Hello and thanks for stopping by to check out week 3 of the 365 More People Pictures Project. If this is your first time checking in, this is my 2nd year-long challenge to myself in which I'm taking a picture of a person, every single day, for another entire year. I just completed my first 365 Day Challenge a few weeks ago, The 365 Day People Project. The experience was life changing. Taking pictures of people and sharing them with you has now become a big part of my life. After finishing the first project, I decided I wasn't ready to give it up. I just had to keep going. I'm not a photographer, I'm just a girl with a camera. I'm starting to see improvement in the quality of the pictures I take, but more importantly, I feel like my little life is improving because of this project. It is my hope that you'll be inspired by this project and the people who have shared themselves with us. Most of all, I hope this makes you feel positive and happy.
Day 14 - Rob, Matt & Conway
This is Rob (left), Conway (center), and Matt (right.) They were hanging out along the Columbia River when we met.
I learned a good lesson from the very first photo of last year's 365 Day People Picture Project. The first photo in the project was of my husband and he was wearing sunglasses. After seeing that first picture, I decided I would always ask people if they could remove their sunglasses so that we could see their eyes. Although I did eventually ask Rob & Matt if we could take a picture without their glasses on, this picture was still my favorite. I broke my own rule but it was for good reason. The guys caught my eye because of their style. A big part of that style was their carefully selected sunglasses. And I confess...another factor is because it was so bright and sunny and I'm still not skilled enough to compensate for harsh sunlight when there isn't good shade close by. Not only was I struggling, but it's also hard for people to not squint with the bright sun shining in their eyes.
I asked the men about the happiest thing happening in their lives right now and they both agreed that it's their future move to Downtown Portland.
I asked the two if they've recently been the recipient of an act of kindness. Rob answered, "I always see kindness everywhere." Matt said that someone had recently paid for his coffee at Starbucks.
"To spread knowledge and compassion throughout the world," Rob answered, is is personal mission statement. Matt said that his personal mission statement is "to take care of the ones I love."
When I asked the men something about themselves which they consider to be a success, Matt answered that he feels like he's accomplished a lot in his life so far, and he's only 21 years old. That's awesome! I wouldn't have been able to say the same thing at 21. Rob is in his ninth year teaching and he considers his longevity to be a success. People often pursue other things after teaching for just a few years. Wishing Rob many more successful years sharing knowledge and compassion.
Day 15 - Scott
This is Scott. We met at Mt. Tabor.
I ask Scott about the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he answered, "I've got a 9 month old." Scott's newborn is to credit for his new little family being on the receiving end of kindness. Scott explained that their friends and family made meals for them when they returned home from the hospital.
"To be happy," Scott answered, is his life's purpose.
When I asked Scott something about himself which he considers to be a success, he replied, "I'm nice to people...most of the time." We laughed and I agreed, understanding all too well that we're all a work-in-progress.
Day 16 - Shauna
This is my friend, Shauna. It's been a few months since we've been able to catch up but we finally got to do so on Tuesday. She's been traveling the world, teaching The Blogcademy. If you've been following along, you'll remember that Shauna is one of the main reasons why this blog, and this project, even exists.
I asked Shauna the happiest thing happening in her life right now and she replied, "that I'm getting ready to go to Palm Springs, for both work and fun...and that I have a baby squirrel!" Yes, you read that right - she and her husband have rescued an orphaned squirrel.
I asked Shauna if she's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness and she said that she receives kindness daily. Her husband is the benefactor of the kindness she receives, in that he brings her coffee and breakfast every day! (Coffee-making husbands are the greatest husbands in the world!)
You may remember Shauna was also in last year's 365 Day People Picture Project. Back then, I only had one "canned" question that I would ask each subject. Since that time, I've started asking people about their personal mission statement. I hadn't asked Shauna her personal mission statement when she was a subject last year, but after reading the mission statements of other subjects from this project, Shauna later decided that her personal mission statement is to "work hard, play hard." I asked Shauna if she had a new personal mission statement and we laughed when she answered, "work harder, play harder!"
"Giving women the skills to run their own business," Shauna answered, when I asked what she would like her personal legacy to be. Shauna first answered that she wants to share her design knowledge with other creatives, but as she considered the question, she changed her answer and explained that being able to help empower other women is really more of a legacy because it then takes on a life of it's own. It becomes something bigger. Shauna and her partners in The Blogcademy are, indeed, leaving a legacy of inspired and empowered women. When I think about Shauna, her partners, and all of their students and the work they're all doing, I think those women are creating more than just a ripple...they're all creating a tidal wave of goodness.
"Working full time for myself," Shauna said, is an accomplishment she didn't think she'd be able to achieve. In my job, I get to see the works of hundreds of graphic designers. Shauna is among the best graphic designers in the Northwest, and it's been awesome seeing her evolve and progress into owning her own design studio.
Shauna's picture from the first project was one of my favorites and I was optimistic I could do even better this time because I've made some improvements. There was just one little problem...we were so busy visiting and laughing and catching up, that I almost forgot to take a picture! By time I remembered, the sun had already set and it was dark. I was looking forward to taking her picture during golden/magic hour, but I blew it. We were so busy talking, I let the sunset totally pass and ended up having to use a flash. Even so, her picture is another one of my favorites. Have you noticed that I'm starting to get more and more favorites? (I'm improving!!!)
