A picture says 365 words
So I got this hair-brained idea.
Okay, granted, one could argue that the vast majority of my ideas are hair-brained but this one sat in my head for a while and it was harder to shake loose than a stubborn booger. So I went with it.
See, the idea is this. For the next year I will, upon leaving the house, line up each kid at the door and take their photograph. The goal, of course, is to look back on their fifth birthday at all 365 photos and see the transformation in a matter of seconds. But then there are also other intriguing elements that I have discovered in just the four days we have done so far. The most interesting aspect is the fact that I have found they are not always in the mood to take their photo as we are heading out the door. This, I have decided, is an added bonus. One that will be fully enjoyed only when they are much older and I can make fun of them for having some of the most forlorn looks known to man (Yes, Swee’Pea, I’m talking to you.).
The other bonus is that I have found that encouraging them to make whatever face they want in the photos will open up a window into their personality and, I think, become better understood after the year is up. I hope this project will be one that they will look back on and think, “Boy, Dad sure was crazy had a great idea.”
Now I know that the hardest thing will be to keep this up for an entire year. I also know it will be hard to get every single day on camera. Having said that, I think this will be a successful project if I can get close to 300 photos each. And if this doesn’t turn out the way I think it will, then at the very least I will have prepared them well on how to take a mug shot.
If you are interested, I will be posting each photo on flickr (One set for Swee’Pea and one set for TheMonk) but will try and resist putting many more on the blog until I put them all together in a video in June of 2010.
But, a little peek into the first four days are in order. I present days 1-4:
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oh my god! i LOVE this idea
(kicking myself for not thinking of it first. heh)
Comment by ali — June 16, 2009 @ 5:53 am
Maybe try the photo session when they get home from pre-school. (I have no idea why Sweet Pea’s so grouchy in the morning…)
Comment by Andrea — June 16, 2009 @ 7:27 am
I’ve heard of people taking monthly pictures of their kids but never daily pictures. Good luck! Can’t wait to see the final video in June 2010!
Comment by Lori — June 16, 2009 @ 8:10 am
Okay that is seriously cute.
It’s easier to do everyday than you think. Once it becomes a habit, it is just part of the routine. 
Good luck, adorable idea. You should mark the calendar, I know they don’t come around very often.. 
Comment by Kellee — June 16, 2009 @ 8:14 am
[insert applause here]
Will be following your digital footprint lead, fella.
Great way to document the little ones. Gonna keep a spare digital camera on the mantel next to our front door so I never have to look for one at the last minute. And love the way you’re encouraging them to make any face they want.
Keep up the great work. And thanks for letting us follow along (and be equally inspired).
Cheers from Texas,
C
Comment by Beckett's/Berkeley's Papa (aka Christian) — June 16, 2009 @ 8:14 am
What a fun idea! And that Sweet Pea’s letting you know how she feels about the whole thing! LOL
Comment by Kate — June 16, 2009 @ 8:20 am
What a great idea. But somehow I think if you keep it up for too long, Sweet Pea may take over and duct tape you to a chair. Love that first one of her.
Comment by Issa — June 16, 2009 @ 9:07 am
Good luck. Some days I almost forget the kids at the door nevermind remember to take their pictures in front of it.
Comment by above average joe — June 16, 2009 @ 9:38 am
I think this is a crazy, er great idea! And I love what you’ve gotten so far! They look like so much fun!
Looking forward to your updates and more pics.
Comment by Jill — June 16, 2009 @ 1:43 pm
I like it. Guess I’m gunna have to add you on Flickr to see the pix though…
Comment by bleachusd — June 16, 2009 @ 1:58 pm
Picture #1 reminds me of some of the photos of Princess Di just before she dumped the Prince.
Comment by Grandmother — June 16, 2009 @ 4:56 pm
The pictures are great. What a fantastic idea - I bet some of the expressions you capture will make you smile for years to come.
Comment by Twenty Four At Heart — June 16, 2009 @ 6:35 pm
I really want to do 365 days of photos with Gabe, but I don’t get to see him 365 days a year
Comment by Miss Grace — June 16, 2009 @ 7:12 pm
TheMonk looks pretty happy in all his pictures. Swee’Pea, on the other hand, seems to be trying out different personas - the moody ballerina princess, happy girl, rocker chick with attitude, and surfing enthusiast. I can’t wait to see who she will be tomorrow!
Comment by Deanna — June 16, 2009 @ 7:32 pm
That princess photo is an absolute classic.
Comment by Dan — June 17, 2009 @ 4:54 am
Awesome idea. Good luck keeping with it.
Comment by DCUrbanDad — June 17, 2009 @ 9:24 am
Haha! Love it! Great idea!
Comment by Kila — June 18, 2009 @ 8:58 am
She’s a bershon prodigy!
Comment by Busy Mom — June 19, 2009 @ 8:14 am
Good luck sticking with it for a year =) I think just these four photos of each of them really gives you a glimpse into their personalities!
Comment by Sarah @ BecomingSarah.com — June 19, 2009 @ 3:48 pm