginnie Hart said...

I don't care what anyone else says, Carola, because a favorite photo per week totally works for me! And I LOVE LOVE LOVE what you have chosen. For me this is much better than one image/day...especially if it keeps you a happier camper. YAY.

Magdalena said...

Die Bilder sind großartig, ich versuche so viele Eindrücke wie möglich festzuhalten - aber das klappt natürlich nicht immer. Wünsche Dir eine schöne Woche.
Magdalena

Deborah Tisch said...

I also really like these photos you have shared here. Each one is beautiful in its own unique way.

I'm doing my first 365 project, and so far, except for missing a couple days early on, I'm able to keep it up. This seems to be working for me, helping me determine what direction I want to take with my photography.

Lisabella Russo said...

They're beautiful! The bird, the ocean, and the magnolia are amongst my favorites. I'm not doing any photo challenges, well, other then trying to remember to take my camera with me on adventures... I always rue the days I see something gorgeous and have no way to try and capture it...

gina said...

I just started a 365 project last month, and for the first time today It felt like a chore, and now I am reevaluating. Your selection of favorite images is just lovely, Carola. I always love ocean pix, and that one is a great capture!

Marcie said...

Wonderful imagery. Especially love how each one is so different from the other. Great that you've set your goal at a photo-a-week. Just perfect!

Anonymous said...

Your favorite photos are all beautiful, and so different from one another. I'm glad I don't have to pick a favorite, because I really can't choose! I'm taking a class now, plus an occasional weekly or monthly challenge, and that's keeping me really busy. I've thought about doing a 365, but I don't think it would fit me very well, at least not right now. I admire you for reevaluating and being willing to step back when it became clear it wasn't working for you.