1 Month In!


So at the start of this year, I changed directions on photo projects. Though I loved the photo projects I did last year, I need something a little less structured for a couple reasons. First, I need something more simple so I can focus on consistency and allow me shooting more to improve the quality of my photos over time. Second, I needed something more loose that way if I found shooting a certain way, or shooting a particular subject resonated with me, I could put focus in it without feeling guilt of not achieving the assigned photo project. So I came up with shooting and posting at least one photo everyday.

Black and White photo of someone walking through the Oklahoma City Memorial.

How It's Going


So how is it going so far? Actually, really good! I was surprised when I hit that one month mark because initially, it was challenging. At first, I found it difficult to get inspired to go out and get photos. That is until I realized it doesn't matter how inspired I feel, I just need to get out there. I have found that even if I don't feel motivated, if I just grab my camera and get out of the house, the inspiration comes. Now, it has become a habit, and I am more in tune with my photographic eye. I feel like I am really developing it with this practice. This realization came when I didn't want to go somewhere to get photos, but just wanted to get photos where I was at the time. It was a small, run down shopping center in Oklahoma (you know the type), and I decided I would just get out of my car and find some interesting compositions. I turned off the logical side of my brain, and just let the compositions show themselves. I "found beauty in the mundane", and that was a really cool feeling. Now I am over a month in, and counting.

People playing and having fun in heavy snowfall during winter, throwing snowballs and enjoying outdoor activities in Oklahoma City.

What I Have Learned So Far


The first thing I have learned is to let go of the idea of a perfect photograph. In the beginning, I would go to cool locations just for photos, only pull my camera up to cool subjects, etc. While this is fine when cool things are all around you, eventually you run out of "cool" things to look at. The thing that matters most with this project is that I am just doing the process of photographing, rather than focusing on the actual quality of the photographs. Focusing on consistency over the quality.

White Edmond ambulance vehicle reflected in puddle with bare winter trees and cloudy sky in background.

The second thing I learned is to focus on observing and being in the moment rather than photo hunting. This one may not make a whole lot of sense, but this project help me meditate on the moment more than expected. This realization came when one day I just started walking and I enjoyed the walk a lot more than I normally do. This is because I was in the moment, feeling the breeze on my face, hearing the birds, just living in the moment. This allowed me to appreciate the scene more and the muse was just showing me all sorts of compositions without me having to "hunt" for them. All in all, just enjoy the moment and space you are in, and allow that to influence your photographs.

A duck flying through the frame in a black and white image of Bricktown, Oklahoma City.

The last thing I learned so far is that this project has really helped me attach photography to my identity. With every photo walk I go on, I think about the photos I take, I think about the photo opportunities I leave for another idea, and I think about why I am doing this. I do this because I am a creative. I feel the responsibility to create because I know if I don't, the thing I am supposed to create does not exist. It doesn't get a chance to live, a chance to impact others. So it is on me to create everything I can because if I don't, it won't exist.


I attach this creative identity to who I am, and this is affecting how I live. I bring the camera with me everywhere now because I never know when a photo opportunity will present itself.


The big takeaway with this lesson is that this project helped me realize who I want to be, and what I want to contribute to the world around me, even if no one wants it. I give it anyway for myself, because it makes me feel fulfilled creating this.

Black and white self portrait taken in a reflection of a truck grill in Edmond, OK

Conclusion


Overall, I am loving this project. It is teaching me things about the craft as I am learning a bit more how to create the images I want to create with every press of the shutter. I am shooting more, meaning I am putting more time into learning the craft. I am becoming more observant of the world around me, and in doing so I am finding more things to enjoy and be grateful for while I live in the moment. Lastly, I am learning how to be the photographer I want to be, and how to let go the expectation of being a certain type of a photographer, rather than just shooting what I want to shoot, and telling the stories that I want to tell. I am loving this, and I will be extending this project to 100 days, and if that goes well, it will be extended to the entire year.

