RXA

100/365 – One hundred not out!

Originally uploaded by RXAphotos

Today I uploaded my 100th self portrait for my 365 Days project.

Following is the text I added below the image.

“I never thought I would make it but here I am … day 100. Seeing this image in the uploader has resulted in a huge weight lifting off my shoulders and I did actually breathe a huge sigh of relief.

The project has been a real helter-skelter of emotions with some days coming very easily and some days requiring some effort.

Some stats for you:

Days: 100
Photos: 100
Days Missed; Zero baby!
Uploaded on day photo was taken: 99 (damn intenet connection crapped out on us one night)
Mirror shots: 12
Nudie Shots: 2
Photos with Matthew: 4
Photos with Lucy: 6
Music photos: 5
Clone photos: 2

What a 100 days it has been.

Day 1 saw me starting the project at a real low point in my life. I broke up with my girlfriend at the time on Day 16 and met Lucy on day 51. Day 72 saw a very controversial photo which I spent most of the day on email defending.

Day 87 saw a real rise in views and comments and this has pushed me to thinking more about what I take each day.

If I had to pick a favourite photo so far it would be … in fact … the first to email or flickr mail me with the correct guess (3 guesses maximum per person) can have a free 8′x10″ print sent anywhere to the world (if you want one of course). Yes I have a favourite picked. This is even open to relatives and loved ones as I have told no one my choice.

Before leaving this post to the whim of your thoughts … thanks to everyone who has inspired, pushed, cheered, commented and let me know when I haven’t posted by 9pm.

Special mention (and I will link to each of you eventually) go to in no patricular order Lucy, Rosie, David, Chris, Mike, Mum, LeesaMarie, KatColarado, PhotoKat, Amy Michelle, Timbo, Tony, Coca~Cola and a thousand other people.

Justine gets a special mentioned for the quote “You never wanna see a brother like that!” … twice.

Your emails and best wishes this morning made my day.

Only 265 to go!”

The competition is open to my blog readers too. Click here to see all the photos in a set. Hover your mouse over the photo you think is my favourite and email the day number to rxamail {at} gmail DOT com or leave a comment below.

Thanks for coming along for the ride.

Not me … Richie Benaud, the Channel nine cricket commentating legend.

When he was leading the commentary team AND spending time during each match in front of the camera (in the cream, bone, white, off-white, ivory or beige jacket) his commentary was always straight down the line … I remember when one of the other commentators would try and coax a story out of him he would have no bar of it.

This year, relieved of television duties (and seen in a blue jacket!) he is taking part in stories about Michael Slater’s tattoos and wondering if modern day cricket medics still use a bag of peas to ice ankles with. The man as I often say to friends still has one of the most amazing cricket recollections in the game but know he’s that he is funny, I’m enjoying the cricket a lot more.

99/365 – My little man

Originally uploaded by RXAphotos

When I have Matthew (normally one day per week) he drives me insane with his constant badgering and requests to do things. It’s a horrible thing to say but sometimes I count the hours until I can drop him off back at his mothers. A couple of weekends ago he was in fine form and I couldn’t wait to pack him off. He was rude, disobedient and a downright pain in the arse.

But what he doesn’t know is that when he is with his mother, there is a huge part of me missing.

I wish I was a better father those times he is around but I know that if I get too close the days he isn’t around hurt twice as much … like today.

I rang Lucy at work hoping to get her voice mail as I knew she had a lot of meetings today. I just needed to hear her voice. Silly girl answered her phone. Even sillier girl still wants to be with me even though I can be an emotional roller coaster at times.

Comments from members of the flickr community (as well as talking to Lucy) have helped buck me up a lot this morning. Thanks guys!

“I heard recently that a powerful tool for any working photographer to have is a blog. Especially if they have a website, a blog is a powerful marketing tool. With this blog I am going to put that theory to the test.

Anything related to RXAphotography.com will appear here. A photograph or two from each session may appear to demonstrate some of my work in a less formal manner.

I may also write down any business related thoughts that may pop into my head on occasions. Let’s just run with it and see what happens!”

The first post on my rxaphotography.com blog.

I’ve posted a entry about a recent portrait shoot as well. Like to hear your thoughts.

Matthew – “Dad … wake up! It’s raining!”

Me – Not yet awake “Huh?”

Matthew – “Dad … wake up! It’s raining!”

Me – Still not yet awake “Huh?”

Matthew – “What part of raining don’t you understand???”

Once again … he is 5.