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365 Project - The Other Side of the Lens.

Nervously, and with a lot of prayer, I began this project January 7, 2012. I joined up with a group of strangers on http://www.mavenforums.com and for an entire year, we watched people come and go, got to know each others families, and marveled at each other's photos. It was an incredible experience and did so much for me that I wasn't expecting. It ended up being an expression of self like I'd never done before. 367 photos later, my perspective on self portraits, the internet, and photography was changed. I had made new friends all over the world, and even met with some of them in person. Every photo has a story, and a memory, and when I look through them I feel a deep satisfaction. Many thanks to Michael for putting for the effort to get us all shooting self portraits, and many thanks to all my friends who motivated me for an entire year! It's made a world of difference. With your positivity and motivation, you've inspired me and built confidence in me, and I know that as a photographer I'll never be the same. Below, the photos are the visible fruits of our labors and prayers, but the real benefit only I really know. Thank you, and enjoy!
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  • January 7, 2012. Day 1. All dressed up in ice rescue gear. Big Lake, Alaska

    January 7, 2012. Day 1. All dressed up in ice rescue gear. Big Lake, Alaska

  • January 8, 2012. Day 2. Me and the twins. Love these two. Eagle River, Alaska

    January 8, 2012. Day 2. Me and the twins. Love these two. Eagle River, Alaska

  • January 9, 2012. Day 3. Low-Key and hanging around with John in the apartment. I'm still much less than an expert at this stuff and learning every time. Wasilla, Alaska

    January 9, 2012. Day 3. Low-Key and hanging around with John in the apartment. I'm still much less than an expert at this stuff and learning every time. Wasilla, Alaska

  • January 10, 2012. Day 4. Swinging around in Wonderland Park, Wasilla.

    January 10, 2012. Day 4. Swinging around in Wonderland Park, Wasilla.

  • January 11, 2012. Day 5. Pushing the remote trigger Eagle River, Alaska.

    January 11, 2012. Day 5. Pushing the remote trigger Eagle River, Alaska.

  • January 12, 2012. Day 6. Story: John set up a shoot for some maternity photos of Benjamin and Kaitlyn, so for my photo of the day I jumped in front of the backdrop, making it pretty easy on me! Weird photo, maybe, but hey, it works! Wasilla, Alaska

    January 12, 2012. Day 6. Story: John set up a shoot for some maternity photos of Benjamin and Kaitlyn, so for my photo of the day I jumped in front of the backdrop, making it pretty easy on me! Weird photo, maybe, but hey, it works! Wasilla, Alaska

  • January 13, 2012. Day 7. Should I even explain this one? A cold day to assist on a photoshoot with Jylia and John! Eagle River Nature Centre, Eagle River, Alaska

    January 13, 2012. Day 7. Should I even explain this one? A cold day to assist on a photoshoot with Jylia and John! Eagle River Nature Centre, Eagle River, Alaska

  • January 14, 2012. Day 8. Mom visited! John's idea for the photo. With Mom and John at Thai Kitchen in Anchorage, Alaska.

    January 14, 2012. Day 8. Mom visited! John's idea for the photo. With Mom and John at Thai Kitchen in Anchorage, Alaska.

  • January 15, 2012. Day 9. It was late, I needed to take a photo, Sandra offered to hold up a black sheet for me, I love to climb, and, well... Wasilla, Alaska

    January 15, 2012. Day 9. It was late, I needed to take a photo, Sandra offered to hold up a black sheet for me, I love to climb, and, well... Wasilla, Alaska

  • January 16, 2012. Day 10. My first try at off-camera lighting in the woods. Also, my first try at a triptych (3-piece photo.) I know it's not perfect, but hopefully the next one will be better! Hanging around with Sandra Lowe in Wasilla, Alaska

    January 16, 2012. Day 10. My first try at off-camera lighting in the woods. Also, my first try at a triptych (3-piece photo.) I know it's not perfect, but hopefully the next one will be better! Hanging around with Sandra Lowe in Wasilla, Alaska

  • January 17, 2012. Day 11. I was a little bit too lazy and too short on time with the sun going down to compose something more complicated. So I leaned against a tree and went back inside where it's warm! I am definitely thankful for a warm apartment to call home today. Wasilla, Alaska

