Sonya
A daily photo prompt that became a global community
Sonya is building Gallery 365, a daily photography project that invites people of all abilities to slow down, notice the world around them and share what they see, without the pressure of getting it right.
Midway through the MA in Creative Practice, Sonya McGhee is developing Gallery 365, a daily photography project that encourages people to slow down and notice the world around them.
What began as a simple daily prompt has grown into an international community where people of all abilities are invited to take part. Each day, participants respond through photography, without the pressure of getting it “right”. The project makes space for people to look again at ordinary things and find meaning in what they might usually pass by.
Alongside Gallery 365, Sonya’s MA research is helping her understand how creative communities grow. She has been exploring how prompts are shared, how people are encouraged, and what helps them feel confident enough to join in. She has also started writing on Substack, giving herself more room to reflect on the thinking behind the project.
Seeing Differently
One of the biggest shifts for Sonya has been realising that Gallery 365 reaches beyond the photograph.
At its heart, the project helps people discover that they are creative. For some participants, that may be something they have not believed about themselves before. Recognising this has changed the way Sonya sees the project and helped her think more boldly about what it could become.
Sharing that thinking publicly has not been easy. Writing honestly about Gallery 365, opening up her research, and letting people see the questions behind the work has felt vulnerable. It has also helped Sonya understand the value of what she is building.
Photography is the way in. The deeper work is helping people trust their own way of seeing.
The Community Takes Shape
Recently, the strongest momentum has come from the Gallery 365 community itself.
People are commenting on each other’s work, sharing the stories behind their images, and helping new members feel welcome. The project has become a place where people can try something creative without feeling judged.
Sonya’s research is starting to give evidence to what she had already sensed. Small changes in how a prompt is worded or how a conversation is encouraged can make a real difference to whether people take part.
That has strengthened her belief that Gallery 365 gives people a reason to pause each day. Over time, that can change how they see themselves.
One Small Step
A key part of Sonya’s progress has been the Make Happen idea of doing one thing today.
During the MA, she realised that Gallery 365 had been working in the same way all along. One prompt each day. One photograph. One small moment of attention.
Sonya has been through that process too. Rather than trying to change the whole project at once, she has kept moving it forward in small, steady ways. Before the MA, Gallery 365 was something she ran. Through the MA, it has become something she understands more deeply.
What Comes Next
In the coming months, Sonya is focusing on completing the MA while continuing to develop Gallery 365 as a sustainable creative community.
She hopes to secure funding for the first Gallery 365 zine, grow the Substack, and create more chances for participants to share their work publicly.
Longer term, she would like Gallery 365 to become a recognised model for creative participation and wellbeing.
Find Out More
People can support Gallery 365 by taking part. Every photograph shared and every conversation started helps the community grow.
Follow Gallery 365 here:
Instagram: @gallery_365_photo
X: @gallery365photo
Facebook: Gallery365Photo
