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| Self-portrait in the bell of a trombone |
I don't know that I'd classify myself as a goal-oriented person. But I recognize the value in setting goals. I do need something to work toward in order to improve. I like goals as a way of gauging my progress. At work I have to write up To Do Lists a few times a week just to keep track of everything I have on my plate.
My mom sent me an article recently on the dangers of excessive goal setting. I'm choosing to ignore the article and set goals anyway.
I think this will be the first time I've set a specific photography related goal.
After reading "Her View Photography's" free ebook, 10 Challenges, I am going to set a couple goals for myself related to the book.
1) Project 52 - one photo a week on a specific subject. I'm choosing food. It's the most consistent and interesting thing I can commit to for an entire year. I'd like most of these to be with my SLR, but I will be content to use my p&s or even my phone in a pinch.
2) Storytelling, make a book - Being the unofficial-official church ministry photographer, I was thinking making a photobook that tells the story of the church would be fun. And hard. I still haven't figured out what story I want to tell. But I know it will take several months to compile the right images to tell the story. (And now that I have LR 4, which has a book module included, this should be even easier to accomplish)
3) Street photography - I'm intimidated by this one. I admit it. Which is why it's on my list. I live near a great city for this goal. I thought I'd start by visiting the local Farmer's Market. Get a taste of street photography nearby. Then when I feee comfortable enough with it, go to the city and do it for real. Visit the tourist stops (so easy to blend in there with a camera) and then maybe venture off to the more local locales. This could be another great book(s). The various neighborhoods and spots.
That's it. 3 goals. But they're daunting. I need a plan still to accomplish said goals. But I'll figure it out. I also need to do a little more research for 2 & 3. To really look at some storytelling photos and street photographs. To get an idea of how to compose and how I want to do these.
I need to remember that I'm doing this for me. My photography is for me. I'm not selling it (although I've not eliminated it as a possibility). I'm not trying to impress anyone. I just like making art.
What if I don't succeed?
- If I skip a week or two here and there on my Project 52, I'm OK with that. I just want to keep going. The idea is to challenge and stretch myself. To not get bored and keep it interesting.
- I'd like to get a good start on the Storytelling photos. To really be in there taking photos and telling the story. Even if I don't get it assembled, I want the photos there. I may give myself 2 years to do this one fully, just because of the grand nature of this project. And because it's my first one and I don't have lots of spare time.
- Only laziness and fear will prevent me from accomplishing some street photography. This is one that can be crossed off in one day. Just going out to do it. So I just need to schedule a Saturday morning to go and then ... go!
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