    January 17, 2012. Day 11. I was a little bit too lazy and too short on time with the sun going down to compose something more complicated. So I leaned against a tree and went back inside where it's warm! I am definitely thankful for a warm apartment to call home today. Wasilla, Alaska

  • January 18, 2012. Day 12. John entitled this "The Money Grubbers." He really did all the work for this photo (as in lighting genius, posing, framing, the idea in the first place), I just messed with my aperture and pushed a button. We started a timer, and start-to-finish, throwing up lights as fast as we could and making total mayhem of our apartment, it took us about 50 minutes. Good work, John! I'm definitely blessed to be married to a photographer. Wasilla, Alaska

    January 18, 2012. Day 12. John entitled this "The Money Grubbers." He really did all the work for this photo (as in lighting genius, posing, framing, the idea in the first place), I just messed with my aperture and pushed a button. We started a timer, and start-to-finish, throwing up lights as fast as we could and making total mayhem of our apartment, it took us about 50 minutes. Good work, John! I'm definitely blessed to be married to a photographer. Wasilla, Alaska

  • January 19, 2012. Day 13. A 10:00 AM trip to the DMV. In case you've never done it, handling a metal tripod and adjusting camera settings bare-handed in negative temperatures is a character building experience. Makes me thankful it's not colder! Anchorage, Alaska

    January 19, 2012. Day 13. A 10:00 AM trip to the DMV. In case you've never done it, handling a metal tripod and adjusting camera settings bare-handed in negative temperatures is a character building experience. Makes me thankful it's not colder! Anchorage, Alaska

  • January 20. 2012. Day 14. Kinda odd, but, there it is! Wasilla, Alaska

    January 20. 2012. Day 14. Kinda odd, but, there it is! Wasilla, Alaska

  • January 21, 2012. Day 15. Katie drew a caricature of me, and I think she did an amazing job! At a quilt retreat in Anchorage, Alaska

    January 21, 2012. Day 15. Katie drew a caricature of me, and I think she did an amazing job! At a quilt retreat in Anchorage, Alaska

  • January 22, 2012. Day 16. Cleaning an oven with baking soda, salt, vinegar, water, and a GoPro Camera. Hanging out at home with John in Wasilla, Alaska.

    January 22, 2012. Day 16. Cleaning an oven with baking soda, salt, vinegar, water, and a GoPro Camera. Hanging out at home with John in Wasilla, Alaska.

  • January 23, 2012. Day 17. What glasses see while I'm washing them. Hanging out at home with John in Wasilla, Alaska.

    January 23, 2012. Day 17. What glasses see while I'm washing them. Hanging out at home with John in Wasilla, Alaska.

  • January 24, 2012. Day 18. Downtown in an office, while Mom's working away! Anchorage, Alaska

    January 24, 2012. Day 18. Downtown in an office, while Mom's working away! Anchorage, Alaska

  • January 25, 2012. Day 19. At the end of the day, I went down to the park to try and snap a photo. Low on ideas and freezing in the negative temperatures, I set up a jumping shot. When I came back and showed my husband, he informed me that it was terribly morbid and that I looked like I hung myself. Needless to say, I was shocked. The bad news is I don't really have anything better to use, except a photo of me with my eyes half closed. So, it is what it is! I don't want to miss a day! But don't worry - I didn't hang myself! Wonderland Park, Wasilla

    January 25, 2012. Day 19. At the end of the day, I went down to the park to try and snap a photo. Low on ideas and freezing in the negative temperatures, I set up a jumping shot. When I came back and showed my husband, he informed me that it was terribly morbid and that I looked like I hung myself. Needless to say, I was shocked. The bad news is I don't really have anything better to use, except a photo of me with my eyes half closed. So, it is what it is! I don't want to miss a day! But don't worry - I didn't hang myself! Wonderland Park, Wasilla

  • January 26, 2012. Day 20. The sunset was completely beautiful. Complete with huge chunks of ocean ice, two sun dogs, silver-lined clouds, and misty mountains. I shot this while trying to get a panoramic of it. Seward Highway, Alaska

    January 26, 2012. Day 20. The sunset was completely beautiful. Complete with huge chunks of ocean ice, two sun dogs, silver-lined clouds, and misty mountains. I shot this while trying to get a panoramic of it. Seward Highway, Alaska

  • January 27, 2012. Day 21. Cold cuddles Kincaid Park, Alaska

    January 27, 2012. Day 21. Cold cuddles Kincaid Park, Alaska

  • January 28, 2012. Day 22. Jumping for joy in -14. Thanks, Jess, for being my human tripod. On a 6 year anniversary photoshoot with Jess and David Woelfel. Eagle River Nature Center, Alaska.

