Monday, January 11, 2010

#365: The End


..... graffitist ..... subject ..... enabler .....

I done did it.

Three hundred sixty-five days of posting a photo a day. I met the challenge ..... and learned tons along the way.

I learned to always keep my camera at the ready. (Not "always" possible, let me tell you ... and that's why the word should not be used.) I learned I need a better camera. I made do with several ... including a camera phone for the occasional stand-in emergency when the regular one wasn't around for whatever reason.

I learned inspiration comes in many forms. I learned what I think is spiffy sometimes isn't and what I think is throw-away trips someone's trigger.

I learned some of the best subjects are right around the corner.

I learned not to beat myself up. There's no point in doing so. This was a process and an experience and the first time I'd ever committed to a photo project, so anything went. And usually did.

I learned not to be jealous of other's efforts. As my father said: "There's always someone out there who's better than you. And there's always someone worse."

I specifically kept away from tricks and trickery when it came to shots. No filters or speeds or alterations. Cropping was the most I committed to. The rare lightening of an image ... but little else. I'm just not that learned yet. Besides, it was enough simply reaching the 365 mark, let alone nit-picking over my own personal quirks.

I saw the seriousness of photography. I saw a beauty in it I hadn't seen before. I was able to express my personality in efforts that surprised even me.

I illicted thoughts and emotions and comments I wouldn't have believed possible ... within the postings and elsewhere.

And I also learned there is soooooooooo much more to absorb and explore and attempt ... and I'm up to that challenge just as I was up to this one.

I trust you enjoyed the ride. A quick break and I'll be back for Round Two.


.......................... Ruprecht ( STOP )

#365 of 365
"Regrets, I've had a few ..... but then again, too few to mention,
"I did what I had to do and saw it through without exemption,
"I planned each charted course, each careful step along the byway,
"And more, much more than this ..... I did it my way."

21 comments:

JT said...

Rupe, congratulations - You have a good eye for photography and a great eye for the absurd. That has made for a most entertaining Project!

Enjoy your well-earned respite...

TopSurf said...

CONGRATULATIONS!! This was a great project to follow along with. It was always entertaining and I will say you do have a great eye. I hope you plan on doing this or something like it again, I would hop on board that train in a minute!

Marissa said...

I(CLAP)

Groovetacular, dare I say.

Ms Mgt said...

BRAVO, Rupe!
Thanks for sharing your journey with us. The images you captured have been, at times thought-provoking, heartfelt, and odd. But always entertaining. I'm glad to hear you'll be back. How will you celebrate your achievement?

AZJazzyJ said...

Excellent end to a year's commitment. It has been great watching your photos evolve over 365 days.

bronsont said...

As always, it's a BEAUT Bruce!

AsKatKnits said...

Bravo, maestro!

This so deserves a standing O.....

bigdoc said...

I bestow upon you, Rupe. well earned accolades and kudos. Congratulations. I see being the subject of half of one of your f(stop)s didn't ruin the other 365-1/2.

PG said...

eh, you did alright. i guess.

PG said...

in all honesty though. bang up job. and VERY WELL summed up. a great post capping a year that you will not soon forget and have been gracious enough to share with us. It's been a pleasure being along for the ride.

Unknown said...

Incredibly inspiring, Sir.

kymlee said...

Great job. 365 projects are challenging. I lasted about a week last year, this year I plan to power through. I look forward to seeing what you come up with after your hiatus.

Cheers!

Leslie said...

Congrats! Thanks for sharing all your photos, and what a way to end - love this last photo!

melissa@web-betty.com said...

Great post Rupe, and congrats. You've tempted me to try this again--I had real difficulty posting last year.

I think you've taken some amazing shots over the course of 365 days and look forward to what you come up with in 2010.

On a limb with Claudia said...

Congratulations!! Whoo hooo!! I've been amazed at what you've come up with here. Well done!

Lisana said...

Congratulations on sticking to it for a whole year! I came late to the party, but I've definitely enjoyed your efforts! My favorites, I think, were the ones around Halloween time.

Laura lok said...

congrats on stickign to it. its not easy. love the F-stop

Anonymous said...

Mucho Conga Rats, Rupe! I can’t wait to see what comes next.

mehitabel said...

Good work, Inspiration Buddy! Glad to see you made it...and that gives me hope that I can, too! Especially liked your musings on what makes a good photo!

Jérôme Aoustin said...

Congratulations Rupe!!!! I read the title then read what you wrote... then read "round two". Yeah! Can't wait for you to get started on it again :o)

Milkayphoto said...

Congratulations! Brilliantly summed up! The only people who can really understand your process is those of us who are doing it. Glad to hear you are continuing on and I look forward to seeing more of your take on the world!