365 Project: From the Camera of a Warrenton Virginia Family Photographer and Art Teacher

Staying Creative in a Rut: The Power of a 365 Photography Project

Let’s face it: we all experience creative ruts. Life has a way of throwing us off balance, whether it’s the gloomy winter blues, a challenging personal moment, or simply feeling uninspired. As a photographer, I’ve been there too. The magic of creating can sometimes feel out of reach, but through trial, error, and persistence, I’ve found that staying creative is one of the best ways to shake off those feelings of being stuck.

Creativity, in my experience, isn’t something you just “find.” It’s something you cultivate. And sometimes, that cultivation means trusting the process—especially when it feels hard to trust yourself. One of the most rewarding ways I’ve kept my creativity flowing has been through personal projects.

*Taking advantage of the fun caboose in one of Old Town Warrenton’s Public Spaces*

In 2020, I took on my first 365 project. If you’re not familiar with what that is, don’t worry—I’ll explain. A 365 project is a self-imposed challenge where you commit to taking one photo every day for an entire year. No exceptions, no excuses. It’s a deep dive into the art of consistency and discipline, but also a profound way to keep yourself engaged in the creative process, day after day.

At first, the thought of taking a photo every single day felt daunting. I wondered: Could I really keep this up? Would I burn out? But what I didn’t anticipate was how incredibly rewarding the journey would be. By the end of the year, I not only had a catalog of photos that documented my personal growth and changing perspectives, but I also had a treasure trove of memories, moments, and experiments. Some images were perfect; others were messy. But each day’s photo was a step forward in my creative journey.

Why a 365 Project Works (And Why It’s Perfect for Creative Ruts)

What I love most about a 365 project is that it’s entirely personal. There’s no “right” way to do it. The beauty of it lies in the flexibility and freedom to make the rules up as you go. People often think there are strict guidelines when it comes to personal projects like this—like you need to have a perfect shot every day or follow a specific theme. But that’s not the case. The rules are yours to set, and it’s important to remember that you can break them whenever you need to.

Sometimes, the most valuable part of a project like this isn’t the final result but the act of showing up every day. It’s about the commitment to creativity, even on days when you’re feeling uninspired or low. And trust me—there will be days when it feels harder than others. But that’s where grace comes in.

The Secret to a 365 Project: Giving Yourself Grace

One of the hardest lessons I learned during my 365 project was that it’s okay to break your own rules when necessary. Perfectionism can be paralyzing, and the pressure to “get it right” can often take away the joy of creating. Some days, I’d find myself running out of ideas or feeling too tired to pick up my camera. And that’s when I learned the importance of giving myself grace. If I had to miss a day I tried to pick up the next day and take two images. Often at different parts of the day or from two different scenes.

Some days, my photos were imperfect or simple—some were even taken on my phone in a rush—but I still counted them as part of my project. I allowed myself to be human, to experiment, and to fail. That’s what kept the process sustainable. Creativity isn’t always about producing masterpieces; it’s about showing up, taking risks, and staying curious.

warrenton children's photographer pajama photo — *4/365 from my first 365*

Taking the First Step: Starting Your Own 365 Project

If you’re feeling stuck, or if you want to stretch your creative muscles, I can’t recommend starting a 365 project enough. It’s a wonderful way to stay motivated, keep learning, and connect with your craft in a new way. The first step is simple: decide that you’re going to commit to one photo every day for a year. Then, let go of the need for perfection. Allow yourself room to grow, experiment, and sometimes even fail.

The process is what matters. Trust it.

Some things to consider when starting

Where will you leave your camera so you have easy access to it.
Will you allow yourself to use your cell phone for images, or will you just stick to your DSLR or Mirrorless camera?
When will you edit your images. Setting up a workflow for the week really can help keep you on track. For example plan to do all your personal edits Tuesdays and Saturdays.
How will you stay organized? (This was the hardest part for me, and still is). Make sure your cameras metadata is correct and you can use Lightroom to help you remember the dates images were taken. Will you be strict with your dates or flexible if you are staying within a weeks time etc?
How will you store and number your final exported images. Some common practices for labeling are 1/365.
There are great resources out there and Facebook groups that you can join with other artists who are working a 365s. This can help you stay focused and on track. These groups can also provide inspiration for photo ideas.

Staying creative through the tough moments isn’t easy, but it’s one of the best ways to keep the winter blues—or any creative slump—at bay. The 365 project taught me that creativity is a journey, not a destination. It’s about showing up, staying curious, and trusting the process, even when it feels difficult. So if you’re in a rut, grab your camera (or your phone!) and start taking that one photo every day. You might just be amazed at where the journey takes you.

Why Personal Projects help Creativity