Tuesday, December 31, 2013

365/365: That's a Wrap

I did it. I can't believe it. I took a picture every day for 365 days straight. Before I review the experience, let's share the last picture.

Wait, for a reminder, here's the very first picture from this project:


The picture above is the 3rd time we've rung in the new year with Paul & Kara. For the fourth year, we've continued our tradition.


I love that we could get a similar picture to end the project. Earlier in the day I said to Dustin, "How the heck am I going to find the right picture to end this project?!" This was perfect.

Now, my review.

For Christmas of 2012, Dustin bought me a Canon Rebel. I couldn't have been more than thrilled. I already knew how to shoot in manual, but I wanted to embark on a project that would help me learn and practice, so I decided to take on a Project 365. I've heard their tough, and a lot of people don't make it through, but that it's worth it. My goal? Simply to learn more about photography from the technicalities (composition, exposure, lighting) to editing.

Did I reach my goal? Yes, and I will always continue to want to grow and learn every day. But what I didn't expect is everything else. I didn't expect to fall in love with photography the way I have over the past year. Though it may have been obvious, I didn't expect to get such a priceless year book of one of the most amazing years of my life. I didn't expect so many followers and fans. I didn't expect to learn to appreciate the smallest things of my every day the way I have. And I certainly didn't expect to end the year having my own photography business. This project has been such an incredible blessing and experience.

I know this leaves you wondering... will I be doing a 365 in 2014? My answer is no. However, this is not my last 365. I don't know if 2014 will be as eventful as 2013, but I know that the 365 is a huge commitment and takes a lot of time. I need to be sure to spend more time with my family and more time focusing on Erin Joyce Photography. Despite not wanting to commit to a 365, I do plan to take a picture almost every day. I just can't commit to the part of editing and blogging daily. Something I think might be more feasible though, is a Project 52. A picture a week. Though, I may plan on focusing on more photography aspects whether it be composition, lighting, landscape, specific lenses, portraits, etc. I don't have a page set up yet, and hope to connect it to my blog. I'll be sure to do another post here, so you know where to follow me!

I wanted to do a top 10 breakdown of my favorite pictures and do a little paragraph on each, but I have a very sick little baby who needs mommy hugs, a wedding to finish editing, and a new Project 52 blog to make! So, I went through each month and selected one picture. Is it my favorite from that month? Not necessarily... I can't pick one favorite.


Thanks to all of you for following me, encouraging me and staying with me along the way. It's been amazing.

Monday, December 30, 2013

364/365: Me Monday

For the last Monday of this project, I figured what's better than a Me Monday... with my girl of course.


Sunday, December 29, 2013

363/365: My Very First Camera

Santa sure knows his stuff! Hannah's figuring out how to use her first camera!


362/365: Sunset

This blurry cell phone shot is the only picture I took today. With the holidays and business stuff, it's been hard picking up my camera!


361/365: The Tooth Fairy Came

At 9 months old, Hannah finally cut her first tooth!


Thursday, December 26, 2013

360/365: Baby Cousins

I love that Caleb's smiling and starting to interact! It amazes me that Hannah used to spend a ton of time in the same Rock n' Play. Now, she's pulling herself up to peek inside! They grow too fast.




359/365: Hannah's First Christmas

We had a wonderful Christmas morning for the first time as a family. We hope you had a wonderful Christmas, too! 









358/365: Christmas Eve Mass

Nothing's cuter than a little girl dressed up for Christmas Mass!


Monday, December 23, 2013

357/365: Christmas Eve Eve

We're ready for Christmas.

Our tree

Hannah's looking for Santa.

Dustin getting his tape ready.

G helped, of course. 

Sunday, December 22, 2013

356/365: Bath Time Baby

After our very busy weekend away in the hustle and bustle of New York City, there's just something so remarkable about coming home to the quiet routine with your baby. Tonight was bath night. That's Daddy's time with Hannah and it's priceless. 


Saturday, December 21, 2013

355/365: Riverside Church

I had the opportunity to photograph a wedding ceremony in this church. Stunning. Absolutely stunning. What a way to end my first year.