    January 28, 2012. Day 22. Jumping for joy in -14. Thanks, Jess, for being my human tripod. On a 6 year anniversary photoshoot with Jess and David Woelfel. Eagle River Nature Center, Alaska.

  • January 29, 2012. Day 23. I might need to clean my kitchen floor... Hanging around with John Borland in Wasilla, Alaska

    January 29, 2012. Day 23. I might need to clean my kitchen floor... Hanging around with John Borland in Wasilla, Alaska

  • January 30, 2012. Day 24. I don't think there's a whole lot to explain about this one... except that I was trying to push the thought of a monster jumping up in the window behind me out of my head for part of the time. At Travis' home in Palmer with John, Travis, Katrina and Cooper.

    January 30, 2012. Day 24. I don't think there's a whole lot to explain about this one... except that I was trying to push the thought of a monster jumping up in the window behind me out of my head for part of the time. At Travis' home in Palmer with John, Travis, Katrina and Cooper.

  • January 31, 2012. Day 25. I got a GoPro in the mail?? Sweet!! Just kidding ;) Wasilla, Alaska

    January 31, 2012. Day 25. I got a GoPro in the mail?? Sweet!! Just kidding ;) Wasilla, Alaska

  • February 01, 2012. Day 26. Hanging around with and baking bread for John. I'm so excited that this project has made it to February! Wasilla, Alaska

    February 01, 2012. Day 26. Hanging around with and baking bread for John. I'm so excited that this project has made it to February! Wasilla, Alaska

  • February 2, 2012. Day 27, Some days, there's just not a lot of effort going into my photo. February 2nd was one of those days. Sarah and Esther came over, and we thoroughly enjoyed watching the old black and white Martin Luther film. And yes - we watch movies on an upside down snowboard. Wasilla, Alaska

    February 2, 2012. Day 27, Some days, there's just not a lot of effort going into my photo. February 2nd was one of those days. Sarah and Esther came over, and we thoroughly enjoyed watching the old black and white Martin Luther film. And yes - we watch movies on an upside down snowboard. Wasilla, Alaska

  • February 3, 2012. Day 28. John talked me into walking around the grocery store with a camera on a stick over my shoulder. So I kissed him in the coffee aisle. Hehe, I love this guy. I'm definitely blessed. In Carrs in Wasilla, Alaska

    February 3, 2012. Day 28. John talked me into walking around the grocery store with a camera on a stick over my shoulder. So I kissed him in the coffee aisle. Hehe, I love this guy. I'm definitely blessed. In Carrs in Wasilla, Alaska

  • February 4, 2012. Day 29. Oh, how thankful I am that my laundry (and photo) is done! In Wasilla Wash Day, Wasilla, Alaska

    February 4, 2012. Day 29. Oh, how thankful I am that my laundry (and photo) is done! In Wasilla Wash Day, Wasilla, Alaska

  • February 5, 2012. Day 30. Hanging around with the amazing photo-and-light-helper-man​ John Borland in Anchorage, Alaska.

    February 5, 2012. Day 30. Hanging around with the amazing photo-and-light-helper-man​ John Borland in Anchorage, Alaska.

  • February 6, 2012. Day 31 This is actually four photos. I'm in it twice (feet far to the right.) It's definitely not the best-done job, but I've never done a composite like this before, so it was a learning experience. Hopefully, I learned, and the next one will be better With Kierra Manion, Terry Manion, Lynda Manion, and Sandra Garcia in Anchorage, Alaska.

    February 6, 2012. Day 31 This is actually four photos. I'm in it twice (feet far to the right.) It's definitely not the best-done job, but I've never done a composite like this before, so it was a learning experience. Hopefully, I learned, and the next one will be better With Kierra Manion, Terry Manion, Lynda Manion, and Sandra Garcia in Anchorage, Alaska.

