Owen

Ben + Carrie Photobooth from Naked Eye Photography on Vimeo.

Owen

Well, it’s over and I thought I would put together some of my thoughts from my year long adventure for your reading pleasure. I didn’t know where to begin so I though I would start by answering a bunch of questions that were sent to me by Meshl from a 365 group that I have been posting my images to.

1.) What inspired you to begin your 365 Project?

I was looking for a challenge and I found out about this type of project right here on Flickr. I had been thinking about doing it for a while but wasn’t sure if I would be able to stick with it and I didn’t want to start it and not finish. One day last June, out of the blue, I decided to just go for it – not fully knowing what I was getting myself into.

2.) How would you describe your photography in just a few words?

Tough Question. I would say that I am an observant photographer. What the heck does that mean? I have always enjoyed just watching people do their thing and I love capturing it to look at later and wonder what that person was thinking at the time I took the shot. Basically, my favorite type of photography is shooting people – that doesn’t sound too good now does it

3.) What surprised you the most about doing the 365 project?

How demanding it is trying to be creative EVERY day for a year. Some days I didn’t think I would be able to pull it off, especially during the winter here in Northern Canada.

4.) What did you learn during the course of your project?

I’m just gonna say it as cliche as it may be – I have learned how to see the light. When I first heard this I had no idea what it meant – see the light, what in the world, how can I not see the light it is all around us, of course I see the light – I think?? It took me almost the entire last 6 months of my project to get it but when I did, a light bulb when off – tee hee:) I am by no means a master but I am way more knowledgeable on the subject than I was a year ago. Practice makes perfect and shooting everyday gives you a whole lot of practice in a relatively short period of time. A big thank you to Strobist and Zach Arias for the schooling.

5.) Do you have an interesting story about taking one of your 365 photos that you would like to share?

Another tough question, I have 365 interesting stories (too me at least) but I would rather let the pictures speak for themselves. I have been yelled at, almost arrested, kicked out of places, smiled at, thanked, and my favorite is I made people cry tears of happiness. If I get an emotional response, good or bad, from my art I am a happy camper.

6.) What are your future photography plans?

I am currently re-branding my photography business. As much as I liked the name – Naked Eye Photography, it doesn’t truly reflect who I am and the image (no pun intended) I want to portray. Plus, for some reason people do not take too kindly to the word Naked. My site does not load in many places of work and forget about it when it comes to schools. There have even been instances where clients have not received emails from me due to filters picking up on the word naked in my email address. I am trying to decide between “Owen Law Studios” or “Owen Law Photography” as the new name for my company. I am very interested in all of your thoughts so what do you think – which name do you like best? My goal is to be the number one environmental portrait photographer in Edmonton so I have my work ahead of me as there are quite of few amazing photographers in my neck of the woods.

I have thoroughly enjoyed myself beyond my wildest dreams with this project. Will I do it again? Unfortunately I would have to say, probably not in the near future. As much as I loved it, the time it takes up needs to be put to a better use if I am going to achieve any of my photography goals. I would recommend it in a heartbeat to any photographer that has not done a 365 before. The confidence, knowledge, and enhanced creativity gained from it can’t be bought on the internet or from a one day seminar. The best photography advice I have heard and I will pass along to you is: look at as many pictures as you can and shoot, shoot, shoot and then go out and shoot some more.

Thank you very much to all of you that have shared the adventure with me by viewing and commenting on my images over the past year. There are too many names to make mention of and I would hate to offend anyone by leaving a name out by accident. This isn’t the end for me on flickr, I plan on remaining pretty active here seeing as though it has done so much for me and I enjoy following all your streams so much!!

I would also like say a big thank you to my wife for being so understanding for all the late nights and impromptu photo shoots, to my kids for being my subjects when asked even when they didn’t feel like sitting for me, and to the rest of my family for their endless support and love.

Thanks again everyone, now get off your butt and go shoot something

Owen

Owen

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