2012 is almost here. As 2011 comes to a close, I decided to think about what felt good (not bad...well at least for this post) this year and what I am interested for next year. In the simplest terms, it came down to four affirmations. 1) I love making photographs. 2) I love to study photography for technical/practical knowledge and creative/historical/cultural knowledge. 3) I love writing about photography. 4) I like making videos/short films and studying filmmaking (though I am quite newt to it this year). These are the components of my love for photography and experience as a photographer. Photography. Scholarship. Writing. Filmmaking.
I think every "end of the year" post here on out will be more like this one and nothing like the previous 2009 and 2010 posts that were either too statistically-focused or incorporated too much about issues involving the overwhelming burden that social media can feel like at times. Instead, this post is as it should be--about my work, my art, my love. Below are some highlights...
PHOTOGRAPHY
Photography in 2011
• I linked some of my favorite photographs of 2011 (blog posts) and some favorite food photographs (on Flickr) that I created this year.
• I redesigned the look/feel of my website, blog and other web spaces.
• I designed 2 photography eBooks (which I write more about below). Photography eBooks involve more than writing. They involve actual graphic art/design creation as well as image creation/selection/placement.
• I continued creating/distributing my photography newsletter that speaks directly to clients/fans, not necessarily other photographers.
• I had fewer booked clients, but enjoyed the interactions much more. (In my first eBook, I explained why I took this approach).
• I designed 5 photography books for print. (This took about 3 months..and the books are displays of actual photographs versus heavy written content). They'll be custom printed next year.
• I worked on assorted personal projects. (How I list them and choose them for 2012 will reflect this photography, scholarship, writing, filmmaking framework versus being listed by date alone.)
Photography for 2012
I want to remain as subject-focused and project-focused as I am now. I have no interest in chronological decisions (i.e. make X number of photographs in X days) leading my work but the who/what and why leading my work. The intent (why I make a photograph) and message (what does that photograph mean/what is it trying to "say") can guide me. I just look forward to making more photographs whether for clients, projects or even haphazardly. I love photography. As far as social media integration, I still love Twitter and blogging but I feel a dissapating love for using other networks. Good ol' word of mouth and friend of a friend connections have been more interesting to me lately.
SCHOLARSHIP
Photographic Scholarship in 2011
• I went back to basics by studying some great photography books for the written content and to study the photographs (if applicable).
• I listened to and watched several great workshops on filmmaking, being a photographer, portraiture and food photography.
• I read many blog posts and articles on photography as well as explored art as a visceral experience including studying other visual art and enjoying performing art (i.e. the ballet).
• I created a learning page based on my study techniques for learning filmmaking, specifically. (I elaborate more below.)
• I engaged in conversations via Twitter and not only on photography but other topics that impact the people that I photograph. A part of what I photograph is cultural documentary so all facets of contemporary and historical culture (including race, gender, age, sexual orientation, education, socio-economics, politics, art, history) are all relevant topics to discuss. Many of my clients are minorities. That which affects the people that I photograph is critical to my photography...and to my existence as a human being. As the singer Erykah Badu would put it, "I stay woke."
Photographic Scholarship for 2012
I am tossing around the idea of pursuing my doctoral degree Fall 2013 (so the research/application process would occur in 2012). Though my AA/BS/MS degrees are within subjects under the behavioral sciences, I am interested in the intersection of psychology/sociology/culture with photography/film/media/communications, and exploring programs that lie at this intersection. In the past, I stated that I wouldn't pursue a PhD, but that was during the days where for some completely illogical reason, I thought that it just "had" to be in psychology. Now that I alleviated myself from a false box (we all create these, check your own life, you will see them there), I can explore deeper and further where my formal studies and informal art studies meet. I am interested in researching and teaching at the 4-year and graduate level (and possibly other levels) within this intellectual intersection that I mentioned. Again, this is not a "final" decision" but something I am thinking deeply about. Even so, the same level of study that I engaged in independently (as mentioned above) this year will continue for 2012 as well. I love learning.
WRITING
Writing in 2011
• As I alluded to above, I wrote my first 2 photography eBooks: On The Path: Journeys Through Darkness and Light and Photography Projects For Practice and Portfolios. I am proud of the work that I put into both of these. I call my writing projects Mind Perceptive • Image Perspective.
• I wrote my 400th post on this blog only a couple of months ago. I love writing about photography. (I also used to write a psychology blog [that I started in 2009 as well] and closed it this year with over 420 posts. Over 100 of these were written this year alone.)
