30 Days of the Everyday
Today starts a 30 day photography project for me here. A project that will let me explore my camera a bit, take some shots I might not otherwise try, focus the 'writing' part of my brain on my manuscript, and mix things up a bit here on the blog (coming up on three years soon! gotta shake things up sometimes).
But my overwhelming wish and motivation for this project is that it will be a part of really seeing. Because what's happening right now - right this very moment in my family life as these three little ones grow, learn, and explore so very much each and every day - it feels really special...and fleeting. And I really want to see it, in the slow tiny, simple, and very ordinary moments that make up each day.
There's been a great deal of inspiration leading me up to this little project - amazing photographers, authors, and artists who document the 'everyday' in simply beautiful ways. So in addition to the photographs, I hope to share a bit of that with you as well. And I'm very happy to say that I'll have some excellent company on this journey, as my dear friend Jessie Fields will be playing along too. I cannot wait to see what she sees.
So cheers to the little moments, and thank you for coming along!
Can't wait! I hope you'll include a little bit about your camera, too, and how you get your photos to look so great. Some of your secrets for on finding those great shots would be nice as well. I love your photos!
Posted by: Jonah Lisa | January 07, 2008 at 05:17 PM
I get what you mean.
One of my favourite blogs is
http://eleven47.com/
Have you seen it?
Posted by: Freefalling | January 07, 2008 at 05:36 PM
Sounds like a lovely project, Amanda. Looking forward to your little moments over the next 30 days :)
Posted by: amanda | January 07, 2008 at 08:55 PM
how exciting! i love this idea, amanda. the lighting on that wood is just beautiful and so warm.
Posted by: mindful mothering | January 07, 2008 at 09:18 PM
I look forward to visiting and seeing more lovely images.
Posted by: hrsj | January 07, 2008 at 09:48 PM
and print some. too often we shoot and never print. I have promised myself an album every now and then!
Posted by: em.s | January 07, 2008 at 10:44 PM
You know what's funny ... I thought that's what you were doing already. :-)
Posted by: Diane Arias | January 07, 2008 at 10:56 PM
Looking forward to the adventure!
Posted by: Nadia Lewis | January 07, 2008 at 11:12 PM
Wow! This photograph is just gorgeous! I love your use of the light. Fabulous!
Posted by: Angie | January 08, 2008 at 12:18 AM
What a nice idea! I have 3 little kids as well and I love taking photos of them. If I took a picture of how we store our things it wouldn't look at all serene like yours though! I think this would be a fun project for my blog but I'm going to wait until I take my photography course.
Posted by: Heather | January 08, 2008 at 09:20 AM
It's good to capture moments one wouldn't see or reflect upon without a camerashot. I'm also doing the project 365/ 365 days (selfportraits) and also 52 blessing to help me remember more of what I "see" everyday. And the best, - I get to know my camera better, as you also wrote.
Am looking forward to follow you w/ family for the next 30 days.
Posted by: mereteveian | January 08, 2008 at 01:16 PM
Hi Amanda! I know many people who have decided to try this this year also. Wonder what gave the idea so much oomph this particular year? I started out over here www.photoblog.com/lotofoto/ on new year's eve. I'm excited to look back over a year's worth of photos in my family's life (gonna do the 365 version). Can't wait to see your photos too! I always enjoy them! -K
Posted by: K | January 08, 2008 at 01:30 PM
Love this idea! Just got a new SLR camera for Christmas and I think I need to do something like this not only to familiarize myself with the camera but to get outside and discover more of this neighborhood and city. The first little-one is on the way and I want to be ready when he/she arrives.
I read your blog all the time and so enjoy it! Thank you!! Great photo by the way and can't wait to see what's next!
Posted by: Rebecca | January 08, 2008 at 11:58 PM
what a lovely photo. thanks for reminding me of just how fleeting and beautiful each moment is and what a special time I'm getting to share with my own two young sons. too often in the crying and whining and messiness of everyday i just feel tired, needy and frustrated that i don't get to make stuff (art?) like i used to. but art is about the everyday, about seeing what's there and celebrating the beauty. thanks for the reminder.
Posted by: tammy | January 09, 2008 at 12:19 AM
The most important part of this post for me, was that phrase:"I cannot wait to see what she sees".
Things happen all around us. It is so good for the soul and mind to stop and capture what OUR eyes see, in whatever medium we can, music, photography, painting, writing...
Best Wishes for your challenge.
And by the way, the light in your picture is great.
Posted by: Irene | January 10, 2008 at 12:49 PM
A Cushman's Bakery box!!!
When I was a little girl, long ago in Peabody, MA, the Cushman's Bakery man delivered our bread. Just like the milkman who put the milk right into the refrigerator, he'd walk right into the kitchen and put the bread on the counter. He carried a big square box with a handle like a basket filled with wonderful goodies, so sometimes my mother would indulge in a treat for us all.
Thanks for the memory jolt and the beautiful picture.
Good luck with your project.
Posted by: Ruth | January 10, 2008 at 11:22 PM
Great idea to capture everyday. Lots more pictures to scrapbook too.
Posted by: Lisa | January 11, 2008 at 05:50 PM
Everything you do is inspiring - so I expect nothing less this time around! Great shot by the way.
Posted by: Allison | January 14, 2008 at 02:18 PM
Great Idea, especially when time for the blog is short. Capturing the every day moments is so important to good living and good memories. I've been a reader for more than a year now, but I'm shy and I never really say anything. I always enjoy your blog. Kudos on all the recent blessings with the book and everything. Take care and keep blogging!
Francia
Posted by: Harlem Mama | January 14, 2008 at 11:02 PM
you captured magic in that photo.
Posted by: jen | January 15, 2008 at 05:38 PM
Lotve this idea. Your photo is beautiful and I look forward to more. I received a new digital camera for Christmas and this is just the journey I have to take!
Posted by: Jeanne | January 23, 2008 at 06:49 PM
This is my favourite, I love the light across this shot, beautiful.
Posted by: sharon | January 31, 2008 at 06:10 PM
i wanna play too! when i muster up enough energy to commit to an everyday thing, i am so doing this. brilliant!
i am sooooo glad i found you.
Posted by: tracey | February 03, 2008 at 07:35 PM
OMGoodness--just got back from a 2 month vacation and saw this--I'm going to try it too--I LOVE to use my camera--but that trunk! It is Cushman's bakery???? I grew up with a Cushman's around the corner--how I miss their marigolds! Katherine
Posted by: Katherine | March 22, 2008 at 07:39 PM
I've been pondering your lovely 30 Days photolog and decided to give it a go myself for April. Besides, starting on April 1st I can always call it an April Fool's Joke if it flops, right? LOL!
http://www.sailblogs.com/member/marihalojen/?xjMsgID=51709&c=1165
Posted by: Jennifer | April 01, 2008 at 02:39 PM