Photographic Goals For 2012

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I usually don't do the whole "New Year Resolution" thing, but for my photography I'm going to give it a try.  This year I want to set a plan and stick to it.  Around this time next year, I'd like to be in a better position in my photographic life. 

The plan is to improve my skill set through practice and/or lessons regardless of my busy schedule.  By setting these goals, and making them public, I'm forcing myself to follow through. 

There are 5 goals that I have set for the year 2012.

1.)  Shut up and shoot!

This one is pretty simple and self-explanatory.  I HAVE to grab the camera more often this year.  Primarily, I want to do more street , but also editorial and/or lifestyle photography.  The only way to master one's craft is to get out there and make it happen.

2.)  Slow Down & Shoot Film

I bought a used Bronica 645 that I loaded with film, shot it twice, and never finished  the roll (shame on me, I know).  Shooting with film forces you to slow down and think about what's going into a photo.

3.)  Make A blurb Book

This one is an easy goal to accomplish.  I want to self-publish a book showing my most memorable photos from 2011.  Next year, I want to create a book called The Henderson Images Year In Motorsports.  The book will feature my favorite motorsports shots of 2012.

4.)  Improve My Lighting Skills

Last year, I only did one model shoot (sad I know).  For 2012, I plan to do a lot more location shoots with portable lighting.  Right now, I use Vivitar 285HV's, but I want to upgrade to a full-sized strobe such an Alien Bee or Einstein, and a Vagabond Mini.  Even if I don't do many model shoots, I will do self-portraits and portraits of my family.

 5.) Improve My Post-Processing Skills

I really need to learn how to properly process the skin.  Using a Gaussian Blur is not the correct way to clean up the skin.  First, I need to upgrade my software because I use PS Elements 7 (embarrassing to say the least) and Elements doesn't have the mask feature.  When I use PSE for skin enhancement I create a "faux" mask.  By learning the correct way to clean up the skin, I believe that my images will improve.

Well, there you have it.  I've set my goals for 2012 and I hope to inspire others to make a few "resolutions" as well.  Now, I have a fairly decent road map to creating better images this year.  What I look forward to most is seeing how many goals get checked off the list at the start of 2013!