January 2025 | Northern California fine art photography
Ah, the joys of embarking on a daily photography project! In January 2025, I decided to challenge myself to capture a unique photo every single day. After reviewing my 2024, I realized that I really only picked up my camera when I was traveling. So, I decided to commit loosely to a daily shooting practice during January. From mundane moments to unexpected beauty, this project aimed to document the everyday in a creative light. Of course, some days got skipped, and other days reaped several photos that I liked.
Most of the photos were taken near my home, while others were taken a couple of hours away. The main goal of this daily photography endeavor was to hone my skills, find inspiration in the ordinary, and cultivate a consistent practice. By committing to snapping a photo each day, I sought to push my creative boundaries, experiment with different techniques, and hopefully grow as a photographer. I dusted off my macro lens but also used my 100-500mm for photographing wildlife.
I kept my expectations about the resulting photos in check after reading that some of the most famous photographers reap only five to ten photographs that they like and find worthy in a year! Wow! Some of my photogtaphs are quite ordinary and others a bit more unique. Sometimes with a project like this, I feel like I’m trying to make something from nothing. All in all, I think it’s a great process for pushing me to try something a bit different or out of the ordinary. Regardless, it gets me out shooting. It’s so easy to get caught up in our regular process for subject search, shooting, and processing, but a good challenge can change that. Each photo captured in January 2025 served as a canvas to explore new perspectives, styles, and storytelling techniques.
My favorite over the month is the picture below. I photographed weeds growing closely to the orchard floor. The sun was setting quickly, but I was able to catch the backlight shining right on the low growing weeds. Did I set out to photograph weeds at sunset? Absolutely not! Keeping an open mind and looking at light while searching for possible subjects resulted in the image below.
It’s a good lesson for me to remember to keep an open mind for subject selection and watch the light! I sometimes discover a very ordinary subject that can become extraordinary with a little thought and intention.
Backlit weeds on the orchard floor at sunset.
I encourage you to get out there, enjoy nature, look to the ordinary for something extraordinary, and put your ‘spin’ on it! Most of all.
Have fun!
*All images are single shots except for the middle photo in the top row of the first set and the second photo in the last column also in the first set. Those are both in-camera double exposures.
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Use the Search option below.
* * * * * * *
As a published, featured northern California fine art photographer living in the greater Sacramento area, I specialize in fine art landscape, nature, and still life photography. My style is authentic, fresh and personality-driven. I offer several educational opportunities including workshops and photography mentoring. You can learn about them by going to SERVICES and WORKSHOPS. While currently living in rural northern California with my husband and a couple thousand walnut trees, I post regularly to Instagram.
Please CONTACT ME with any questions or to schedule your learning session.
Serving Yuba City/Marysville, East Nicolaus, Wheatland, Lincoln, Woodland, Davis, Roseville, Rocklin, and the greater Sacramento area.
(530) 633-7575
Join other advanced photographers who are recognized for their technical and creative work. Learn more HERE.
From time to time, I like to take a look back at my photography. It helps me see growth and also areas that need improvement. Recently, I did a screening of my work looking for the best of the best technically. That prompted sharing this blog post. Enjoy!