  • February 7, 2012. Day 32. Kate was awesome enough to give John and me a tour around the Anchorage Opera facility. It's jam packed with the oddest of oddities - and lots of them. With Kate Schwarzer and John Borland in Anchorage, Alaska.

    February 7, 2012. Day 32. Kate was awesome enough to give John and me a tour around the Anchorage Opera facility. It's jam packed with the oddest of oddities - and lots of them. With Kate Schwarzer and John Borland in Anchorage, Alaska.

  • February 8, 2012. Day 33 Where Coffee Is An Art. With Jylia Bates in Eagle River, Alaska

    February 8, 2012. Day 33 Where Coffee Is An Art. With Jylia Bates in Eagle River, Alaska

  • February 9, 2012. Day 34 Today's shot doesn't exactly scream adventure... but that's what we got! Hanging out with John at home in Wasilla, Alaska.

    February 9, 2012. Day 34 Today's shot doesn't exactly scream adventure... but that's what we got! Hanging out with John at home in Wasilla, Alaska.

  • February 10, 2012. Day 35 Hanging with Kaija and John, Kaija inspired me to write haikus to go with my photos... so I scribbled one out tonight that doesn't make tons of sense. But - it's a start. This photo (and poem) was out of necessity after 11PM, so... Sometimes when it's late And there's no time for effort I take off my socks Hanging with Kaija and John in Wasilla, Alaska

    February 10, 2012. Day 35 Hanging with Kaija and John, Kaija inspired me to write haikus to go with my photos... so I scribbled one out tonight that doesn't make tons of sense. But - it's a start. This photo (and poem) was out of necessity after 11PM, so... Sometimes when it's late And there's no time for effort I take off my socks Hanging with Kaija and John in Wasilla, Alaska

  • February 11, 2012. Day 36 John accidentally took the key to the car when he went to work this morning - so I'm back to walking for the day! Walking through the ice Buying bananas, I am Enjoying my now Wasilla, Alaska

    February 11, 2012. Day 36 John accidentally took the key to the car when he went to work this morning - so I'm back to walking for the day! Walking through the ice Buying bananas, I am Enjoying my now Wasilla, Alaska

  • February 12, 2012. Day 37 Hanging around with my husband, writing my friend Sandra a letter. But, a regular letter is lame, therefore I have to write a sonnet or something. This could take forever. Letter to a friend Iambic Pentameter This might take some time. Wasilla, Alaska with John and a pencil and paper.

    February 12, 2012. Day 37 Hanging around with my husband, writing my friend Sandra a letter. But, a regular letter is lame, therefore I have to write a sonnet or something. This could take forever. Letter to a friend Iambic Pentameter This might take some time. Wasilla, Alaska with John and a pencil and paper.

  • February 13, 2012. Day 38 Spinning Zachary. I'm in there - but barely! Naysayers - silence. Don't doubt, but see the truth. Then, Maybe you'll fly, too. Wasilla, Alaska with Faith, Justin, and the kids Zachary and Ethan.

    February 13, 2012. Day 38 Spinning Zachary. I'm in there - but barely! Naysayers - silence. Don't doubt, but see the truth. Then, Maybe you'll fly, too. Wasilla, Alaska with Faith, Justin, and the kids Zachary and Ethan.

  • February 14, 2012. Day 39 Thanks, John, once again for the help and the light! I will kiss your cheeks Before you grow to talking, And argue with me Butte, Alaska with John, Mason, Melody and Emry

    February 14, 2012. Day 39 Thanks, John, once again for the help and the light! I will kiss your cheeks Before you grow to talking, And argue with me Butte, Alaska with John, Mason, Melody and Emry

  • February 15, 2012. Day 40 Oh my! I'm so thankful to be in the 40s! I've put a little prayer into this project and feel very blessed. Praise God for all of it. Only 326 more days to go. This haiku doesn't exactly reflect what was going through my head - it just looked like a deep thinking photo. Thinking about life; More and more do I notice, Lots to improve on.

    February 15, 2012. Day 40 Oh my! I'm so thankful to be in the 40s! I've put a little prayer into this project and feel very blessed. Praise God for all of it. Only 326 more days to go. This haiku doesn't exactly reflect what was going through my head - it just looked like a deep thinking photo. Thinking about life; More and more do I notice, Lots to improve on.

