Documenting 13 Years in 4,748 Portraits

Toronto-based photographer Jeff Harris very well may hold the world record for the longest picture-a-day project. First beginning his daily photography series in 1999, Harris has just completed his thirteenth year of documenting his very full life. As of December 31, 2011, he has accumulated an astounding 4,748 portraits!

Harris has generally worked a 9-5 desk job, whether in education or the publishing industry, but sought to keep things interesting with a photo project. He didn't want the project to reflect a mundane lifestyle, instead he vowed to get out and live life. Initially, according to the artist, the project produced redundant, boring images but Harris became more skilled at the craft with practice. He ended up documenting his adventurous lifestyle as an artist.

Over the course of the thirteen years it took to build up this massive project, the inspiring artist has experienced countless highlights and endured several medical hardships including a fractured foot from a rock star leap off a pair of giant speakers, being diagnosed with cancer, and the permanent paralyzation of his left leg. After being diagnosed with cancer in November 2008, the resilient photographer took the project with him to doctor appointments, surgery, and radiation treatments. If he didn't take the pictures himself, he'd hand the camera to anyone that would, making sure to give due credit.

There's a fantastic video produced for TIME Magazine's LightBox that gives wonderful insight on the artist and the origins of his very personal project. You can watch that, below. We were lucky enough to get in contact with Jeff and ask him a few questions. You can also check out that interview, below. If you want to see more pictures, his entire collection is available on his website, but we should warn you that there are some very graphic images from Harris' surgeries and hospital visits.

The first photo, a meta portrait made of 3,653 portraits, is available for purchase as a limited edition print directly from the artist's website.

So, you started your project 13 years ago, in 1999. What kept you going for so long? How were you motivated to keep at it every day?
It's one of those things... the longer I do it, the better it gets. I enjoy having a photographic record of my days, because it challenges me to live a fuller life.

Your ongoing series has exposed a very personal side of your life. How do you feel that documenting your journey during trying times has helped you?
It was very therapeutic for me. When I was losing control of my body during my illness, this project was the one part of myself that I still had total control over.

Other than taking self-portraits, you also ask other people, including celebrities, to take your photos. Has anyone ever said no?
No one has ever said no. They are always surprised by the unique request, and more then happy to be on the other side of the lens for a change!

When will your photos for 2012 be available for viewing?
I update my website once a month, usually in the first week of the next month. This project is shot entirely on film, and I only process the film at the end of each month.

What's next for you? Any other projects, in addition to this fantastic one, on the horizon?
No, I don't have anything up my sleeve just yet... I have always wanted to devote an entire webpage to my parent's cat Wilbur, I have lots of amazing unseen photos of her (yes, Wilbur's a girl) -- hopefully one day...

Jeff Harris' website
via [booooooom]