In early December, I blogged about my experience with completing a 365 project last year. We are 51 days in to project 365 2019 and starting to feel that February slump. Photographers in Massachusetts are mostly stuck inside in the Winter months which can make for creative burn-out. I know that I would not be able to stick with my own personal project if I did not take my camera out of the house.

I’m not going to lie, taking a bulky DSLR anywhere while also juggling a child (or multiple children) can feel very overwhelming. But, when I look back at my 2018 project, I love seeing all the places we went along with pictures taken in our home.

5 Places You Can Take Your DSLR

1. Shopping

On a normal shopping trip…especially to a fun place like IKEA. And especially when your spouse/partner/friend is present to help wrangle your crazy children. You don’t have to have your camera out and trained on your family the whole time. I try to look out for just one opportunity for a photograph in a spot that inspires me while we’re out. My favorite photo from this shopping trip happened at the end while my kids ate a celebratory soft serve cone. I handed the baby to my hubby, hopped outside the window and snapped this. It took me a max of 1 minute!

2. To the Park

I am home with my three kids during the day and we will often pop over to the park on a warmer Winter day. I throw my DSLR into my backpack along with approximately 1,000 snacks. Why are kids always so hungry?? Juggling three kids at the playground or a park is no easy feat so I left my camera mostly in my backpack and took it out briefly to snap these two photographs.

3. A Trip to the Museum/Library/Art Institute

Last week, I met a friend to check out an exhibit at the Boston ICA with our 5 kiddos 5 and under. Was I a little nuts to bring my camera? Maybe. But I don’t get to shoot my kids in places with huge windows and tall sweeping ceilings very often! We live in an average sized traditional colonial home in suburbia. Getting the chance to incorporate the cool modern architectural features you find at a museum-type building in a city keeps me inspired to create.

4. A Place with “Bad Lighting”

There’s no worse lighting than a dark arcade with little-to-no natural light and the available light a mix of crazy shades of the rainbow. But that’s part of the fun! For me to stay creatively inspired, I need to challenge myself. An arcade is not the ideal spot for portraits…but the documentary potential is out of control!

5. In Your Car

I know this sounds really weird, but trust me. Take the small step to just putting your DSLR in your car when you go somewhere. Just in case you feel inspired by something. I can’t tell you how many times we’ve been out and I have regretted leaving my camera at home. Many more times than I’ve ever regretted bringing my camera with me! The four pictures below were taken of my middle child on three different days while waiting in the parking lot to pick up my oldest from preschool. I had my DSLR in the car *just in case* inspiration struck. One day was a beautiful sunset, the next was gorgeous golden light hitting him during a car nap. Two weeks ago, we arrived early enough for a mud adventure.

For a week, try taking your DSLR everywhere. You might be surprised at what inspires you!

XO- LyndsayF

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