welcome 2013!
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welcome 2013!

welcome-2-2013
For the past few weeks, I’ve been thinking long and hard about a project for 2013, and did I even want another project? For a little while there, the answer was a resounding NO.

Making my yearly wrap-up video led me to watching my previous years’ videos and then I got to thinking about how much I would miss having something like that at the end of 2013. As I watch those videos, I’m reminded of so many little moments throughout the years – moments that otherwise might be forgotten. I know that not having a photographic documentation of this year is something I would greatly miss and kick myself for later.

So … I’m going to do another 365. Starting today …

January 1*cute calendar printable available from A Vegas Girl at Heart*

Part of me balks and kicks at the prospect of the work involved in a 365 project, but I realize that’s just me being lazy. And the benefits of getting off of my tushie far outweigh the negative issues (lazy, time involved, lazy) so I’m going for it. My first 365 was in 2010 and I started that year with an old discontinued Canon SLR that had rarely been used, set to auto mode, and away I went. By the end of the year, I was taking photos using full-on manual settings, my faithful old Canon had kicked the bucket and I’d upgraded to a 60D (which I still have mixed feelings about – we don’t get along so well). I love looking back and seeing how my skills progressed throughout the year. So if your goal is to improve your photography skills and get to know your camera, a 365 project is the perfect way to do it. The only way to learn is by doing. Get out there and DO.

If you’re looking for a new photography project this year (hello 52’rs! I haven’t abandoned you!) I’ve put together a little list of things you might want to check out.

Capture Your 365

 

Capture Your 365, run by Katrina Kennedy is the perfect place to head to if you’re looking for daily inspiration. You can browse the CY365 blog, join the forum, subscribe to her daily email prompts – this site has everything you need.

Shutter Sisters
Shutter Sisters 365 offers a flickr group to submit your daily photos to, with select photos featured on their website. A fun and talented group of people. Make sure you sign up for their newsletter when you visit their site. Shutter Sisters also offers daily word prompts for their One Word Project, with linkups happening on instagram and flickr.

Project Life by Design AGLOW

Project Life is new this year, from Design Aglow. Daily inspiration is offered (as well as some awesome freebies) and sharing takes place on instagram, twitter, facebook, flickr and blog features. Click the Project Life 365 icon to visit their website.

project365.org

 

 

Project365.org – the original 365 (I think!) and still running. Join up and share on their website, hang out on the message boards, follow on facebook and twitter – inspiration galore! I believe they also offer themes and friendly competitions.


If I were to do a 52 week project again, I would definitely do it with Annie. Her blog itself is gorgeous and her actions designed for PS and PSE are beautiful. Annie runs Let’s Do 52 and although there isn’t current information for 2013 posted as I write this, she’s stated on flickr and FB that the plans are in the works. Visit her on her website, flickr or facebook for more information.


Some of my favorite ladies are the ones found at Mortal Muses. Although they don’t offer a 365 or 52 in the definitive sense, they DO offer monthly photo prompts with all sorts of sharing going on at flickr and on instagram. If you’re looking for inspiration, a visit to their blog and/or facebook page is a great place to start.

 

These are a few of my favorite places, but the list is a long one. A simple google search will send you off in many directions. You can also try searching groups on flickr and join in with any you find interesting. As always, PhotoJojo has a cool article here: Seven New Years Projects. Another thing to thing about is a themed project. I know of one person who took a photo a day, every single day, of one object. The object was always placed in a new and fun setting. It was pretty cool to watch, but I doubt I’d probably drive myself nutzo trying to come up with something new every day. You’d likely see a photo of my object, smashed on the ground thirty days in :D

Anyways … that’s what I’m up to this year. Another 365. This time around though, I also have my trusty iPhone to rely on which I think will make this much, much easier. I do plan on using my big girl camera more often than not, and try to not rely on the iPhone (aka being lazy). As for twoscoopz.com, it’s time to take back my little space here. Paint the walls, recover and rearrange the furniture … The web design side needs to come out of hiding and be updated. A lot of work ahead, but when I’m in the mood, it’s quite relaxing *ahem*. The twoscoopz facebook page will continue on, with helpful photography tips, interesting links and new freebies. I have a few ideas brewing.

So tell me your plans this year. And if I’ve left out some project ideas, I’d love to hear about them.

Happy New Year all! Here’s to a lucky #2013!

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twoscoopz on facebook
You can find my 365|2013 project on flickr. For all daily photos posted here, check 365-2013 in the category list in the sidebar to the right. Want to be instagram friends? Look for jan_twoscoopz and come and play!

10 Comments
  • melissa
    Posted at 22:08h, 01 January Reply

    Thanks so much for hosting the Focus 52 group! I enjoyed the prompts and accountability and so loved being a part of something with such a talented, encouraging group. I’m planning to do a 365 project for the first time and I’ll hopefully be sharing those with the Shutter Sister ladies via my flickr.

    • janice
      Posted at 22:31h, 01 January Reply

      I look forward to seeing you there Melissa! Always love your photos.

  • Gwen
    Posted at 22:23h, 01 January Reply

    Too funny! Well, since you can now see me on FB, you can see what my status is. And almost as soon as I realized you weren’t doing Focus 52 again, I found Annie’s Let’s Do 52 (I’ve been a Flickr friend of hers before she “made it big” with Paint the Moon). So I think it’s fate that you also recommend it in this post. I will really miss our time together with Focus 52, but I can’t wait to see what you do with 365! I did that once and I’m not sure I’ll be doing that again for many many years. LOL

    • janice
      Posted at 22:31h, 01 January Reply

      I hadn’t seen, so I went and looked! LOL!
      Annie is awesome.
      Cross your fingers for me – 365 might do me in!

  • Gwen
    Posted at 22:27h, 01 January Reply

    BTW, my good friend Catina is doing a Project 52 based on kindness. I think it’s a great idea, and if anyone is looking for a group to join/follow, it’s definitely one to consider. Here’s the link to her post launching it – http://catinaanderson.com/photography/and-so-it-begins-welcome-2013-and-a-focus-on-kindness/

    • janice
      Posted at 22:32h, 01 January Reply

      Thanks for posting that! It looks interesting.
      I especially like her monthly prompts idea too. Hmmm … maybe I should have done a project12. LOL!

    • Catina
      Posted at 08:52h, 01 March Reply

      Thanks for sharing Gwen! We actually went to a weekly word prompt like a more traditional P52 with a focus on acts of kindness and service. We’re on week 9 and it’s been so much fun so far!

  • janice
    Posted at 00:38h, 02 January Reply

    Here’s two more for 52 week projects:
    http://www.52photosproject.com/
    http://project52.org/

    Keep ’em coming! :)

  • Alison
    Posted at 10:02h, 02 January Reply

    I’ll miss focus 52 – it was a great addition to my 365 (I’m on my 3rd one!). good luck with yours and I can’t wait to see your work daily!

    • janice
      Posted at 10:45h, 02 January Reply

      In a strange way, I’ll kinda miss it too! ;)

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