“A great accomplishment shouldn’t be the end of the road, just the starting point for the next leap forward.” Harvey Mackay
At the start of the new year, I take a look at my favourite images from the past year to see how (or if) I’ve grown in my craft. I keep a folder of my ‘best’ from each year and compare them as a group. Sometimes I see a huge leap forward, sometimes not so much. No matter which way it turns out, it’s interesting to see how my tastes and skills have changed. That information is part of what I use to set some goals for the new year, at least as an artist. The business end of things is a whole other process.
Really, now that I think about it, what I should be doing is taking a long, hard look at my worst images. Successfully created photos are wonderful but it’s in our mistakes that we can see what needs to be fixed moving forward. Where did a process break down? Do I need more work on my lighting or composition? Did I take any chances or just play it safe? Am I being consistent? What is it about those images that made them successes or failures? They’re all important questions when working towards improvement, both for myself and my clients.
As this is about looking back at my personal favourites, successful or otherwise, I’ll save the review of my worst for another day. All-in-all, 2015 was a good year. I had the opportunity to shoot a wider range of genres than in the previous year. ‘Man cannot live on bread alone’ (at least this one can’t). Being able to shoot child, family and individual portraits, headshots, commercial real estate, landscapes, products, boudoir, glamour, fitness, cosplay and a few weddings kept things fresh and interesting.
Here’s to 2016 and everything it brings. Cheers!
Jay. This is great – thanks for sharing. I love this year-end/-beginning idea. Great images and nice variety. I have a particular soft spot for the environmental portrait of the girl with her impish dog at the top of the stairs. It really struck me when I saw it for the first time (provincials). I see such a story in it and appreciate your choices in lighting, tone, mood, composition, finishing, etc. (though I’m by no means a judge). All the best for the coming year!!
All the best to you, too, Janet. Thanks for stopping by. 🙂