Welcome 2012

Welcome all to the year 2012! Some have feared this year due to the Mayan predicted cataclysm, others recall when 2012 seemed like decades into the distant future, I fore one am excited for this fantastic new opportunity to grow as a photographer, adventure, and above all, human being. There is no doubt that 2011 was anything but fantastic for me.(Check out my Best Photos of 2011 to see why I enjoyed 2011 so much.) But with a new year now in full swing, It is time to get serious about what I plan to accomplish in the year of the black dragon.

Shoot More Weddings

Although I did not shoot any weddings in 2011, I did shoot engagement photos. Many people dread the thought of shooting weddings, but they can be quite the pay off both in terms of financial gain and in great photos. This year I plan to up the ante and shoot several weddings.

Process At Least On HDR Image A Week

While I am fully aware that many photographers scoff at the mere mention of HDR Photography(High Dynamic Range), I still find it an important technique to understand and have in your skill set. Being adept at HDR will make you a better photographer all around and will certainly help you find the limits of your camera in a given situation. Besides, there are many beautiful HDR photos out there and I think it is a fantastic form of art. Just check out Trey Ratcliff’s Stuck In Customs for some great examples.

Get Published!

2011 brought me a freelance photo job for a local paper here In northeast PA. This has given me the great opportunity to shoot frequently in a professional photojournalism environment. Though photojournalism is not my ultimate photography passion, it has led me to assignments that have really inspired me to shoot outside of my comfort zone. In 2012 I would like to have my work published in at least on national publication. Having my photos published in a local paper has really driven me to reach for this goal.

More Video

I started my love for imaging as a maker of videos, but as I became infatuated with still photography, I shot less video. This year I plan to bring video back to my life in a bigger capacity. I want to shoot some more video tutorials as well as some behind the scenes stuff when I go on photos shoots. Watch for more video soon!

Time Lapse Projects

I started planning a time lapse project a few weeks ago of landmarks here in Northeast PA, I will continue to plan this project and get it ready to edit by March. I love time lapse and its ability to show change over a longer period of time. This project is something that really excites me.

Take A Photography-Centric Trip

I hope to travel somewhere this year and have my primary focus of the trip to be photography. Many times when I travel, It is for some sort of outdoor adventure, and while I do get the opportunity to take a lot of photos, I do have many distractions that keep me from focusing on doing my best work. This year I will take a trip that allows me to focus one hundred percent on photography.

Well there you have it, these are things that are on my mind right now for 2012. There is no doubt that I can accomplish many of these things this year, and perhaps many other projects that come along. Are there any big goals you have for this year? share them in the comments.

-Patrick