Taking a Photo a Day is a Fun Way to Document Life

I’ve been an avid scrapbooker for more than ten years and during the past few years documenting life by taking a photo a day has become extremely popular in the scrapbooking world. It can be done instead of traditional scrapbooking or in addition to it.

Known by several different names — Project 365, Photo a Day, Project Life — there are a number of approaches. Many people, like me, take photos to capture what they did, what they saw, who they were with or where they went each day (sort of a photo journal). Others pick themes each week or month, or use a list of prompts to determine the photo they shoot that day.

I’ve done this project for 4 ½ years, and it’s been a lot of fun. Looking back through my photo collection makes me smile and reminds me of good times and interesting activities.

Although I carry a camera and shoot photos everywhere, not every photo is a “winner.” In fact, on a number of occasions it’s been 11 p.m. and I resorted to taking a photo of my refrigerator, shoes or mailbox – but that’s part of what makes it interesting. When would you normally take these kinds of shots? Someday you may be grateful to have a record of everyday, mundane things that don’t normally make it into your best photo albums.

Participating in this project gives you a fresh outlook on the world, since you’re always looking for that elusive but interesting photo to commemorate the day. I’ve taken photos of cars with antlers at Christmas time, my doctor, street signs, the cover of every book I’ve read during the last 4 ½ years, and much, much more. The possibilities are endless.

Ready to give it a try? Or are you already doing it? Write and tell me about your experiences!