Year End Wrap-Up / photographer news
As 2009 ends many people are glad to see it go. I am one of the few that looks back fondly on such a blessed year. Everyone has been healthy, happy and my photography business has taken off. I feel sad to see 2009 go, but excited to see what 2010 brings.There were a lot of ups, downs, twists and curves this year, but we made it through safe and sound. I'm so thankful for all of the opportunities that opened up for me this year, the wonderful people I've met and the support I've received.
I read other blogs pretty often, to learn and see what is happening in other people's lives or businesses. One blog posted the following questions for you to ask yourself about your year. I thought this would be the best day of the year, the last, to wrap-up my first year in business.
1. What was my best photo?
Okay, it's really hard to choose just one. I actually love two photos of myself, that were taken as a part of my "365 Project" of self portraits this year. If you know me personally, you know I was obsessed with this project! My growth as a photographer was unbelievable. I recommend it to anyone who wants to become a better photographer!
The 365 day project is where you take a self portrait of yourself (or any part of your body must be in the photo) each day for a year. You must be in the photo, as well as take the photo. Sorry!! It doesn't count if someone else just takes a photo of you. Usually I have to use remotes, tripods, gorilla pods or other various things to tie up, hang or get a shot of myself. Thank goodness for camera timers!
Here are a few other fun groups that come up with daily themes for this project to keep you thinking and experimenting, some people choose to do 365 of objects, food, etc... instead of self portraits:
The Rogue Players
Flickr Group Roulette (warning, some inappropriate language here)
Theme of the Week
I will be starting a new "365 Project" tomorrow, for all of 2010. My first go at the project I lasted 156 days between 2008-2009. I hope to make it the full 365 next year!
I also have so many favorites that I took of clients, but I didn't want anyone to feel left out!
This was a very windy day :) I bruised my knee pretty badly on this one!
Starting a business by far. Just taking the leap and spending the first four months of the year planning, organizing, registering, building and creating my business was spectacular. I haven't had a "day off" from it since the beginning of the year. I am always thinking up new ideas, images or sessions. I just enjoy it so much that I don't know how I lived before it!
3. What software/hardware really stood out above the rest for me?
Software
I've always loved Photoshop. I use CS4 now, but I've been using the software since it was 2.0. I have tried to switch to Lightroom, but I'm just a photoshop gal all the way. I actually have gotten my workflow so organized that I don't spend more than a few moments on each photo while editing. I know what I like, what I need and what I don't need. This took many hours of trial and error and playing before I figured out "my style".
I also love photoshop for designing all sorts of materials. I used it to design one of the three website designs I have used over the past year on my site. It's just so amazingly fabulous!
Hardware
It's a toss up between my Canon 40D and my 50mm f/1.4 USM lens. They are both my first loves. I can't wait to grab a few more awesome lenses and see if Canon will come out with a new full-frame sensor DSLR in 2010. I've heard rumors ;)
4. What was my favorite book of the year that I read?
Okay, I'm a librarian by day and a photographer every other moment of my life. You'd think I've read tons of books this year. I tend to read a lot of informational materials to keep abreast in all areas of my life. The one book that stands out to my though lately is "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie. I am still mid-way through this book, but it's really phenomenal. I wish everyone read it, all I want to do it discuss it with those who have! I've found that I'm one of the ones who already practices a majority of what he teaches, which is why I can be thankful and feel so blessed for getting such a positive response to my business opening this year.
5. What new blog became a staple in my reading?
I love Jasmine Starr! She is kind, loving, normal, human, a phenomenal photographer and inspiring. She's so huge, yet she takes time to offer insights into starting a business and running a business. I've learned so much from following her work and learning from her mistakes. It's amazing to think she started only a few years ago without any experience or training at all. Many people ask me if I went to school for this, and I am honest in saying "no". It's a passion, I've learned a lot and I am constantly learning more. I've learned this year, there is nothing wrong with that. I appreciate her support to all photographers out there, as many I've met are not as supportive.
I also have to give a shout out to Liz Cook, who has been an amazing inspiration and support to me this first year too! We met through our workout/running blogs and a "friendship" of sorts has blossomed out of that. I hope someday we will actually meet in person! I am sure I annoy the crap out of her with my questions, but she's always so pleasant to just answer what she can and direct me to where to look for more info! Thanks Liz :D
So, that's the end of the questions that were posed. I'm sad to say goodbye to 2009, but I'm thrilled to see what the New Year will bring.