  • February 16, 2012. Day 41 Hanging out with John and being a bum! February day Low on energy - I don't Feel like working hard. Wasilla, Alaska

    February 16, 2012. Day 41 Hanging out with John and being a bum! February day Low on energy - I don't Feel like working hard. Wasilla, Alaska

  • February 17, 2012. Day 42 My friend Faith has a business selling furniture that she paints, called Designs by Faith. We did a late-night run to her shop to shove a few things around, and came away with this from the GoPro. Furniture, jewelry, Knobs, vintage, style untold. Designs by Faith, sold. Palmer, Alaska

    February 17, 2012. Day 42 My friend Faith has a business selling furniture that she paints, called Designs by Faith. We did a late-night run to her shop to shove a few things around, and came away with this from the GoPro. Furniture, jewelry, Knobs, vintage, style untold. Designs by Faith, sold. Palmer, Alaska

  • February 18, 2012. Day 43 My husband and I went to a photographer friend Rick's house today, where he was gracious enough to put us through a little mini photo school. The lighting, backdrop, pose, settings, everything is his - I did push the button but he helped so much! We definitely both learned :) The twain shall be one So he is me, me is he, A self portrait, see! In Eagle River, Alaska

    February 18, 2012. Day 43 My husband and I went to a photographer friend Rick's house today, where he was gracious enough to put us through a little mini photo school. The lighting, backdrop, pose, settings, everything is his - I did push the button but he helped so much! We definitely both learned :) The twain shall be one So he is me, me is he, A self portrait, see! In Eagle River, Alaska

  • February 19, 2012. Day 44. Hanging out with John at home. The fuel tank is low, Point and click, finish quickly, So we can go and eat! Wasilla, Alaska

    February 19, 2012. Day 44. Hanging out with John at home. The fuel tank is low, Point and click, finish quickly, So we can go and eat! Wasilla, Alaska

  • February 20, 2012. Day 45. With Aleece in her apartment, getting ready to hit the sack! It's late again, dark. Cold outside, snowy, stark. Inside I stay - Warm! Anchorage, Alaska

    February 20, 2012. Day 45. With Aleece in her apartment, getting ready to hit the sack! It's late again, dark. Cold outside, snowy, stark. Inside I stay - Warm! Anchorage, Alaska

  • February 21, 2012. Day 46. Hanging around with John, I spaced out taking a photo until right before bed. Go here, do tha - doh! Silly! I almost forgot! Photos! Take the shot! Wasilla, Alaska

    February 21, 2012. Day 46. Hanging around with John, I spaced out taking a photo until right before bed. Go here, do tha - doh! Silly! I almost forgot! Photos! Take the shot! Wasilla, Alaska

  • February 23, 2012. Day 47. John's genius custom gear shifter. A dream of ours, see, Custom gear-shift-ing. With a - Yellow Camemlot Palmer, Alaska

    February 23, 2012. Day 47. John's genius custom gear shifter. A dream of ours, see, Custom gear-shift-ing. With a - Yellow Camemlot Palmer, Alaska

  • February 23, 2012. Day 48. I need serious lighting help! Hangin out with John, posing! Lighting! Science, smart. And they say that it's not hard. Pray it helps my art. Wasilla, Alaska

    February 23, 2012. Day 48. I need serious lighting help! Hangin out with John, posing! Lighting! Science, smart. And they say that it's not hard. Pray it helps my art. Wasilla, Alaska

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    January 24, 2012. Day 18. Downtown in an office, while Mom's working away! Anchorage, Alaska
    January 25, 2012. Day 19. At the end of the day, I went down to the park to try and snap a photo. Low on ideas and freezing in the negative temperatures, I set up a jumping shot. When I came back and showed my husband, he informed me that it was terribly morbid and that I looked like I hung myself. Needless to say, I was shocked. The bad news is I don't really have anything better to use, except a photo of me with my eyes half closed. So, it is what it is! I don't want to miss a day! But don't worry - I didn't hang myself! Wonderland Park, Wasilla
    January 26, 2012. Day 20. The sunset was completely beautiful. Complete with huge chunks of ocean ice, two sun dogs, silver-lined clouds, and misty mountains. I shot this while trying to get a panoramic of it. Seward Highway, Alaska