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.

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.

Day Two hundred and nine: A busy week.

A few iPhone shots have snuck into my 365 project, but given that the camera on the 3GS represents a drastic improvement over previous generations, I’ve joined the bandwagon calling it a legitimate camera.

After all, the best camera is the one you’ve got with you.

Also: another symptom of a 365 artist short on time (besides toothbrush shots – which are one of my specialities): the mirror shot!

Day Two hundred and eight: Living in a fisheye lens*

*not actually a fisheye lens

Day Two hundred and seven: Wanted: Good lighting

You can’t always get what you want.

True story: I was at a bar mitzvah party in middle school, and a very pretty girl made it known that she fancied me. Lucky for me, I felt the same way, and was not bashful about sharing. I even danced with her middle school style (you know: arms outstretched, finger tips on fire as my hands rested on her waist – her waist!!).

However, after the apparent magic of the party faded into silent memory and we returned the real world (AKA school), the girl was suddenly much less responsive, and my feelings were much less requited. By lunch time, half the school had heard the explanation for her change of heart: bad lighting. That’s a quote, mind you.

Among my close friends from that era, this is an oft-told story, and – for me – the phrase “bad lighting” will forever carry a special, melancholy meaning.

But, the universe has a way of righting itself. I’m pretty sure she ended up a fat chick. And I’m in love.

Day Two hundred and six

Day Two hundred and five

Day Two hundred and four

Day Two hundred and three: At Rest

Day Two hundred and two

Day Two hundred and one

Day Two hundred

Day One hundred and ninety-nine

Day One hundred and ninety-eight: Someone get the lights

Day One hundred and ninety-seven

Day One hundred and ninety-six

Day One hundred and ninety-five

Day One hundred and ninety-four: Short Ride in a Fast Machine

Day One hundred and ninety-three

Day One hundred and ninety-two: The old College Try

Day One hundred and ninety-one: Back in Black

Day One hundred and ninety: I ain’t superstitious

I ain’t superstitious,
but a black cat crossed my trail.
Bad luck ain’t got me so far,
and I won’t let it stop me now.

Jeff Beck

Day One hundred and eighty-nine: I like your style

Day One hundred and eighty-eight

Day One hundred and eighty-seven

Day One hundred and eighty-six: Three-sixty

Try to be patient and optimistic in the face of trouble. Trust in yourself, and be true to yourself. Sometimes things turn around.

Day One hundred and eighty-five: One-eighty

Day One hundred and eighty-four: Define Success

“I don’t know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody.” – Bill Cosby