December 2024

And here we are...the final month of 2024.

This year seems to have flown by. Whether you have taken a photo every single day, or only when life allowed, we hope that as the year comes to an end you will find some time to look back through your daily photos and reflect on all that 2024 offered you. You may find some forgotten moments and those that seemed inconsequential at the time but now hold much more importance or significance. That is part of the gift of taking a photo of your daily life each day.

As you reflect, consider how you personally have grown through the process of a taking a photo a day. And, consider how your photography skills and interests have grown and changed. How are you going to preserve your photo journey from 2024? Are you going to continue that journey in the new year? If so, what things from the current year would you like to continue to include in your project? What new things might you try? Taking a photo a day is a fluid project. Nothing ever remains constant. Even if you take a photo of the same tree on the same day in a new year, the photos will not be the same. It is noticing and documenting both the big and small changes in life that keeps us coming back and recommitting to this project. We hope that those of you who have shared your 2024 with the 365 Picture Today community will again be with us in 2025 and we welcome all of you who will begin day one of your photo a day project on January 1, 2025!

That said, we still have thirty-one days left in this year. As you photograph all of the seasonal sights, sounds, and smells, the family gatherings and holiday celebrations, as well as the cozy moments by the fire, simple moments of coffee with friends, and seemingly mundane rituals of your every day, we hope that you also put your camera down and enjoy and give thanks for each of these fleeting moments.

May the joy and wonder of this season envelop you and all those that you love.
And may beauty and peace fill your heart and mind.

Explaining the Prompts

This year we are pleased to announce a whole new look to 365 Picture Today. We asked! You answered! Instead of weekly themes, we will be featuring specific days with specific tasks.

Where I Stand

This prompt will occur on the last day of every month! You get to be as creative as you like, but the challenge is to include your feet in the photograph. It will be fun to see the different environments our photography journey takes us to.

Colour Day

Colour day is back by popular demand! Instead of a full week of colour we are introducing "colour day". It will be occurring once a month with a beautiful colour chosen by your creative team. It is completely up to you to include either a little or a lot of the specified colour.

Macro Monday

On Macro Monday we focus on the little details! On the 2nd Monday of every month we are asking you to use your macro skills to enhance the prompt of the day. We encourage you to get in close! You can use your macro lens, macro filters or simply crop your photos.

Challenge Day

This is an exciting, new and super fun challenge for 2024! On this day we will be offering you a photography challenge and ask you to recreate it!

Technical Day

This one is for the inner techies in all of us! On Technical Day we will be giving out instructions on specific photography technical skills. There will be a variety of skills explained to help you learn or enhance your abilities. We can all learn from one another.

Picture Me

It's selfie day! Once a month we will be asking you to include a picture of yourself in the daily prompt. This gives us a chance to let our community member know what we look like!

Scavenger Hunt

The scavenger hunt is a quarterly challenge. We will give you some specific words to use to go camera hunting with. This is a fun challenge that also includes your chance to make a collage.

My World

On the 5th day of every month you will take a picture in the same place. This will show the changing seasons, or just the subtle changes of the that environment. If you cannot be in the same place every month, just take a picture of where you are and what your world looks like on that day.

Guest Prompt

Once a month we honour a member of our community with a Community Profile and the chance to write a prompt with an accompanying photograph! It is a special day for community members and a chance for all of us to get to know one another just a little bit better.

DECEMBER

Day 336 - December 1 - Tis the Season

Day 336 - December 1

Tis the Season

What does this time of year mean to you?

To me it means family, food and fabulous decorations.

It is the beginning of the Christmas season, show us how it is for you!

Lee

Day 337 - December 2 - Sweet Treat

Day 337 - December 2

Sweet Treat

You should have no trouble finding something sweet this time of the year! Did I say it had to be edible? I don’t think so! (wink)

Leslie

Day 338 - December 3 - Holiday Whimsy

Day 338 - December 3

Holiday Whimsy

It's that time of the year where we wonder if we are on the naughty or nice list. Apparently at our house, the lego snowman shares the final verdict. Use a little holiday whimsy to show whether you are on the naughty or nice list this year.

Kris

Day 339 - December 4 - Comfort

Day 339 - December 4

Comfort

Comfort: things that make you more comfortable and that make your life easier and more pleasant; a state of being relaxed and less worried.

We certainly don't want your POTD to cause any discomfort, so keep it simple—show us what made your day a little more pleasant! I love a good holiday playlist!

Amy

Day 340 - December 5 - My World

Day 340 - December 5

My World

Seasonal Photo

It's the 5th of the month and this is the last installment of the "My World" prompts. Did you photograph the same place each month or did you do something different? Regardless of where or what you photographed, you will now have 12 My World photos. It's fun to look back and see the differences from month to month.

This year I have taken my photo at a different cafe and/or a different pastry each month. It's certainly been a sweet journey for me!

