2010 Reflections

Another year’s end is upon us – and like previous years, now is the time to reflect upon the past year and to set forth goals for the upcoming year. Like the end of year performance appraisal at work, I generally don’t like these exercises. I prefer to keep looking ahead or just keep plodding forward.

[Sometimes life gets like that – a little bit of forward inertia means you move forward, but perhaps without purpose – simply plodding forward. I guess that is why we reflect and make plans – because moving along with purpose feels better than just plodding forward]

So, looking back at the past year, what did I accomplish?

• Over 5500 shutter accuations. That’s about the same pace as last year.
• 2000 Uploads to flickr. 700 more than last year. Maybe I’m getting more “keepers”. Or maybe I’m not as picky!
• I’ve become so much more proficient with PSE - I learned how to install and use Actions in PSE. That has opened up a lot of post processing options for me.
• I also learned how to create and use clipping masks, layer masks and other techniques. Now I’m learning Lightroom.
• I’ve made new friends in the blogosphere – and they inspire me on a daily basis.

So what didn’t I do in 2010 that I originally planned?

• I didn’t apply any HDR techniques like I had hoped to, but hopefully that will happen in the coming year.
• I didn’t participate in some of the photo challenges I set out to do in 2010, but added new challenges instead.
• I didn’t purchase any “major” photographic equipment – probably a first for me! I added a fun fisheye adapter and a used 50mm lens to my bag. I would like to add that 105mm Nikon Micro lens and buy a bigger bag in 2011.

What might be in store for 2011?

For the month of January, I will be posting less frequently. After two straight years of posting to two blogs almost daily, I’m somewhat burned out. I’m thinking once a week over the next several weeks might give me enough of a break from things. One of my goals in 2011 is to create several photobooks of my images, like the Blurb Book I created of my trip to London. I should be able to make a good start if I take a break in January.

What else?

• I plan to start posting older pictures, taken before 2008.
• I still plan to participate in Team Up Thursday with my partner, Lee.
• I still plan to participate in iffles.com Monthly Theme Challenge.
• I’ll still carry my camera in my purse and take pictures - probably not daily, but probably frequently enough to slip in some fresh material now and then.

I thank you for taking the time to visit and read, to comment and inspire me. I wish you all the best in the coming year.