Thank you, Shauna, for being in this project and for being such a constant source of inspiration and a great friend.
Day 17 - Amy
This is Amy. We met walking down the sidewalk. Amy was in a bit of a hurry to meet a friend but she still stopped and gave me the time to take her picture. She was a pretty sweet person.
"My job is really good," Amy answered, when I asked about the happiest thing happening in her life.
"Trying to create as much happiness as possible in the world," Amy said, is her personal mission statement.
I asked Amy if she's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness. "All the time," Amy answered. Amy explained that her work is extremely collaborative and they all help one another.
I asked Amy what she would like her personal legacy to be and she answered, "I would like people to think, 'she wasn't a jerk.'" I don't think Amy has to worry about that at all. Within moments of meeting her, it felt like I was meeting someone very kind and sincere.
Day 18 - Kasey
This is Kasey. We met in downtown Vancouver. It was "day zero" of the Kumoricon anime convention and the costumed attendees were just starting to arrive and check-in for the weekend-long event.
For the past few years, I've somehow accidentally ended up at Ester Short Park during the Kumoricon event. Before starting this project, I hardly ever made it to downtown Vancouver. Now I go downtown quite frequently, in search of subjects.
This year, I intentionally planned to seek out a few subjects during Kumoricon. In addition to getting to see all of the amazing CosPlayers, (people who dress up in costumes to portray anime/film/comic characters) CouvFest NW was also happening in the park so I was able to catch a few bands too! That was a happy accident and now I'm looking forward to next year's CouveFest NW!
I asked Kasey the happiest thing happening in her life right now and she responded, "I am spiritually centered."
I asked Kasey if she's been the recipient of an act of kindness and she said that being able to be at Kumoricon was due to her mother's kindness. Her mom helped pay for her hotel for the event.
"To figure out what life is about and to experience everything to the best of my abilities," Kasey answered, when I asked her life's purpose.
I asked Kasey something about herself which she would consider to be a success and she answered, "I'm happy with how my body looks." Kasey explained that it took her a long time to be able to feel that way.
Here's Kasey's full costume. She described her costume as "classic Lolita."
Day 19 - Fernie
This is Fernie, and this is my first ever Troll portrait.
I headed back down to the park on Friday in order to catch glimpse of all of the Kumoricon Cosplayers and check out the bands playing at CouvFest NW.
I asked Fernie the happiest thing happening in her life right now and she answered, "this Con." Even as a complete outsider, you can't help but absorb the fun vibe down there. I can appreciate Fernie's answer because even just hanging out and people-watching for a little while, I could tell the attendees were having a blast, forming new friendships and enjoying the the time they were spending with other like-minded people.
"I just really like making other people happy," Fernie said, when I asked if she had a personal mission statement. Fernie answered the question with so much enthusiasm, it actually made me really happy!
Fernie feels like she experiences kindness every day - something as simple as a stranger giving her a smile can help make her day.
"I'm really good on the sewing machine," Fernie said bashfully, when I asked her something about herself which she would consider to be a success. Fernie packed three different costumes for the event, which he had sewn herself. She pointed to a friend and told me she made his costume as well! It's obvious that some of the cosplayers must spend days or weeks planning and making their costumes. It's a great sight to see! I may have actually been inspired enough to dress up for Halloween!
Here's a picture I snapped at CouveFest NW - This band is Lincoln's Beard.
Day 30 - Rikyah
This is Rikyah. We met at CouvFest NW. Yes...I went down for another day of people watching and music.
I asked Rikyah the happiest thing happening in her life right now and she answered with relief, "the kids are starting school!"
Rikyah's recent act of kindness is that she gave a homeless person all of the change she had in her entire purse, since she didn't have any cash. Not having cash or change when she was approached by a different homeless person later, she then gave that person a winning lottery ticket.
"To be the best person that I can be - the best mom and friend," Rikyah answered, when I asked if she had a personal mission statement. Rikyah's friend, who was waiting for us to finish the "interview," liked the question and wanted to share her own answer as well. Rikyah's friend added, "find yourself and do it on purpose."
"My parenting," Rikyah said, is something about herself which she considers to be a success.
Rikyah's brand new hair color (which I love) totally matches her bright and happy personality! Thank you, Rikyah, for letting me take your picture!
Here are a few more pictures from Kumoricon and CouvFest NW. The band shown here is The Sindicate.
Band - The Sindicate
More Kumoricon CosPlayers - Guy Fawkes, "V is for Vendetta"
SteamPunk Girls
Weeping Angels - but they're not weeping, they're walking around having fun
Syndra
Here's the summary of the personal mission statements from this week's subjects:
- To spread knowledge and compassion throughout the world,
- To take care of the ones I love.
- Trying to create as much happiness as possible in the world.
- Work harder, play harder!
- To figure out what life is about and to experience everything to the best of my abilities.
- I just really like making other people happy.
- To be the best person that I can be - the best mom and friend.
- Find yourself and do it on purpose.
Thank you to the subjects from this week! If you'd like a copy of your picture, please don't hesitate to e-mail me. I'd love for you to have it!
Have a great week!