I’m really excited to be blogging about this. As part of my new years resolution with photography, I’ve decided to start an iPhone 365 project. Throughout 2010, I will be photographing every day with my iPhone, and posting the results weekly.

I’m excited for this project for a number of reasons.

1. becoming a better photographer. the most basic way to be a better photographer is simply to shoot more. It’s not about buying more gear, learning the lingo or having the best presets, but about taking initiative and simply shooting.

From my corporate days, I learned that goals can’t be big, vague ideas but concrete and quantifiable ones. My goal is to become a better photographer. I intend to do this by shooting every day. Simple.

2. less gear, more brain. my friends have all heard me rant about my biggest photo pet peeve. Well-meaning (or perhaps just polite) people compliment your images by saying “wow! you must have a great camera.” Every time I hear that it’s like a stab in the gut, and in my opinion, akin to saying to someone who’s just made you a home-cooked meal “that was great, you must have amazing pots and pans.”

I suppose I’m on a bit of a crusade (if only to prove to myself) that expensive gear is neither necessary nor sufficient to produce great images.

3. a visual diary. 2010 is going to be an incredible year. I feel it in my bones. It’s a product of where I am in life right now, reaching a crossroads in Beijing and preparing for everything that lies ahead. I can tell you right now that next week I will be here and that is only a tiny snippet of the travels and adventures that lay ahead. Not all in the frozen tundra of course

Without further ado, shots from the first week of 2010!

January 1st, ringing in the new year at the 798 Art District

Despite the modernity and growth, Now and then I’m surprised when I see uber-communist propaganda, like on the subway.

Some artsy iPhone photography as I freeze my fingers off  in the worst snowfall in 60 years. (And then biking through this the next day)

Compilation of head shots of my classmates this semester, a farewell gift for our favorite teacher

Two years after leaving New York, I find myself at Central Perk.. circa ’90s Friends.

Franklin! My friends’ pet turtle

The final product. I thought our teacher was going to die from squealing. She is fond of calling us 可爱的高级班 or “the cutest (upper level) class”. Written on the board is the translation in all the languages our classmates speak

Anyone else starting a 365? Drop me a line!