At the beginning of 2021, I may have made a few too many resolutions. One of my favourites though, has been the 365 Challenge. I saw this in a photographer’s Facebook group – the idea of committing to take one photo every day for the whole year. On top of being a really creative way to hold onto memories of my little ones this year, it’s also an opportunity to take some risks and try some things I wouldn’t normally with my clients.

Of course, being a busy mom of three, almost every resolution has fallen to the wayside by now and my 365 challenge will like end up being closer to a 182 Challenge, if that. But, no matter how far behind I get, this is one resolution I’m going to stick with because I’ve absolutely loved the images it’s resulted in.

Now, I’ll be honest and say that there have been moments I’ve missed when I haven’t have my camera handy and I’ve made my kids do whatever they were doing again. But I love the idea that at the end of 2021, I’ll be able to print these out and put them in a box or album so that we can one day look back on how we spent the year of 2021.

To keep myself on track and inspired each day, I’ve committed to three things while participating in this challenge. One, I’m going to chase the gorgeous and unique light; two, I’m going to try and capture some things outside of my comfort zone; and three, I’m going to be ok with the idea that not every photo is going to be breathtaking. As much as the challenge is about creativity and stretching myself, it’s also just an excuse to capture my children more.

My hope is, at the end of the year, to have been more present with my kids and seen the beauty in each day together, as well as to have lifelong memories of the three of them at this age. They grow so quickly, and life changes constantly. If I don’t capture them now, these memories will be gone in an instant. The way our baby smiles with his whole face when we interact with him. Our toddler’s fun-loving, energetic little spirit. Our daughter’s imagination and love for pretending. As they grow, these things will change and disappear. My 365 Challenge will allow me to hold onto these precious pieces of my kids.

Want to do your own 365 Challenge?

I know we’re a month in, but really it’s not too late. Whether you’re handy with a camera or will be snapping with your phone, this challenge will leave you with priceless memories.

So how do you do it? Easy. Just take a photo. One photo, every day, of anything you see and find beauty in. And at the end of the year, you’ll have a blast looking through memories of how you spent 2021.

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