Weekly updates, and sometimes daily thoughts, about my efforts to become a pro photographer.
2025 is the year to change my life. Now or never!
As of December 2024, I know what I want, but I don’t know what I’m doing. But I’m doing everything I can to change that. I think my desire and effort will prevail.
Thanks for visiting. This project encourages kindness and curiosity.
FAQs
What’s this all about?
I’ve loved photographs since I was … little me, and have always dreamt of being able to photograph to my heart’s content. In early 2024, I decided to become more intentional with it, rather than just snap a photo here and there. So I bought a ‘nice’ camera, some gear, and went to a few basic classes. I tried to do a weekly challenge. It went … alright.
While I learned some things, I realized my time was tight, and I had some other responsibilities competing for my that. I probably took about 5000 photos, tried a few editing programs and classes, but mostly what I learned is that I HAVE SO MUCH MORE TO LEARN. Sorry for yelling. Anyways, I have the time, desire, and capacity to learn next year .. So that’s what I’ll be doing!
Why am I sharing this?
Well, frankly, I’d like to be able to document this whole thing for me, and look back on a year of hard work … and be really proud. It’s not every day that one chooses to follow their dreams – I certainly haven’t – so this is my way of cementing what I think will be a year of happy memories and positive change. I’m not sure where this is going to lead, maybe it’s nowhere, but by putting this out there, I kind of feel like it will make some good things happen.
Another reason for actually documenting this: I want to be able to point to my efforts and lessons learned to really show “Hey, I know my stuff.” and show, rather than just tell. Pilots log their hours and have to actually fly to get their license, and I think I’m taking a page out of their book. I also don’t know any photographers, so this website (in a year) will hopefully help my credibility.
Do I have a plan?
A loose one! The plan is to practice weekly based on several prompts, and document that progress. I probably need a Flickr account! So far, I learned to make a website – and that’s cool! But the photography plan is to practice weekly prompts through 2-3 sources over the year. I also have a few books to consult. There’s a local 3-part seminar next spring, and I think by April I will get my show on the road and start looking into volunteer assignments and seek mentorship. I am not rushing that, because I don’t want to waste anyone’s time – let alone someone who makes their full time living doing what I’m only starting to learn.
So as I feel proficient in the skill, I will start to reach out to people around me and try to ‘log my hours’ up until I get my first paid assignment. But I don’t know if those assignments are going to be Santa Mall pictures or a skate park shoot!
What if you want to help?
How can you reach me? Good question: For now, there’s no way to get in touch. But in the springtime of 2025, I’ll add a contact page and a web form, and possibly post comments. But, to the above point, I don’t want to waste anyone’s time or generosity! As for critiques, I will be getting plenty of that through other channels. This blog is to share progress. The end goal is to feel like I can actually contribute through competence, and once I reach a certain level of confidence, then I’ll reach out with honesty and intention to my community around me, and hope for the best!