What has POTD done for your photography?

[Myra]

A couple things for me:
1. Made me more thoughtful about my photos. I delete WAY more.
2. It's become a journal. I can't imagine a day without it.
3. I've learned to appreciate manual so much more. It comes easier because I practice every day.
4. I've realized that even my bad photos have a purpose.
5. I've rediscovered my point and shoot. Some of those photos have become my favorites.

How about you?

[dfwest]

Having just finished my 092510 POTD I can honestly say it has enriched my life; I truly SEE things I would never have taken the time or energy to see.

It has given each day a purpose it would not otherwise have had.

My photography skills have improved because of it; now, "good enough", isn't.

I can somehow find the good in an otherwise really icky day.

When I take the time to look at my life up close and personal; I realize how very lucky I am.

[Myra]

Oh ditto to all of yours Debbie! You've articulated POTD do well. I especially love your last point. So true. So true.

[mugsbigsis]

Originally Posted by dfwest

I can somehow find the good in an otherwise really icky day.

This one says it all for me. :O)
And I have to say that everyone's POTD photos inspire me in which I find immense pleasure also. I'm committing to the project in January. :O)

[Standifg]

Originally Posted by mugsbigsis

This one says it all for me. :O)
And I have to say that everyone's POTD photos inspire me in which I find immense pleasure also. I'm committing to the project in January. :O)

How I agree!!! I too look at everyone's POTD photos and think "I need to do this in 2011". I just hope I can make the committment and stick with it. I know it has to be one of the best ways to learn the ins and outs of my camera and improve my skills.

[carollee]

I'm not doing it this year, but having done it in 2009, it really made me think about what I was looking at, not just snapping, but really thinking about it.

It also made me look at things in a different way.

And it does prove that practice makes perfect. 2009 I think my photos got better towards the end of the year. And now this year not doing it, I do feel out of practice.

Although I'm gearing up for some form of POTD (or week) next year. I'm already planning, because truth be told, I did miss it this year.

[esther_a]

Yes, it's made me think more about HOW I capture an image. I guess previously I would always photograph people and events and there was no time for experimentation. Myra it seems ironic, but I have learned to appreciate my point & shoot, too!

[justmp]

Myra, your list is so much the same as what I would say!! I am amazed at myself that I have taken a picture every single day for the past 632 days!! and in doing that, I've learned more about my camera...I'm willing to try more things. My focus last year was just to get a picture every day. This year, I'm more focused on making my photo of the day represent the most significant part of the day. I love that I have a journal of this year! I love it!

[krystav]

Looking at the POTD photos each day is a tiny moment of joy, all those wonderful photos are inspiring and a reminder that the world and our lives are filled with so much beauty we take for granted.

I'm definately starting a POTD project in January!

[susiecw]

I really like all your answers and Myra's list. I began this just to really learn to use my DSLR. Now, that camera is second nature now. I know exactly what settings I will use for each photo without thinking about it.

Being single and my kids off on their own, it sometimes is difficult for me because I have to look for something to photograph everyday. But, it has taught me to look around at the world in an entirely different way...lighting, shadows, forms...of everyday places and things, like the fire station near my house with its red beams and their shadows in the mornings.

Somedays are better than others but I still always upload to Flickr daily despite them being redundant sometimes, and I love seeing what everyone else is shooting. It's so inspiring to look through the groups' galleries and at Flickr's Explore. I'm planning on doing it again next year too.

[earlofoxford]

Great thread, Myra! I'm not doing POTD this year, and I really miss it. I won't make that mistake again. I'll be back doing Project 365 in January, and I don't plan to stop again. It made me look at everyday things / events differently when I was thinking about my POTD. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Myra]

Linda - POTD has nurtured my latent OCD.

[echogirl]

I've loved doing POTD. My goal was not only to do it but to do it all on manual. I can't believe how quickly I actually learned how to use my camera. I owe it all to you guys because if there was no Katrina, or POTD, or 365 pages I NEVER would have done it.
I'm totally thrilled. Thank you all!
I'm terrible at posting them and scrapping them but I do get them done in spurts and I can't wait for the finished product. I can't imagine not doing them.
I love krystav's comment. SO true.

[earlofoxford]

Oh, Myra -- we must be sisters separated at birth!

[Jen D]

Linda, I did the same thing. I thought I would grow tired of trying to do it... and wanted a mental break. But, I miss it sooooo much. I am already pulling my templates together and trying to complete my pages before hand so that I can focus on the photos

Such a fun project and I agree that you learn so much about yourself and the little details don't get overlooked

[katrinak]

Originally Posted by echogirl

I've loved doing POTD. My goal was not only to do it but to do it all on manual. I can't believe how quickly I actually learned how to use my camera. I owe it all to you guys because if there was no Katrina, or POTD, or 365 pages I NEVER would have done it.

You are too sweet! Love this project and love the connections it has created for me not only to my own photography process but to so many amazing women sharing the same journey! I feel like I know a bit more about what makes your worlds special.

[krystav]

Ooh.. I like your idea Jen to make the page layouts beforehand!

[cheska99]

Ooooooo, you are all making me want to do this!

[Christinas]

makes me want to jump in for 2011 !