After pictures in Central Park, we got caught in a "parking lot" in Times Square as we were headed back to the hotel in the limo. It was horrendous. Dustin ended up flagging down a biker to take the bride and groom back to the hotel (we had a dinner to get to!) and Dustin and I went by foot, but we got stuck in a pedestrian jam (my inappropriately preferred choice of word starts with a c and ends with a k. I'll let you take a guess). It took nearly two hours to get back to our hotel room and left us with about 10 minutes to get ready for dinner. Holy smokes! 


Friday, December 20, 2013

354/365: Welcome to New York

Dustin and I arrived to our hotel late Friday night. It was a really tough time getting into the city... I think everyone from everywhere decided to go to New York this weekend and stay in midtown. Oh.my.gosh.

After the hassle of getting to our room, we unexpectedly got a gift bag from the bride and groom (hey, I rhymed!). How thoughtful! Everything in the goody bag was awesome - a tote, ornament, and candy. You can never go wrong with candy!

This was one of the only pictures I took today since I was organizing, charging and clearing memory cards for the big day!





Thursday, December 19, 2013

353/365: A Little Clip of the Sunset

I caught a peek of some color in the sky tonight so I grabbed a quick photo. I think it's the only one I took with my Canon today, but at least I took a picture for the 353rd day in a row. Twelve more days to go.


Wednesday, December 18, 2013

352/365: Getting Ready

I'm starting to organize my gear to get ready for my last session of 2013. It's gonna be a big one.


Tuesday, December 17, 2013

351/365: More Snow!

I can't believe it snowed again today. I don't think people got a lot, but we got a pretty heavy snow this afternoon. I don't think it amounted to more than an inch or two, but Hannah loved watching it from inside again. And Riley, well, he was so upset he refused to sit for me... he wouldn't even stay in the frame long enough for me to lock focus. Silly pup.



350/365: Christmas Cookies

It was a day full of baking Christmas cookies!


Sunday, December 15, 2013

349/365: A Boy and His Toys

Dustin was at work until 10 am because of the storm. When he got home, he had to "shovel" the driveway... gee, I wish my chores were this fun! What a stud.







Saturday, December 14, 2013

348/365: Hello, My Name is Hannah...

... and I'm a bookaholic.


Hannah got to hang out with her Daddy for a little bit today! With all this snow, he's been out working hard! 


Friday, December 13, 2013

347/365: Buddies

Hannah and I went to Hank & Jill's house for a Mommy & Baby Christmas party today. It was a blast! At one point, Jill grabbed a bag of toys to put on the floor, and all of the babies flocked to it and ended up sitting in a circle around it. Adorable!


Thursday, December 12, 2013

346/365: Thirteen Days 'Til Christmas!

I did this type of shot for a couple photo shoots, so figured I'd do it with my own baby. Love her!!


We also did a little craft today! Yup, I'm that mom ;)




345/365: Winter Wonderland

I have to admit, I'm loving the winter weather. It feels magical!



Tuesday, December 10, 2013

344/365: Another Snow Day!

Okay, yes, everyday is Friday and everyday is a snow day for Hannah and me. BUT Hannah and I are so busy, it's not often that we just stay home and relax. So, with that said, the weather was welcomed.

I have to laugh though. The news coverage was constant, all schools were closed, and we got about 3 inches. Philly probably got about 6. Okay, yeah, there was a bit of ice underneath... believe me, I'm not complaining, but I can't help but think that New Englanders would laugh their butts off!

Anyhow, it was more of a cell phone camera kinda day, but it documented it none the less.

Here's during the snow...


I suppose we could put the umbrella away??

This is what we did while it snowed ...


Yes, our 70 lb dog is sitting in a glider. Fairly comical watching him climb on.

After lunch, we bundled up and went outside.



Neither Hannah or Riley were super excited about the snow, so approximately 3 1/2 minutes later, we went inside. After the storm passed, we got a peak of sunshine and blue skies.


And my favorite picture is Riley and Hannah watching the snow from inside. they were much happier!


I hope everyone else enjoyed their snow day!!