Epilogue: Still Thinking

I’m still thinking about what photography project to take on next. By all means, speak up if you have some ideas. I’m seriously considering for year 2 in Project 365, but there might something I’m not thinking of. Maybe Project 52 with some kind of story-telling set a week. In the meantime, here are a few shots (click on any picture for more) from the last 10 days. (Even though I haven’t blogged photos, the cameras have still been working hard.)

Nancy Smith’s 60th Birthday Fiesta

The Jarratt Boys

… + mom and puppies

The Stockburger Family

Osiris Banner Party


A Walk at the Dog Park

Today in the Frontyard (Same Flower from Project 365 – One Year Later)

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suzanne - May 12, 2010 - 5:06 pm

I dont know but you need to start something soon! I miss the daily dose of creativity-and you are too talented not to share!

kyser - May 12, 2010 - 5:21 pm

he’s back! more McNugget!

Kathy H - June 9, 2010 - 10:02 pm

I’m sure I’m not the only one who is disappointed that we haven’t seen anything from you in almost a month.

You were looking for ideas. Have you heard about the 100 Strangers project? see 100strangers.com and also flickr. You would be perfect for this one.

Day 365 of 365 – Whose Chopper is That?

Well, here we are.  For the last year, I’ve taken a photograph every single day and then uploaded that photo to my 365 Day blog.  I can’t think of too many other things that I did every single day for the last year.   I think I even went a day without brushing my teeth (sorry).  Honestly, I could easily keep going.  I’ve had so much fun and learned more than I could have ever imagined.  Sure, I’ve learned a ton about photography techniques, equipment, styles, etc., but most importantly, I learned to look at this life in a different way.  While this world has its fair share of problems, God has given us so much more beauty than I ever knew.  And all it took to recognize it was to stop and look around.  And look closely.  Family, friends, dogs, sunsets, food, nature, the sun, the moon, rain, snow – aren’t they all just amazing?

To all of those loyal followers – some days I took pictures that you liked and some days I took pictures you had no interest in.  Regardless of whether or not you liked the actual images, I just hope you started to look at things just a little differently too.

Enough about the last 364, let’s get to 365.  So last night, I created a little message in my backyard that could be read from the sky (yes, I’ve been watching too much LOST – thanks Wages and Pudge).  Anyway, this morning I got up at 4:45am, made adjustments to my message (very windy last night), and headed downtown to take today’s picture.  I’ll let these tell the rest of the story.  Enjoy!


This paper in my backyard wanted to fly everywhere last night, so I got a little dirty finding everything in the yard that was heavy.  Rocks, planters, old doors, old shutters, etc.

Memphis in May – Beale Street Music Fest starts tonight.  Click any of the images for more of the Memphis skyline.

Thanks Richard for being such an excellent pilot.  It was my first helicopter ride and I must say – it was awesome.

And lastly, a lot of people have asked, “So, what’s next?”  I’m not 100% sure yet, but I’ll be “photo-blogging” about something.  And, stay tuned for some exciting news about this project’s photographs.

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Trey - April 30, 2010 - 1:26 pm

Awesome pic!!!!….as someone who checks this site daily, but never comments, just wanted to says thanks for sharing with all of us. Cannot wait to see what is next.

margaret - April 30, 2010 - 1:39 pm

awesome ending!

kyser - April 30, 2010 - 1:56 pm

wait, did i see a McNugget sitting there on the “D” in “END”???

brother – insanely awesome. thanks for the incredible 365 days. quite a journey.

love you.

kt

Jason - April 30, 2010 - 1:56 pm

Mike, thanks for all the incredible pics. I will definitely miss the daily post.

Suzanne - April 30, 2010 - 2:08 pm

Awesome ending! Another 365 days, please…

Dupree - April 30, 2010 - 2:24 pm

I think this may be my first comment but I check almost daily. I have loved viewing your pictures. You really have taken something you love doing to a new level. You are an awesome photographer. I am looking forward to future endeavors.

Sean - April 30, 2010 - 2:36 pm

Going out with style! Awesome.

Pat - April 30, 2010 - 3:16 pm

Great ending! I loved following your blog & your photographs. I am just a novice with a Nikon D60, but I am on Day 95 of my own 365 Project. I agree with you, you do see things so much differently! Looking forward to your next project. Congratulations!

Charles - April 30, 2010 - 3:17 pm

Excellent decision for the final picture! I’ve been thrilled to keep up daily. You’re an amazing photographer with natural talent, and although your style is a bit Olan Mills-esque, I am still proud to be your bro, bro. Can’t wait to see the exhibit!

suzanne - April 30, 2010 - 3:26 pm

oh my goodness…absolutely amazing. I check this daily (and sometimes post). Wow what a way to end this year-you have to be so proud. See you sunday?!?

