Wowee, I'm so excited about this!! In the back of my mind I've been wanting to try to commit to a 365 photography project where you take a photo every day for a year, but I've been a little intimidated by the idea. Of course the year I decide to give it a go has an extra day in it! Sounds about right, huh? Anyway, while you technically can start a 365 any day you want to, it made sense to go ahead and add it to my New Year's commitments.While I love taking pictures, I don't like feeling any pressure about it. I always keep my camera very accessible (as in usually on the kitchen counter), and when something inspires me, it's easy to pick it up. Doing this project requires me to be a little more thoughtful and to even lug my camera out with me when I normally wouldn't. (Also you can technically take a picture with your phone, too, but I really want to try to use my "big" camera as much as possible.)

But so far I actually DON'T feel pressure. I just feel myself being in the moments a little more and thinking about what little things I'd want to remember or capture. It can take less than a minute if I need or longer if I have it. I also am not going to stress about every day's image being perfect. This whole thing is about growth and progress and memories and not about perfection.

So I decided for accountability's sake, I would blog my images weekly (this is the goal!!). I did allow myself to make Day 1 be December 30 because I had taken some pictures that day and the following day, and I figured I would be very happy come next Dec 29 that I was actually on the last day. ;)

Ok, on to the images for this first week! (1 down, 51 to go!!) Note: I am forcing myself to pick ONE image for each day. Unless I just can't choose, as is the case for this week's Day 4. See how I'm already not succumbing to pressure?!

Day 1: If you know my C, you know he is obsessed with all things Lightning McQueen. Thank you, dear Jesus, that we found another storybook about Lightning because we all desperately needed a break from "Driving Buddies" and its accompanying stories. Here's C enjoying the new literary loot with his Dad.

Day 2: I have wanted to photograph in this most adorable and quaint littleice cream shop in Homewood for a long time. I mean, seriously, it's like from a different era. The neighborhood kids meet up after school on Friday afternoons for ice cream, and it's all as delicious as it is adorable. Here's my B and his sweet cousin trying to make their selections. Don't worry, all children selected the bluest choice available.

Day 3: This little guy has caught the "wrestling" bug in this house overrun with boys. The particular move in this picture, I believe, is termed a "pile driver," and C asks for it by name.

Day 4: I told you I couldn't choose here. At lunchtime, C asked for a sandwich. This ALWAYS means peanut butter and jelly. He's a little obsessed. As in, we ran through the drive through and picked up Chick-fil-A, and he said he didn't want chicken nuggets, he wanted a sandwich. And yes, I plan on having him thoroughly evaluated since something is clearly wrong with someone who chooses pb&j over Cfa. In the meantime, here are his adorable hands and the remnants of his beloved sandwich before it was devoured.Day 4 Part B: Later the same day, the boys were outside playing and I am super obsessed myself with the light at that time of day right before the sun sets. It's magical really. So I grabbed my camera and caught this of my biggest kid on his Ripstik (or the "break-your-arm-stik" as I affectionately call it.) I do love it because he totally thought I wouldn't get it for him for Christmas. And he totally loves it and has gotten pretty good FAST. {See now why I couldn't choose just one for this day??)

Day 5: Much to my dismay, C has lately fallen in love with Play-doh. I don't know how these bright globs are not dried out and crusty by now because goodness knows I haven't made any new Play-doh purchases since I learned my lesson about 5 years ago that it's an activity better left for the professionals at Pre-School to dole out. But the Play-doh lives on to be discovered by the next brother.

Mostly this activity involves poking holes in it and asking Mom to make a ball. That is promptly squished flat. Which then needs to be made into another ball. Good times.

Day 6: Since this is the Christmas break that will never end, we took a little field trip to remind ourselves that there were books before iPads. Here's C getting into some Green Eggs and Ham. Although I'm sure he's wishing it was called Peanut Butter and Jelly.

And yes, I totally took my camera into the library.Day 7: I can't imagine a kid that loves games more than B. And it occurred to me this week that we hadn't taught him to play Battleship yet! He caught on immediately and then ALMOST beat me in the first game. I love his crazy morning hair here as he plays with his brother.

Day 7 Bonus Material: I was completely kicking myself this afternoon for not bringing my camera along to take the boys to get haircuts. Ha! No place is safe apparently. Clearly the answer here is a second camera that stays in my car at all times.

So that's a wrap on Week 1! Anyone else want to jump in on the 365 photography project fun?? I'd love to see what you capture each day!

365 Photography Project Week 1 | Huntsville AL family photographer