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How To Do a 365 Project

Photo example of friends theme for a 365 project
Photo Credit – Annie Spratt

What Is a 365 Project?

A 365 Project is a photo challenge where you commit to taking one photo a day for a year. Some people like to start their 365 Proiect at the beginning of a new year. They actually can be started anytime you like.

365 Projects can be a pretty big commitment. We all have a lot going on in our lives, and this project requires our attention everyday for a whole year!

15 reasons why you should start a 365 Project:

  • Get out of a photographic rut
  • Kickstart your creativity
  • Find new inspiration
  • Improves your photography
  • Gets you out of your comfort zone
  • Makes you more observant
  • You can practice your photography daily
  • Strengthens your photography skills
  • Learn new techniques
  • Connect with other photographers and photography communities
  • Provides you with a photo diary of your past year
  • Ignites your passion for photography
  • Become a better photographer
  • A sense of accomplishment
  • It’s free!

How Do I Start?

  • Start by downloading our 365 Project Calendar of Ideas
  • Join a 365 Project Group or just start a solo project
  • Take a photo each day
  • Post a photo each day

That’s all there is to it! It’s actually quite simple!

Here are a few tips  to help keep your 365 Project going.

  • Take a camera with you everywhere you go. It doesn’t have to be a DSLR. It can be a point and shoot or even the camera on your phone. Switch it up, just make sure you have some sort of camera with you.
  • Make a schedule. Put aside some time to focus on your project. It will help keep you disciplined.
  • Give yourself a break. If you need to skip a day, go ahead. It’s not the end of the world. Just get back to your 365 Project as soon as you can, so you don’t lose your momentum.
  • Find a Photography Community or 365 Group for encouragement, inspiration, and motivation.
  • Don’t expect every photo to be a Masterpiece. You may have a day when you don’t feel well or your motivation is low. Just do your best for that day. You have 364 more days to show off your skills!
  • Try new genres… Landscape, Portrait, Street Photography. You may discover you are good at it!
  • Keep a journal. A journal is a great way to keep notes about what you have photographed, inspirations, and ideas for other photos.
  • Start a photoblog and share your journey.
  • Start your own 365 Project Facebook Group. Invite others to join and share photos.
  • Post your images somewhere daily whether it’s on Instagram, Facebook Groups, Flickr or your own photoblog.
  • Create a photo book of your finished 365 Project. Include some of your journal entries that provided your inspiration. A Hardcover Photo Book is a fantastic way to see what you’ve accomplished in a year.

How to Use Our 365 Photo Challenge Calendar

It’s very easy to get started. Just download our calendar. There are 365 ideas, one for each day of the year.

The ideas are open to your own interpretation. Make sure to shoot multiple photos and try different styles. There is no wrong way to do this project!

Have fun and be creative!

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