The prospect of new opportunities in 2023 is exciting, and I suppose jotting down a personal list of things one would like to do - I suppose I could call them goals or even resolutions - at the beginning of each year might be a good idea.
Here’s a list I once wrote down after asking photographers who stopped by my shop.
I got the responses I kind of expected.
Use a tripod more. Turn off Auto mode. Buy a new camera or lens. Try shooting more raw. Learn more about lighting. Composition. Better post-production techniques.
However, when I strongly urged friends to come up with something a bit more inspirational and after a bit of online searching and some editing, I put together the following resolutions or goals that seemed to be about improving within this exciting medium in the year to come.Pay more attention to creative ideas. “This could be the year to begin evolving creatively.”
Don’t focus on what is the best camera. When we spend too much time worrying about the camera we forget about the story. “We should be concerned with making images that tell a story.”
Take risks and move away from always trying to please.
Make this year about pushing the envelope beyond the comfort zone without being concerned with others’ opinions.
Learn a New Technique. It’s as simple as experimenting, taking the time to read up on some technique, and then giving it a try. Photographers should always make the effort to learn new techniques. Take a class, or search out tutorials written by accomplished photographic writers.
Choose new subjects to “get out of the rut of shooting the same thing over and over.”
One writer said, “This year my approach to photography is going to be to romance the simple things.” I like that. So much of the time photographers get so involved with the latest technology. I think adding a bit of “romance” (whatever that means visually to each of us) might be a good thing.
Make every shot count and stay away from the spray-and-pray shooting style. “It’s about quality photographs, not massive picture-snapping sessions.”
“Explore new places.”
Become more ruthless with one’s photography and what is done in post-production. “Conditioning oneself to throw out the crap is the best way to keep improving.”
Finally, I’ll wish everyone a great 2023 and end with a quote by award-winning English author, Neil Gaiman.
“I hope that in this year to come, you make mistakes. Because if you are making mistakes, then you are making new things, trying new things, learning, living, pushing yourself, changing yourself, changing your world. You’re doing things you’ve never done before, and more importantly, you’re doing something.”
Stay safe and be creative. These are my thoughts for this week. Contact me at www.enmanscamera.com or emcam@telus.net.
