Project: 365
Words & Photography: Zhong Lin

Project 365 is a self-initiated, year-long project that started in April 2020 as a way to produce an image every day and share it on Instagram. Just like a visual diary, the images reflect my mood and emotions of different days. The project has been on my to-do list for quite a long time, but I was always occupied with other work. Then the pandemic started and I thought it would be the right time to start during the lockdown.

I have to admit that the idea of making a new image every day on top of other jobs was indeed very ambitious. The shoots were not always planned: There were days that I needed to improvise with very limited time and materials. The challenge of 365 is that it pushed my boundaries under different circumstances. I had to make the most out of everything I had.

I wasn’t sure if I could manage to deliver every single day. Sometimes, I wish the execution could be better but I’ve learned during the process that whatever happens has already happened and I should move on.

This project benefited me every day. It’s was a journey of self-discovery. I believe things happen for a reason, so I’ve really tried to focus more on finding solutions to lockdown rather than blaming the unpleasant situation.

The uncertainty arouses curiosity, and curiosity keeps me questioning my practice.

Zhong Lin, a Malaysian Chinese photographer, believes that there’s life in all things. When she is not on set shooting fashion editorials or campaigns, Lin travels around to take portraits and lifestyle reportage. Her primary goal is to capture the moments in between shots and the influence of cinematography is reflected heavily in her images. Lin’s works have been featured in publications such as British Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, ELLE, W Korea, L’Officiel, and more.

Additional CREDITS

Cover: #365; Model: Sojo, Cindy, Bo Li, San, Chang, Zoe, YuPing Wang, Lucia; MUA: Shin Tsai, Fiona Li

Complete credits for the rest of the images shown in this article are in the captions of the above gallery.

Read this story in print in the Creative Voyage Paper, Issue 1

One Lesson Learned is a feature in which inspiring creatives share their recent project and an actionable lesson they’ve discovered while creating it.