Where will you photograph your last My World prompt photo for this year?

Diane

Day 341 - December 6 - Colors of Christmas

Day 341 - December 6

Colors of Christmas

Color Day

This is our last color day of 2024. Today... capture the colors of Christmas. You may prefer the traditional colors of red and green. Or... you may like the sparkly silvers and golds. Or... You may be contemporary and enjoy non-traditional colors. Capture the colors of Christmas that you enjoy the most!

Garnett

Day 342 - December 7 - Bells

Day 342 - December 7

Bells

A kettle bell may not be the first kind of bell that comes to mind at this time of year, but just in case you make Santa's Nice List, lifting weights to make sure you can carry your haul seems like proper planning.

Whether it's a kettle bell, bells on a bobtail, church bells, bell bottom pants, or bells on a kittie's collar, show us the bells in your world.

Kris

Day 343 - December 8 - Tree

Day 343 - December 8

Tree

I love this magnificent tree and so does everyone else. It’s a Compton Oak, a Virginia Champion Tree that’s 78 feet wide!

Is there a notable tree in your world? Or one made more striking because of the weather or locale? Take us on a walk around your personal arboretum today so we can enjoy it too!

Leslie

Day 344 - December 9 - Christmas Macro

Day 344 - December 9

Christmas Macro

Macro Monday

Do you manage to keep alive your Christmas Cactus alive year to year, or are you like me that you have to buy a new one each year. It makes a great subject for a Macro.

What do you want to take a close up of today?

Lee

Day 345 - December 10 - Vibrant

Day 345 - December 10

Vibrant

Holiday light displays really make the season feel magical! They are vibrant and often quite elaborate. We enjoy driving around, searching for the most dazzling displays.

Share something bright and colorful that adds to the festive spirit!

Amy

Day 346 - December 11 - Set the scene

Day 346 - December 11

Set the scene

What story do you want your photograph to tell today? How can you set the stage that will tell the reader what the story is?

They way I set this scene it's clear that I'm about to make muffins.

Set your scene and let us see what your story is about.

Diane

Day 347 - December 12 - Frosted

Day 347 - December 12

Frosted

Frosted Window Panes. Frosted Cakes and Cookies. Frosted snow on the ground.

You can take this anywhere you want! Have fun.

Garnett

Day 348 - December 13 - Necessary

Day 348 - December 13

Necessary

There are things that become more necessary at this time of year. For me, a few of those things are coffee, patience, and tape! Today I can put my hands on six rolls, but I assure you when it comes to wrapping those last-minute gifts, I won't be able to find any! In that moment, the true necessity of this simple little thing becomes a big deal.

What in your world is a necessity at this time of year more so than in other times?

Kris

Day 349 - December 14 - Bokeh Tree

Day 349 - December 14

Bokeh Tree

Bokeh allows photographers to isolate their subjects, making them stand out from the background.

But in this case, we are aiming to make the subject blurred, and by using the lights on the tree we have a bokeh tree.

Lee

Day 350 - December 15 - December vibes

Day 350 - December 15

December vibes

Whether you celebrate Bodhi Day 12/8), Hanakkaf (12/25-1/2), Yule (12/22-1/1), Christmas (12/25), Kwanza (12/26-1/1), the eve of a new year (12/31), or simply live through the rhythms of the changing seasons this month, December's vibe is one of wonder and reflection. Can you capture your December vibe in a single photo? Give it a try today.

Kris

Day 351 - December 16 - Evergreen

Day 351 - December 16

Evergreen

Evergreens are truly spectacular with their deep green foliage. They enhance our outdoor spaces and play a vital role in seasonal decorations. Evergreens have been used to decorate our homes for centuries, whether it's around the front door, on the mantel, or as centerpieces on the table. Their beauty is striking, and their fragrance adds to the festive atmosphere!

My aunt in Maine sends us a fresh-cut wreath every year, and it's such a nice treat!

Amy

Day 352 - December 17 - Joy

Day 352 - December 17

Joy

Tis the season for Joy! The holiday season can be busy and stressful for many. Take the time today to slow down and find the joy. It's everywhere if you look!

I find joy in doing crafts. I made these ornaments a couple of years ago and one of them just happens to say Joy!

What will bring you Joy today?

Diane

Day 353 - December 18 - Ornament

Day 353 - December 18

Ornament

I love all the ornaments that I have out around the house during this season.

Try to stage your ornament with some lighting and add some other bits in so that you can show it off.

What is your favourite ornament? Take a photo of it!

Lee

Day 354 - December 19 - Giving

Day 354 - December 19

Giving

I love giving, finding, or making the perfect gift for each person on my list. Unfortunately, my love of finding the gifts exceeds my love for wrapping them so I seem to always be doing that at the last minute.

Show us your favorite, or least favorite, part of gift-giving with today's photo.