Large bird soaring past brick industrial building in dramatic black and white urban scene.
Minimalist architectural detail showing triangular slice of blue sky through dark opening.
Dramatic shadows cast across yellow tables in a dark industrial space.
Vintage yellow train car windows with reflections and green metal frame.
Yellow maintenance vehicle with American flag under industrial metal structure.
Architectural detail showing a white column and brick building with blue sky framed between structures.
Ginger cat lounging in sunlight on wooden deck near building entrance.
Close-up macro shot of tree bark texture with green moss and lichen growing on rough surface.
Power lines and utility pole silhouetted against bright blue sky with white fluffy clouds.
Black and white reflection in puddle with falling snow creating sparkle effect.
Weathered rusty metal door mounted on red brick wall exterior.
Dramatic blue sky opening through white fluffy clouds creating natural frame.
Modern wooden architectural detail against blue sky with geometric patterns.
An ambulance from Edmond emergency services is reflected in a puddle on an overcast day with bare winter trees.
Abstract grey gradient background with smooth texture.
Black and white underwater view of bubbles and ripples in a liquid surface.
Close-up black and white photograph of a carved wooden eagle head sculpture against blurred background.
Curved black metal bike racks creating geometric shapes reflected in a puddle of water.
Close-up black and white photo of decorative pig sculptures.
A coffee cup sits on a wet metal table outside on a rainy day in black and white.
Abstract black and white image with horizontal white lines against a dark background.
Abstract architectural shot showing colorful ceiling lights with yellow and blue hues.
Modern city architecture viewed through metal bars with curved glass building and autumn trees.
Black and white view through railings of person walking by terraced garden steps.
Empty stadium seats in rows curve around an outdoor amphitheater or sports venue.
Modern sculptural white canopy structure stands against urban skyline with glass buildings and blue sky.
DJI Pocket camera mounted on mini tripod against green foliage background.
Curved amphitheater seating overlooks a waterfront with modern glass architecture and a lone autumn tree.
A modern urban park with concrete stairs and walking paths surrounded by bare winter trees and brown grass.
Classic carousel horses with ornate decorations on traditional merry-go-round.
Modern glass skyscraper towering against blue sky with wooden architectural detail in foreground.
Gradient sky background with soft blue and pink tones merging into a dreamy atmospheric scene.
Low angle view of a vintage clock tower with 'stuff' text against clear blue sky.
Red fire hydrant between two rusty posts against a wooden fence background.
A green metal utility box mounted on a white wall between two orange poles with electrical conduits and meters.
Large green dumpster at sunset with power lines in background.
Construction barricade with orange traffic cones and warning light against white wall.
Minimalist architectural detail of white building roofline against bright blue sky.
Pink and orange cirrus clouds spread across a gradient blue sky during sunset.
White adobe-style building exterior with blue decorative elements against cloudy sky.
Bright blue geometric plastic sculptures shaped like animal heads viewed through glass windows.
Light blue stuffed animal hanging from electrical power pole against cloudy sky.
Modern restaurant interior with wooden table setup near window overlooking pink building exterior.
Colorful polyhedral dice collection for tabletop gaming displayed on wooden surface.
Miniature gaming figures arranged on a table with a colorful background display.
Pink and purple sunset sky over residential rooftops creates a dreamy atmosphere.
Small toy figurines arranged on display surface with colorful mural background.
A beautiful white fluffy dog rests on a wooden floor in a home setting.
Close-up of a green metal door with vintage sticker and key ring.
Industrial utility meters and pipes mounted on weathered brick wall with graffiti.
Window display showing a decorative skeleton figure with rainbow light reflections.
Vintage brick industrial building with rows of windows against blue sky.
Close-up of dark liquid or substance swirling in a glass container with blue tinted lighting.
A sign reading 'American Banjo Museum' mounted on white steps with metal railings and a red brick wall.
Red construction crane extends against blue sky at an active building site.
Modern glass skyscrapers in an urban setting with steam rising from street level.
Small decorative sticker on dark surface with blurred foreground elements.
A white dog peeks out from the passenger window of a maroon vehicle.
A concrete cell tower with multiple communications antennas mounted at the top against an overcast sky.
Power lines stretch across a bright blue sky with dark vignette framing in the corners.
Multiple padlocks hang together on a metal fence in soft sunlight creating a romantic love locks display.
Urban street view through glass showing storefronts and parked cars.
Electric scooter parked near outdoor winter decorations and cars.
Bright green electric bike parked against concrete wall near trash bins.
Colorful wooden toy blocks stacked on a dark black surface with a ruler visible in the foreground.
Bowl of creamy soup served alongside raw meat slices on a black surface.
Cooking scene showing sauce being poured into a bowl in a dark kitchen setting.
Night view of a brick building with a single illuminated lamp against dark shadows.
Artistic black and white photo of an anchor sculpture illuminated at night.
Dark architectural facade with illuminated arched windows and glowing lights at night.
Close-up of hands holding chopsticks with blurred restaurant background.
A steaming bowl of dark soy sauce with a pink rose and greenery garnish next to blurred sushi in the background.
Chef in black uniform carefully preparing sushi rolls at a restaurant counter workspace.
A restaurant worker in a black t-shirt prepares food in a commercial kitchen with a paper towel roll visible.
Black and white architectural photograph of a modernist concrete building with a stone retaining wall in the foreground.
Black and white architectural photo showing a modern dark building with a church spire visible through pine trees.
