Project 365: Teacher Librarian.

A 365 Project is a photography project, you take 1 photo each day for a year on a subject of your choosing and share it with the world. (from 365 Project blog)

So many of my friends participate in some sort of 365 Project that I felt compelled to see what I was missing. It turns out... a whole lot of fun and connecting and sharing. I made it a personal goal this year to keep a photo journal of my life as a teacher librarian.

Advantages:

- Powerful, visual advocacy tool for my library media program

- Opportunity to participate in a shared experience with other educators

- Flex my creativity muscles with daily photo assignments while also improving my photo-taking abilities

- Photo journal of the year does the remembering so that I don't have to

Disadvantages:

- Time

Imagine your principal asking how your program has positively impacted the school and you being able to point him/her to a photo journal capturing a staggering array of activities and experiences, all in bite-sized easy to browse morsels. 

Compelled? Captivated? Want to dip your toe into the proverbial Project 365 pool and see if the water's ripe for a swim?

Here's a tool kit of what you need to get started:

1. Create an account on 365 Project. It's free and will take seconds to set up. This is where you'll upload your photos
2. Follow your own inspiration or use a photo challenge list. I'm sticking with Venspired's "See the Great in Education" project. CaptureYour365 also has a great list for those looking for more general photo assignments.
3. Download photo editing tools to realize the potential in your images. My go-to favorites for the iPhone or iPad are XNView FX and SnapSeed and both are absolutely free. You could even use Instagram or forego photo-editing altogether. 
4. Find a network to keep you motivated. Whether you're sharing images on Facebook, on your blog, through the 365 Project site, or otherwise, staying connected will help you stay motivated throughout the whole year.

January photo challenges from Venspired.com

January photo challenges from CaptureYour365.com

May the rest of your year be filled with images of discovery, victory, insight, and joy.

- Matthew

busylibrarian.com