Over the summer, I wrote a post about wanting a camera. Actually, the post was about a loved one who shot down my dream of owning a nice camera one day. It's been six months, and I still don't have that camera. But, truly, this has been a rough year financially. It doesn't mean I won't get that camera or that I'll give up on the idea of having that nice camera. What I realized is that I don't have to sacrifice my dreams, sacrifice living simply because something isn't attainable for me right now.

This realization hit me while scrolling the internet and seeing all the photographs my online friends were posting. I started seeing various hashtags and buzzwords that I was only vaguely familiar with. So I took some time to do a little research, ask around and lose myself in some fabulous blogs. I saw that people all over the world are participating in various online photo projects to share and document their lives, and I knew I wanted to get involved. Except I don't have that nice camera. Yeah, so what? I just upgraded my old iPhone to the iPhone 4, which has a pretty damn nice camera on it. Why shouldn't I be using that handy, convenient camera every chance I get? By the way, the phone cost me $20.51. Yep. I traded in my old phone at Target. If you're due for a new phone, I suggest checking their program out; they offer all the major carriers.

Back to my story, I have this awesome phone, and there are apps out there that will help transform your photos into works of art. There are also a number of blogs who have set up fun photo sharing projects for the year or by the month. I figured why not get involved? I did a bit more resarch and discovered some great tutorials and a free class that can help me use that iPhone camera to its fullest potential. For time's sake, I'm just going to list out the resources I've found so that you can get started on your photo journal project as well. By the way, here's my first picture of the year. They're cute when they're sleeping, aren't they?

Photo Journaling Projects

Photo a Day Challenge - I noticed on Instagram that many people were using the hashtag #JANphotoaday. So I had to check it out. What I found was the blog Fat Mum Slim, where Chantelle was issuing the challenge to photograph a different subject each day in January. I joined in a couple days late, but I'm loving the sharing that's going on. It's so fun to see what others are having for breakfast or what they adore in their lives.

Project 365 - This is the daily photo journaling and sharing project that, I believe, started it all. The site, in conjunction with the iPhone app, allow you to go back and see just what you did each day of the year. I'm not sure if I'll have the dedication to take part each and every day, but I sure intend to try!

Photo Apps

Instagram - This app makes taking photos fun and easy. You can transform your pictures by adding various filters and edits. Then share them with other Instagram users. I love it!

Project 365 - This app goes along with the daily photo journaling project of the same name. I just bought the pro version for .99. What's really cool about it is that it places your daily photos on a calendar that you can then print out or add to a website or blog. You can also send your photos instantly to flickr or other sharing site.

My January Project 365 so far

Classes/Tutorials

iPhone Photography Workshop through CreativeLIVE - Sign up here and sign up now because this class is tomorrow. So sorry for the short notice. This is a two-day workshop that's free to attend. They'll be discussing and demonstrating the best apps for iPhonoegraphy and teaching techniques to help you make the very most of your iPhone camera.Video will be available for purchase. It's $59 dollars pre-purchase, $79 after tomorrow.

How Did I Do That? Step by Step Solutions for Creative iPhone Photography - This PDF document by Cynthia Louden is so in-depth, but she gives screen shots and how to's that make it all doable. She really does show you step by step! I am amazed by the amount of information provided in this tutorial for free. I haven't read it all yet, but I will!

How to Organize Project 365 by Angry Julie Monday - Apparently, Julie tackled Project 365 last year and almost let her perfectionism take her over the edge. She gives great tips in this blog post on how to handle the daily task of documenting, storing and sharing photos without losing your mind. Thanks, Julie!

Top 7 Must-Have iPhoneography Apps - Zina of the blog, Develop, offers this fantastic post of what other apps will help to make your iPhone photography outstanding.

So what do you think? Have you taken part in any of these projects or used the tools mentioned here? Do you plan to jump on board this year? I'd love to hear your thoughts and tips. Happy photo taking!