Imagine this.

Let’s talk numbers for a bit. This month I celebrated 5 years of blogging. For almost 2 of those I’ve been creating the photo-a-day challenge. In that time over 10 million photos have been shared on Instagram alone, if people on Facebook and other platforms share with the same enthusiasm that would be around 20 million. INSANE.

Almost every day I get beautiful letters from people about how photo a day has changed their lives. Here’s one I got yesterday.

I’m emailing you because I wanted to say a very big THANK YOU for the Photo A Day challenge every month! 2011 was hard for me, emotionally, physically and mentally. I went through a breakup and it was my first serious relationship. I moved back to the same town as my parents, and I moved around several times until I settled into the place I’m living in now, and I’ve been here since just before Christmas 2011. My parents sacrificed a lot for me to help me get back on my feet, and I’m ever so grateful.

I started the Photo A Day challenge in February of 2012, and have been doing it ever since. Last year I decided to do the things that I wanted, do whatever it was that made me happy, because we only get one chance at this life, and I knew I had to make the most of it. Doing the daily challenges turned into a weekly thing, and then a monthly thing, and whilst I might have skipped a couple days here and there, I have ALWAYS kept up with it, because besides music, family, and my closest friends, these daily prompts made me look forward to life and everything it has to offer! And while my photography skills aren’t that great, I’ve discovered a new found passion for it and I’m in the process of saving for my first proper Camera so I can practice my skills!

I am SO addicted to Instagram, I’ve made new friends, some of which have turned into real-life friends!

I’m at a point now where I’m just really happy with how far I’ve come after everything that has happened, and the person I’ve become.

Thank you for helping me find my feet, even though we’ve never met!

I say it all the time, but photo a day changes lives. It’s changed mine, I know that. And from all the lovely letters I get, it’s changing others too. It’s a little bit magic.

One of my big dreams, ever since creating photo a day, is to build an App around photography and photo-a-day. I’ve had meetings with a great App builder and we’ve put it on the back-burner with the baby on the way and with a lack-of-funds for the project.

On Monday I had a brainwave though. I am nominated as one of Australia’s Most Clickable Women via Mamamia. I was honoured, of course. When I read what the prize was {$10,000 to go towards your business}, I realised that would pretty much fund an App. And I got butterflies.

I don’t usually ask for things like this, it’s totally out of my comfort zone, but I would love if you’d vote for me and perhaps we could make an App. Together we’d create something really kick-butt. It’s a dream, but it’s good to dream. Right?

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If you have a moment, head over here and vote. Click ‘Vote Now’ and then you’ll find my photo on the third page, so you’ll have to pick two other people before you get to me. Share the love. And a HUGE thank you in advance. xxx

89 thoughts on “Imagine this.”

  1. You should be so proud of yourself, what a fabulous thing to have started – and anyone that has a positive effect on someone else’s life, particularly someone they’ve never met deserves all the praise going – WELL DONE!! I’m in London but an Aussie friend of mine recommended your blog & I did the photo challenge last year, I’m going to do it again in August.

    Will absolutely vote for you, good luck….off to do it now! I wish you every success with the new app 🙂

  2. Sweet Chantelle … I want to vote for you but it will not except my vote without me voting for two other gals. I have no idea who anyone is except you. Who else shall I vote for? Advice? xoxo

  3. Very happily voted for you 🙂 I found out about you when your friend Rowe photographed my family recently in Bali, since then I’ve loved reading your blog daily. My 13 year old daughter has expressed an interest in photography – so we are about to start your photo a day challenge together on August 1st. We have looked through the months prompts already and have thought of some great ideas. I’m hoping this will be a great way for us to keep connecting throughout her teen years. We are really excited about it. Thanks so much for what you do 🙂

  14. I just voted for you, I think you are a true inspiration! I start every month saying I’m going to do this and forget… become afraid because I’m not very good… but after the letter you shared – I’m willing to start again 8/1. I need inspiration in my life and this could be what I’m looking for! Thank you, both the person who wrote the letter and you. Big Hugs!

  16. I don’t do photo a day but I love your blog so you got my vote! Hope it helps your dream come to life

  21. I was happy to give you my vote. Photo a day means so much to so many of us, so any bit we can do to help you get closer to your dream, just ask! Best of luck, Chantelle!

  24. I’ve put in two sneaky votes (myself & my daughter) for this already!! One for you & one for Mrs Woog!! I love photo a day….& I think Mrs Woog is absolutely hilarious!! haha x
    Just a little plug…if I may…my truly fabulous friend Kelly Baker-Jamieson has been nominated under category #2 ecommerce for her Blooming business http://www.edibleblooms.com.au She is incredibly talented & well deserving of this award if anyone needs an incentive on who to vote for before they vote for you!
    Best of luck with your entry….I’d love to see your new App!!
    Susie x

  25. done 🙂 and in doing so I learned about some other great women out there and doing it… thanks

  28. Done. I would love to see this app dream come to fruition for you. I love the photo a day

  30. Done. Fingers crossed Chantelle. And three words to describe you? Accessible. Real. Interested. 🙂 xx

  32. i just voted for you.
    a photo a day app sounds amazing. wishing you all the best for that dream to come true and your app will come to life. i will sure be one of the first ones to get it.

  38. Your app sounds just what I’m looking for so I was more than happy to vote! I hope it’ll be available for Android users too! 😉

  39. I would participate every month if there was an app! I keep my Instagram private so it would be so fun to use an app to participate instead 🙂 voted!

  40. I think the app is a great idea and having worked in the industry, I know how much they can cost! I’ve voted for you, and in case they don’t pass on the three words, I think you’re “Human, endearing, charming” and many other things xx

  43. Hey Chantelle! I’m 15, from Germany and i love the photo a day challenge!! You’re such a great mum and you inspire so many people and i hope you keep up with the great work 🙂 i just voted for you and i didn’t even know any of the other women so i just picked random ones until you came up…anyways..i just wanted to thank you !! ( we almost have the same name …except that your name has the beautiful -elle in it 🙂 stay you and keep enjoying life !

  44. That letter sounds so similar to my own experience last year! I did your photo a day for a year from Feb 2012 and it helped me through depression and like the girl in the letter, helped me to realise that I needed to do more of what I enjoy. And, now I do! I’m happier than I’ve been in years and have just gone back to Uni!
    My partner has just started making apps and I thought for ages you should have a Photo a Day one…shame you already have an App builder

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