2009 was an interesting year. A lot happened (I’m sure your year was similar). A lot changed. And my 365 project evolved with me. Although I set some basic parameters to guide the project, I had no preconceived notions about where it would go in the end. I got onto the highway and then I just quietly and purposefully took my hands off of the wheel. When it started, I had moderately grand visions of crafting a new photo each day. Fortunately though, my life is not that boring or predictable. My 365 project was at times a piece of art, a diary, a study of my face, an admittedly narcissistic treatise, a record of my daily journey. But I think most of all, it was is an affirmation.

Will you know me after examining 365 photos from last year? No, I think not. Granted, the photos are an absolutely authentic, merciless look at Michael Shane. Many photos capture moments of intense solitude. On days when the shot wasn’t planned, I simply waited until I felt the photo had to be taken, that it couldn’t not be taken, until something inside me stated simply, “Now.” But the photos are, in the end, only moments; they represent infinitely small portions of moments of my ongoing story. There’s no right or wrong way to view the project. See what works for you.

Part of me does not want to publish the project … yet. But I think that no matter how long I wait or how much perspective I gain on the year 2009, it’ll never fear like enough. So now seems like as good a time as any to cowboy up and get it done.

If nothing else, the 365 project is photographic proof that life goes on. Seeing a year of my life distilled into a set of photos is a humbling experience. But as Harvey Pekar elegantly put it, “ordinary life is pretty complex stuff.” So I’m trying to avoid the grandiose and resist the temptation to wax philosophical. I hope the photos will speak for themselves.

Here’s a year of my life in photos. Thanks for stopping by.

Great guys, the both of them.

Massimo has created a new website to help provide information about his forthcoming CD and other activities. I highly recommend you check it out if world-class trombone playing is your thing.

Anybody out there?

Believe it or not, I just started uploading the remainder of my 2009 365 projects. 157 photos. Then I need to write titles and blurbs where applicable (the photos are marked as private until I’m completely finished). Clearly I fell off the posting-blogging-publishing bandwagon, but the photos are there, and they’re ready to be sent out into the great unknown. If you followed the project, are slightly curious, or think I’m handsome, you’ll be interested to know that you’ll be able to see the entire collection very soon. I’m not quite sure how I’ll present the final product. Obviously it’s all stored on my Flickr account. but perhaps I’ll do a series of posts here highlighting my favorite portraits. Or maybe I’ll create a special gallery to house the project in its entirety. I’m not quite sure yet.

I now return you to your regularly scheduled browsing.

Sorry for the long absence. Ordinary life is pretty complex stuff. And it’s busy. Where’s a TARDIS when you need one?

If you’re reading this, then thanks. I missed you too. Do come back sometime.

I’m on a bit of a 16:9 kick tonight. Can you tell? If you’ve got a preference for any of the photos below, please feel free to share it in the comments.