Let's Celebrate - A Photographer's Year in Review

I believe photography is a never-ending journey of exploring, learning and development. The opportunity to constantly learn and improve my photography skills is one of the aspects of being a photographer that I love the most. 

A photographer's journey is often made up of two correlating areas of development. One is in craft, and one is in art. The skill of exploring and learning photography techniques can be never-ending. It seems to me that there is constant learning, implementation of that knowledge through practice, and then growth in specific techniques. The second area of development for a photographer is the approach to artistry in photography, which, in simple terms, is how a photographer sees the world around them and then captures that in a photograph. 

The beginning of a New Year is undoubtedly a time for self-reflection and one in which personal goals are often set. However, figuring out where to focus your learning can sometimes feel as murky as figuring out the steps needed to improve a specific aspect of your photography.

I've discovered that many photographers miss two essential steps that should always be taken before considering photography goals for a new year. 

Today's article will help set you up for success when you think about creating goals for your photography journey in 2023. Don't skip these valuable steps, as they'll help fuel your excitement about where you've come and where you can go in your journey as a photographer. 

1. Scroll through the images you captured this year

Take the time to scroll through the photos you captured this year in your image catalogue. While scrolling, quickly, without much thought, write down a few words or sentences describing images you're proud of or accomplishments you crushed in your photography journey over the last year.

For example, when I look back on 2022, I want to celebrate: 

• My improved technique of nighttime photography, specifically Milky Way photography and use of a star tracker.
• The knowledge I gained about storm-chasing landscape photography. What an adrenaline rush! 
• My continued efforts to improve my approach to photographing forests and trees. 

ISO 200, 130mm, f9, 1/200ss

2. Celebrate 

Photographers can be hard on themselves. We are our own worst critics. We can get trapped in the comparison game and develop imposter syndrome, which can put a choke hold on creativity—a necessary ingredient when exploring one's photography journey. 

Remember that your photography journey is unique and will never look like another photographer's. Therefore, I want you to take the time to celebrate your accomplishments this past year. Photography is hard work, and you should be proud of your journey.  

Here are a few ways to celebrate your small or grand accomplishments. 

• Post an image on social media and feel proud about what you created. 
• Create a story or reel on social media showcasing your accomplishments this year. 
• Compile your favourite images of 2022 into a collage. 
• Print a favourite photo for yourself, a loved one, or a friend. 

ISO 100, 86mm, f4, 1/1250 ss

Next week I'm going to share a few tips on setting photography goals so you can get the results you want. In the meantime, this week, celebrate your photography journey and allow yourself the opportunity to be filled with excitement and joy about your accomplishment and the endless potential in your development as a photographer.