For many years I was a watercolour and oil painter. The pursuit of light on paper and canvas has lead me to the pursuit of a new challenge; creating art using only light in photography. In 2014 I picked up my first good camera and it has ever since been a journey of love and creativity. I am continually on the look out for interesting subject matter whether it be strange, unusual, or beautiful. It is however, all about the light and the framing. I consider myself to be a 'story teller' thus my fascination with documentary photography. I do not have a favourite type of photography. I take pictures of what I see and what I dream. My camera is my appendage; it goes everywhere with me. I continue to grow as a photographer through 365 Picture Today because the challenge of taking a photograph every day also challenges me to be creative every day.
What made you start a photo a day journey?
My two best friends and I started our own Photo a Day project which we did for a few years. We took turns making our own monthly lists and only posted to one another in a private album. While searching for list ideas I came across Capture Your 365, which morphed into 365 Picture Today and here you will still find me 8 years later!
What has kept you going through the years?
I am a goal oriented person! If you say “let’s run a 5 km race”, I’ll say “let’s do a marathon!” If you say “let’s go on a hike”, I’ll say “let’s climb Mount Kilimanjaro”. If you say “let’s take a picture a day for a year”, I’ll say “let’s take a picture a day for ever!” It’s how I roll!
What are your favourite prompts and not so favourite?
I honestly love them all! I really enjoy getting my daily word and seeing how I can make it fit into my day-to- day life. Sometimes the word just falls into place and my picture magically appears. Other times I set up a scene to make the word work for me. Photography is an art. Sometimes it just appears naturally and other times you have to create it. I always take my pictures the day before. That way I can make sure I can have the time to creatively soul search the word, set up my scene and shoot the photo. Setting up my still life, going to a desired location, buying something for the photo and corralling up models and props becomes one of the best parts of my day… I get to play! If I have to choose one prompt that is my least favourite, I’d say it’s the Scavenger Hunt. But only because I find the pictures, mine and everyone else’s too small in size to really study and enjoy and, to be honest, it messes up my instagram gallery.
What is your go-to Camera gear?
My camera is like an extra appendage! I shoot with the original Canon R. My favourite lens is the kit lens 24-105 and it really covers 90% of the type of photography I enjoy most. I also have a macro lens, a wide angle lens and a telephoto lens. I occasionally use my iPhone 15.
What do you want everyone to know about a 365 Project?
By doing a 365 project you are opening your eyes daily to the beauty around you whether it be a stunning landscape or peeling paint. I tend to ‘frame’ everything I see as a picture or painting; by looking at the world that way, taking a picture a day becomes a habit. I also believe that by doing a 365 project, you are practicing the art of photography every single day! Not only that, but you get to share your work, get friendly and positive critique or feedback, and make wonderful friendships and connections along the way.
Where is your favourite place to photograph?
What is your favourite subject? Every place is a great place! I believe every place has beauty if you look for it. I particularly love old and abandoned buildings, abandoned cars, wabi sabi and open and empty spaces. I enjoy every subject. My personal absolute favourite subject is what I call DocumentArt (I invented that word!). I love to set up scenes that tell a story that documents my personal view of the world, my family, my friends and myself. I adore collecting the props and clothing, setting up the scene, finding my models (hard!) and telling my story… most often humorous.
Where can we find you on social media?
I am on facebook and on the 365Picturetoday Facebook page. You can also find my 365Picturetoday-only instagram at @capturelysle. I am also on instagram as @lysle-photography and @clare_the_boler. I’m posting in Flickr with the 365Picturetoday group and encourage others to try this platform.
Thank you to my 365 community I would like to thank each and everyone of you for your love and support when I needed it most. I am doing really well and expect to fully recover. (Minus a few body parts!)