Kris

Day 355 - December 20 - Holiday shapes

Day 355 - December 20

Holiday shapes

Guest Prompt

Holiday shapes are everywhere if you look closely! From twinkling trees to festive shapes in unexpected places, each captures a piece of the season's spirit. Take a photo that reflects the unique shapes of the holiday season, whether unusual decorations or your traditional favorites!

Jann Balsano

Day 356 - December 21 - Santa

Day 356 - December 21

Santa

Picture Me

Time for Picture Me! Keep your eyes open and you might find a Santa willing to pose with you. If not a living, breathing Santa, maybe a toy or decoration. Keep it simple and enjoy the ho, ho, ho!

Leslie

Day 357 - December 22 - Hang with Care

Day 357 - December 22

Hang with Care

Someone put lots of thought and effort into setting up this tree on the beach, going the extra mile to find the perfect shells that would hang on the branches despite the elements. It was a nice surprise while strolling on the beach!

Show us something hung with care.

Amy

Day 358 - December 23 - Light it

Day 358 - December 23

Light it

Pretty lights are everywhere right now. This house goes all out every Christmas and they decorate like one of the Christmas movies. This year, they decorated with scenes from National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.

You should have plenty of choices for your photograph today. Your Christmas tree, a menorah, a candle, a neighbourhood house, you pick!

Diane

Day 359 - December 24 - Decorate it

Day 359 - December 24

Decorate it

"Twas the night before Christmas when all through the house...."

Are you ready for the big day? Have you decorated your home, yard, table? Wrapped your gifts?

Let's see!

Garnett

Day 360 - December 25 - Prompt Free

Day 360 - December 25

Prompt Free

Today is a blank canvas for which all of the other prompts have prepared you.

Keep your eyes open and have fun!

Prompt Free

Day 361 - December 26 - Glisten

Day 361 - December 26

Glisten

At this time of year here we sometimes have frosts, which if the sun is shining, can make the frost glisten.

What will you come across today that is glistening?

Lee

Day 362 - December 27 - Let it go

Day 362 - December 27

Let it go

The year is almost over and a new one is on the horizon. This is a good time to reflect on what was positive about your 2024, and what wasn’t. Is there something you need to let go of in 2025? Your photo can reveal it literally, or figuratively like I did. It doesn't need explaining. And just like the “Pause” prompt in November, display it to remind yourself that next year you’re going to “Let It Go!”

Leslie

Day 363 - December 28 - Bask

Day 363 - December 28

Bask

Technical Day

Today focuses on a technical aspect of photography; however, the technical challenge is not one that is accomplished with your camera. Rather, it lies in what comes before and what comes after you click the shutter. We are going to create a triptych. A triptych is a three-panel image. It is used to either tell a story, illustrate three aspects of the same thing, or show sequence or progression.

Before you take your photos, you'll need to consider what you want your triptych to say or show. Then, you'll combine your photos to best accomplish this. This can be done in any app that can be used to create a collage.

Amy and I share the same birthday. So today, we will both be basking in the glow of birthday candles (Mine will likely be much brighter since I'm due way more candles) and the warmth of family and friends.

What three-part story do you want to share today? Have fun!

Kris

Day 364 - December 29 - Smile

Day 364 - December 29

Smile

"Life is like a mirror. Smile at it and it smiles back at you." - Peace Pilgrim

Show us your smile today or photograph someone or something that makes you smile.

Diane

Day 365 - December 30 - Memories

Day 365 - December 30

Memories

Challenge Day

The year is almost at an end. It's a great time to reflect on your memories of the past year.

Today is Challenge Day and we are going to try selective color. Selective color is a technique used to draw attention to a specific color in a photograph. By desaturating the image to black and white, you can selectively highlight one or more colors to create visual impact. However you choose to capture your memories, we want you to play with isolating color. In my example photo I have removed all color except the orange fox on my slippers.

There are apps that will do this for you. Lightroom and Photoshop also work well for this technique. I used Lightroom for my example.

This is how I executed in Lightroom. First, In the Color Mixer Panel using the Saturation Sliders, I moved all of the sliders to -100 except for the color I wanted to highlight. Next, I created a mask and used the Adjustment Brush, set at a saturation of -100, to paint over and remove unwanted color from any remaining areas.

Garnett

Day 366 - December 31 - Where I Stand

Day 366 - December 31

Where I Stand

This is the final photo of the year, marking a significant milestone! You now have an album that tells your unique story throughout 2024! Take a moment to celebrate and reflect on all the amazing images you've created!

The 365 Picture Today team would like to sincerely thank you for being such an essential part of this incredible community. We truly appreciate your support and involvement. It’s the connections we build one photo at a time that make this journey together so meaningful.

Join us as we kick off 2025 tomorrow! You won't want to miss it!

Amy, Diane, Garnett, Kris, Lee, Leslie & Lysle