Kathy H - April 30, 2010 - 8:35 pm

A fitting ending. Of course, we all knew it would be spectacular! Hope to continue to see more of your superb pictures in the future. Take care of that sweet little girl!

Karen - April 30, 2010 - 9:47 pm

Congrats Mike. Great ending.

Erin Wiles - April 30, 2010 - 10:39 pm

What a finale! How long you been planning day 365? Very cool shots of your house. Hope the year was a fun journey.

David Bowlin - May 1, 2010 - 8:28 am

Michael -

Wow. That’s an incredible ending to an amazing journey. Can’t wait to see what’s next.

lam - May 1, 2010 - 12:29 pm

Thanks for 385 days of color, beauty, humor, whimsy, insight and though invoking images. You did cause me to look more deeply into every day items and events and for that I also thank you.

At my age “endings” are not something to look forward to so I hope
this is the beginning of a new adventure that you will continue to
share with your followers.

P.S.
Did you realize that you are a large man and that is a very small
aircraft?

Love to you all.

Laura Lee - May 1, 2010 - 1:11 pm

Perfect! You must start another project or I will not know what to do during nap time! Congrats on a job very well done!

Jessica Otwell - May 1, 2010 - 3:31 pm

now that’s cool!!!

Joseph - May 11, 2010 - 9:08 pm

Awesome!

Kelsbells - May 18, 2010 - 6:33 am

CONGRATULATIONS! The picture with the message brought a huge smile to my face, what a tremendous ending. What a finish, well done.

Andrew - May 22, 2010 - 12:38 pm

Just saw your finale. Awesome. What a great project. Can’t wait to see what’s next.

Day 364 of 365 – Preparing for Tomorrow

Weather looks good for tomorrow’s finale, so preparations began tonight.  It was much more work than I thought, so we’ll see if it holds for tomorrow’s final picture.

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Christa Watson - April 29, 2010 - 9:15 pm

Can’t wait! You’re almost there!!! :D

John - April 29, 2010 - 9:31 pm

Those are the hands of a workin’ man. Looking forward to the finale , but I’ll definitely miss the daily posts.

suzanne - April 30, 2010 - 7:41 am

I will be sad when this is over-it’s been so interesting to see! Maybe you could do once a week necxt year or something…?!?!

Day 363 of 365 – Dancing Next Door

After today’s triptych of our next door neighbor dancing in his driveway, just 2 more days…  And if you want something cool on Day 365, do a little rain dance for me.  I need good weather for what I’ve got planned and it’s just my luck that Day 365 falls on the opening day of Beale Street Music Fest.  Anyone from Memphis knows that the odds of dry weather for Music Fest are almost zero.  Also, congratulations to my cousin Wright Thompson for winning an Emmy for Outstanding Long Feature! Click here for a picture from backstage.  What did he win for?  He wrote and narrated these: Part I Part II

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Christie - April 28, 2010 - 9:50 pm

Cute! What kind of treatment did you use on these pictures? Looks cool.

Sean - April 29, 2010 - 6:48 am

Congrats to Wright! That was a great feature.

Sean - April 29, 2010 - 6:49 am

Also, you sure the above pictures aren’t of your childhood…

Leah - April 29, 2010 - 9:13 am

incredible pictures! i love that effect!

Day 362 of 365 – Another Wind Down Shot

3 Days left!  This may or may not be the last one of my little girl.  She has been an amazing blessing for LA and me and Project 365 made sure you knew it.   So, she enters the project on Day 109 and here we are.

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Kathy H - April 27, 2010 - 9:11 pm

This better not be the last picture I see of her!

Laura Lee - April 29, 2010 - 2:59 pm

Michael I think she looks a lot like you in this one! Too cute~!

Day 361 of 365 – The Cook (Self Portrait)

As Project 365 winds down, I’ve been reflecting on some of my favorite shots and several of them are food-related.  However, only a couple have any part of me in the picture.  So here’s a self portrait in mid-meal preparation by the grill.

Day 360 of 365 – Jane

In between rain showers this afternoon, I took a bunch of the seven Keras grandchildren since three were in town from London.  This isn’t Jane’s first appearance in Project 365, but it was one of my favorites from this afternoon.  I’ll try to post some other favorites with tomorrow’s picture.

F i n d
F o l l o w
G a l l e r i e s