Today I’m participating in the Ultimate Blog Swap. You’ll find me posting over at Clara’s Closet about celebrating Mother’s Day year round, and I’m excited to welcome Andi from Bringing the Sunshine to Call Her Happy. Consider subscribing and never miss a post!
Have you ever consider tackling a 365 project?
An avid 35mm hobbyist for years, I bought a digital SLR a decade ago, in the early days of digital but never learned much about post-processing. I took a lot of pictures of Sarah Kate, my first child, because, well…she was FIRST. Everything was new and different and special back then. She was also a preemie born with a mild-to-moderate case of cerebral palsy, so we documented each and every milestone because so many of them – like walking, which she didn’t achieve until age three – were so hard won.
But then I heard about something called a 365 Project.
At first, I couldn’t imagine taking a photo every single day. What would I photograph? But what I could envision was creating an image every day – maybe a photo that I edited and posted a few days later, so if I had a few good ones one day and nothing the next, I could keep it up. That was how my 365 project was born, on January 1, 2011 – and I haven’t missed a day since. When I decided to tackle 365, I set up a Flickr account and a blog that posted to my Facebook account, because I wanted to have a way to stay accountable. My friends and family (i.e., grandmas!) see my daily images and comment, and when I goofed and accidentally posted only to my Flickr account, I got chastised. My friends and family (i.e., grandmas!) notice if I don’t post.
Maybe. But maybe not.
As a mom with two children who have special needs, I don’t take any achievement for granted. Once upon a time, I barely dared to hope that one day Sarah Kate would be able to walk independently. This spring, she played softball on a regular team without any special accommodations. No, she wasn’t able to run, but she was able to hit the ball. She grounded out countless times, unable to reach first base as quickly as her defender, but she was also credited with many RBIs.
Why don’t you start today?
- Capture Your 365 – A great site for sharing, learning, and gathering ideas for each day’s photo. Includes a supportive community (you’ll find me there as “Violet Film”)
- Project 365: How to Take a Photo a Day and See Your Life in a Whole New Way – A simple overview of how to tackle your own 365 project
- Shutter Sisters: Musings on Project 365 – Reflections on what can be gained from a 365 project (other than the photos)
- You can view all my 365 photos on my Flickr photostream or selected photos on my blog, Bringing the Sunshine

Thanks so much for the encouragement and inspiration! I started a 365 Project but after a month I started forgetting to take pictures. Now I think I’m ready to recommit! I love the photos of your family!
I work at a home for homeless pregnant women. What a great idea for us! Thanks.