Black and white architectural detail of a building exterior with arched windows and fire escapes against bare tree branches.
Black and white photograph of a church spire visible through pine trees in a park setting.
Black monumental gateway reflects in still water with high-rise building and trees creating dramatic architectural contrast.
Minimalist architectural detail showing number 003 on black and white surfaces.
Black and white photo of a tall apartment building with a ghostly draped figure in the foreground.
Two photographers with professional camera equipment shooting in a brick-walled indoor space.
Photographer in light blue button-down shirt taking a photo with a professional camera in low light conditions.
A glowing pink cross illuminates dark wooden bookshelves in a dimly lit room.
Vintage red Coca-Cola dispenser and equipment against rustic brick wall.
Vintage neon sign for Dunlap illuminated at night with decorative lights.
Love locks glisten in sunlight on a bridge with colorful padlocks symbolizing romance and commitment.
Creative photo showing a camera and photographer reflected in a car's side view mirror against a blurred background.
Tennis ball rests against dark chain link fence in shallow depth of field composition.
A vintage white bicycle with chrome fenders parked near a fence on a sunny day with sun flare in the background.
A cozy scarf draped over a door frame in soft lighting creates a warm, intimate atmosphere.
A vibrant ornamental cabbage with pink and turquoise leaves grows among wood mulch in a garden.
Bare winter trees with orange-tinted branches against a pale blue sky with a visible daytime moon.
Red berries growing on a bush with green leaves during sunset with a blurred path in the background.
A vintage Polaroid camera sits on a wooden shelf next to decorative objects in soft lighting.
Close-up of an espresso machine portafilter pouring coffee into a silver metal pitcher.
Snow-covered wooden picnic table against red brick wall viewed through window frame.
Coffee machine dispensing espresso into a metal cup with steam visible in Edmond, OK.
Red brick building facade against bright blue sky with visible moon, in Edmond, OK.
Extreme macro shot of a water droplet forming on a dark surface with blue tones.
Vintage gas lantern with glowing flame inside glass panes creates moody lighting against textured wall.
Snow covered ground with fallen autumn leaves and wooden post in winter scene. In Edmond, OK.
Snowy portrait of a woman in Oklahoma City.
Snow-covered tree branch with frost and ice in winter against a pale sky background.
People playing and enjoying themselves during a snowy winter day outdoors. In Oklahoma City.
A person in an orange jacket leaps in the air while others gather on a snowy hill for winter activities. In Oklahoma City.
Two people stand in conversation amid a snowy landscape with buildings in the background. In Oklahoma City.
Crowd gathered on snowy hill during winter event with camera equipment. News 9 films the event in Oklahoma City.
Children playing in snowy landscape with purple and gray winter coats and sleds. In Oklahoma City.
Winter scene of people gathering around a snowman while camera equipment records the moment.
Border Collie wearing a pink vest plays in the snow on a leash.
Snow-covered park bench in winter landscape with bare trees.
Fluffy ginger cat walking through snow on a winter day.
A smiley face drawn in fresh white snow showing two eyes and a curved smiling mouth.
Red and black mountain bike parked in a parking lot with store windows visible in the background.
Neon sign with geometric design glowing in blue and red against dark background.
Customer in a black North Face jacket smiles while holding a holiday beverage in a coffee shop.
Golden retriever lying on wooden floor looking up at camera with gentle expression.
Natural ice formations and icicles creating dramatic frozen patterns against dark rock.
Hand-drawn Futurama Bender sticker posted on a black surface in an urban setting.
No Parking sign mounted on red brick wall with car mirror in foreground.
Street art mural featuring a blue portrait in Mondrian-style geometric design on brick wall.
Colorful stained glass window art featuring abstract design with vibrant turquoise and red patterns.
Silhouette of a person taking a photograph at dusk in an urban setting.
Dramatic black and white clouds swirling in a moody sky.
Abstract black and white texture with grainy pattern.
Sleepy gray cat with long fur resting contentedly on black leather chair.
Abstract black and white pattern of flowing water textures creating organic shapes and patterns.
Black and white photo of symmetrical apartment courtyard with exterior staircases and balconies leading to units.
Retail display of colorful comic book and gaming merchandise boxes on store shelves.
White angel statue in garden with blue twinkling lights and illuminated archway at dusk creates magical atmosphere.
Decorative teal glasses sculpture outside bookstore window display.
White church bell tower photographed against blue sky with blurred branches in foreground.
Palm tree with symmetric green fronds against bright blue sky in tropical setting.
Blue cat statue perched atop white wall against clear sky.
Spanish colonial architecture with white stucco walls and terracotta details against blue sky.
Chopsticks picking up crispy pan-fried dumplings garnished with black sesame seeds.
Chef in white uniform and mask kneading dough on a wooden surface in a commercial kitchen.
Brick building facade against blue sky with partial signage visible.
A vintage Midtown sign against a pink sunset sky with wispy clouds.
Red brick apartment building photographed from below with bare winter trees.
Modern architectural detail of a geometric building against a blue sky with white clouds.
Dog waste station sign mounted on a pole with brick building in the background.
Person cycling past brick buildings on urban street with green fence in foreground.
A fluffy ginger cat peers through a screen door with a curious expression on its face.
Person in blue tie-dye hoodie smiling while seated at table with notebook.
Close-up of hands writing in a planner or calendar notebook.
Hands writing in a notebook with colored markers on a wooden desk.
Someone in a plaid flannel blanket smiling warmly in an indoor setting.
Close-up of a notebook and pen on a wooden desk.