Snowy Directions

It’s never too early to start thinking about New Years resolutions, over the last few weeks I have really been kicked into high-gear and a relaxing weekend gave me time to reflect on a few things. Things that I have graduated to and a few things I have left behind. Growing is always good but some things you just can’t take with you. Or can you?

For me, growing as a photographer means leaving back some of the things I really enjoy because of a big lack of time. I was always active on message boards, ‘admin/manager’ of a few and enjoyed helping as many beginning photographers as I could with a leg up no matter how often I saw the same question. Critiques until my fingers were sore, contests and contest judging that pushed and pulled at my likes and dislikes until I reached an unbiased choice. I miss attending general photographic meet-ups to shoot an event, location or people. I am also proud of the few photographers I have mentored that have gone on to produce really amazing work. Not that I really helped much, creative genius will get recognized one way or another.

So, my resolution is to get back to where I was but continue to go where I am heading. While I may not get my hands completely into the forums like they once were, I hope to continue contributing there and also by taking this weblog further along the path of providing something that professionals and novices alike can learn from. I hope to lead a few photographic expeditions around the country this year for a small group of local photographers and set up a few of my own meet-ups. I really enjoy going somewhere, setting up a few light stations, giving photographers a pocket wizard and letting them take the wheel. Sure, I may get in there to shoot, but it’s really a nice break to go from shooting to teaching/assisting every once in awhile.

What are your photographic resolutions? Will you get outside your comfort zone and shoot something new? Sell your first photo? Get published in your first newspaper/magazine/book? Shoot your first wedding or portraiture session? Pick up that old film camera and re-learn how to pace your shots? New dSLR? Will you share your experience with others? Comment below!

-J