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Sunday, January 1, 2012

My 365 Photo Experiment: Concluded

Once upon a time, I received a camera for Christmas.  It was an intelligent beast in my incapable hands, confounding me at every turn.  Still, I was besotted with its clarity of focus and impressively hefty weight.  So I snapped some photos.  I felt the limitations of my ignorance.  And I resolved to get better.

Now, one year later, I am no better but perhaps even more besotted.  After my year-long experiment with photo blogging, I have this to say: God Bless memories.  I started out wanting to improve my skill and knowledge of photography, and ended up recording the priceless moments of (almost) an entire year in the life of This Heavenly Family. 

It shows the gaps in memory when I chose sleep over photography after the birth of our newest family member.  It shows a mostly nonexistent November because all of our photos became lodged within our old, broken computer, never to be seen again.  (Or at least until we procure a new flash drive or external hard drive with which to escort the month of November onto our new computer.)

Most importantly, it shows our life unfolding.  And I've realized that I simply cannot give up my photo blog after only one year of recording. 

So, yes: this is the conclusion of 2011's photography experiment. 

But, no: it's not the end.  Because this is January First, 2012.  And there are more memories waiting. 

These were some of Justin's and my favorites from the year.  Enjoy! 


January
Because every frozen winter day needs a bathing suit plus rain boots and a pair of binoculars.



February
Because when snow is piled up to your thighs, you must plow through it, right?



March
Because when you manage to focus on a flower that outshines the hands in which it rests, that's a pretty spectacular flower.



April
Because this was the most beautiful spring in recent memory.



May
Because life flies by; shove your bare foot into the wind every chance you get.



June
Because when you pose under a bridge, everything is a bit more glamorous.



July
Because running and smiling go together.



August
Because when it's so hot, the swimming pool is the only acceptable destination.



September
Because this much color should never be restricted to terra firma.



October
Because when life emerges from your body, it's pretty much the most momentous thing.  Ever.



November
Because babies need to be photographed upside down and right side up and backward and forward and every other way imaginable.



December
Because the holidays make us a little bit prone to decorating ourselves.




Now, go: start YOUR photography journey in 2012!  Let it be about memories or skill or practice -- just DO it.  If for no other reason than because looking back on your year in twelve months will make you laugh and cry and dream.  All good things.  Happy 2012, my friends!

9 comments:

  1. Oh, I'm so glad you're going to keep the photo blog going!

    I've loved all the glimpses you've shared there this year and I think it's brilliant the way the photos have shown your life unfolding; you're right, they tell a story all their own.

    Happy New Year, Sarah! I hope your 2012 is full of laughter and snuggles!

    xoxo

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  2. Thanks for sharing! :)

    Looking forward to even more pictures in the new year. You're an inspiration!

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  3. Yes! I love your photo blog, so I was getting a little nervous that we might be at the end of it! Happy New Year!

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  4. What a neat idea! I love the photos. The summer ones are making miss the warm weather!

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  5. Yay, I too was enjoying the photo blog and sad that it was coming to an end. Happy 2012 and I can't wait to see all your new memories posted!

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  6. So beautiful Sarah! I had to look carefully at each one and take it all in. keep it up!
    Best,
    Tina

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  7. Beautiful Post, Sarah.

    I agree wholeheartedly about preserving memories through photographs. I loved ALL your pictures and I can't wait to see more.

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  8. Oh my goodness. That birth picture made me cry! I know I cry easy, but still. Breathtaking!

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  9. Wow! A year of miracles captured forever. Love each one of these.

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Hmm...And how did that make you FEEL?