Why Photography and Journaling Make the Perfect Pair

If you’ve followed my photography journey, you know how much I love capturing life’s moments—big and small. But recently, I’ve been trying something new that’s pushing me out of my comfort zone: journaling. Now, I’ve got to be honest with you—it hasn’t been easy. Writing about my day or my thoughts doesn’t come as naturally to me as pressing the shutter on my camera. But I’m learning that the combination of photography and journaling creates something powerful, and it’s worth sticking with.

For me, photography has always been about documenting life, finding beauty in the everyday, and appreciating moments as they happen. It’s a way of freezing time, preserving the way things feel, look, or even smell at that moment. But journaling adds another layer to that documentation—it fills in the gaps that photos alone can’t capture. Words can convey the emotions behind the image, the context, or the thoughts racing through my mind when I took the shot.

To be clear, I’m no expert at journaling. In fact, I’ve struggled to keep it up. I’ve tried different notebooks, writing apps, and even voice recordings, but none of it stuck until I found the Dayone app. It’s been the best tool for me to mix photos with journaling in a simple, approachable way. What I like about it is that there’s no pressure to write a novel—just a few lines about what I captured that day, how I felt, or why it stood out to me. And that’s been the key for me: keeping the bar low.

Starting October 1st, 2024, I’m challenging myself to take one unique picture every day and pair it with a short journal entry. There’s no set amount I have to write—just a few words to accompany the photo and explain why it matters to me. The only rule is that the photo has to be new, something fresh from that day. This isn’t about perfection; it’s about building a habit and seeing where it takes me.

I’ve realized that photography and journaling feed off each other. Photography helps me stay present, to notice details I might otherwise overlook. And journaling forces me to reflect on those moments, giving them more meaning than just a snapshot. Together, they create a more complete picture of my day-to-day life. And honestly, even in the short time I’ve been doing this, I’ve felt a stronger connection to the things I photograph. It’s like I’m not just taking a photo and moving on—I’m taking a moment to process what it means to me.

Now, I get that not everyone will resonate with journaling. Maybe writing isn’t your thing, and that’s okay. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to this. If a paper journal works for you, great. If you prefer typing out notes on your phone, do that. And if you want to record your voice or even make a video diary, go for it. The point isn’t how you document your life—it’s that you do it in a way that works for you.

If you’re feeling like you want to try something new, I encourage you to give this combination a shot. Whether you’re a photographer or someone who just likes taking pictures on your phone, pairing those photos with some journaling can change the way you view your life. It doesn’t have to be every day, and you don’t need to follow any specific rules—just start small. Maybe it’s one photo and one sentence every few days. What matters is that you’re creating something that will help you appreciate your life as it happens, not just when you look back years from now.

I’m excited (and a little nervous) to see how this challenge goes. I know there will be days when I won’t feel like journaling, and there will be days when I forget to take a picture until the last minute. But that’s part of the process. The goal isn’t to create perfect entries every time—it’s to keep going, to keep documenting.

So, if you’re up for it, join me in this challenge. Grab your camera, your phone, or whatever you use, and start capturing moments. Then, take a few minutes to write about them. It might just change the way you see your own life.