• I did not write any guest articles as I thought I might since I wrote several in 2010. However, I was interviewed a couple of times and received a few web shout outs. However, as stated above, I still kept my pen or keyboard going.
Writing for 2012
I have already laid out the general foundation for my third eBook. Also, I am brainstorming several writing ideas that I now keep with me and revise as I think of new things. My goal is not to be famous or to receive excessive attention but to simply write about areas in photography that I am knowledgeable and passionate about, and make the eBooks available at a fair price. Though there are small amounts of written content in the photography books that I mentioned that I will print, I am tossing around the idea of an actual print photography book, rich in content like my eBooks but much longer (of course). We'll see.
FILMMAKING
Filmmaking in 2011
• I started dabbling in HD dSLR filmmaking through education (as mentioned above--the filmmaking education page and workshops) and blogging. From reading filmmaking books, to creating practice videos and short films to learning from workshops by the talented people such as Vincent Laforet, Gail Mooney and Gale Tattersall, learning a lot as beginner was important this year.
• I made 2 new photograph-based videos including Jamrock and Vinyl (I actually started in 2010 with Art by Ideity, Shoe Addict and Tantalizing Taste).
• I made 2 event videos with motion: Jamrock Caribbean Festival and X102.3 Custom Car and Bike Show.
• I made a few short films: Sulfur, Hoops at Dusk, Simmer, Pretty and Peace (a test video), and one just for fun one (using an iPod Touch 4G as opposed to a HD dSLR) called No Ice Cream For Picky Sisters.
• I watched a large amount of films on DVD this year (averaging between 3-10 each week since April), and over 100 HD dLSR shorts online not just to be passively entertained but to look for specific things in the filmmaking process. I also watched a lot of the "behind the scenes/special features" material that many film DVDs include as a learning source.
Filmmaking in 2012
I want to continue to work on technical skills and learn more complex video editing (once I decide on software---I know about what's on the market [I disclaimer this so I don't get 45 million tweets about software]). I want to produce documentary-style stories of specific populations and people that I will elaborate on as the projects themselves unfold. Also, as I mentioned under the SCHOLARSHIP section, I may learn more about film theory (and possibly practice) if I pursue a doctoral program in the intellectual intersection that I mentioned above. Even so, I will still continue to learn and practice independently as I have this year.
Knowing what I enjoy creating and studying makes the craft of photography exciting yet calm for me. My professional work is portraiture, lifestyle and cultural documentary photography. I describe my work as interpretations of beauty and reflections of life. I photograph a variety of subjects for my personal work...whatever makes me smile or think. I like studying photography for technical, practical, creative, historical and cultural knowledge. I like writing about photography for both reflective and educational purposes. And, though I am new to film (or returning to it since I spent 3 years in high school in the mid-90s making videos and short films in a media productions class) and simply learning and testing now, I want the knowledge obtained through my image-making, writing and studying to be revealed in the film work I do, mostly from a documentary angle.
I feel more artistically and intellectually focused than I did at the end of 2009 and 2010, and I think that is evidenced by how different this post is than the others. (It does not mean that life outside of photography or emotionally I am "perfect" or better. In fact, I face many struggles that I have for years even as I write this. I simply mean that my focus on what I want to learn/create and what I enjoy is rather sharp.) I am not worrying about the next "photography persona/micro-celebrity" drama or the next social media this, that, or the other that I have to run to to make a profile. (I lost count of how many accounts I have deleted since 2009, and some may be deleted in 2012). I am not worried about chasing and counting blog hits or SEO. (I don't even check blog statistics anymore and I have not since the fall). I am a professional photographer, student of art and life, a writer and now a filmmaking newbie. I am not overly optimistic in that annoying way people are at a New Year (which dies off by March 31st), or pessimistic. I just want to create and live a simple life with more smiles than tears. Welcome, 2012. I hope you'll treat me alright.
I think every "end of the year" post here on out will be more like this one and nothing like the previous 2009 and 2010 posts that were either too statistically-focused or incorporated too much about issues involving the overwhelming burden that social media can feel like at times. Instead, this post is as it should be--about my work, my art, my love. Below are some highlights...
PHOTOGRAPHY
Photography in 2011
• I linked some of my favorite photographs of 2011 (blog posts) and some favorite food photographs (on Flickr) that I created this year.
• I redesigned the look/feel of my website, blog and other web spaces.
• I designed 2 photography eBooks (which I write more about below). Photography eBooks involve more than writing. They involve actual graphic art/design creation as well as image creation/selection/placement.
• I continued creating/distributing my photography newsletter that speaks directly to clients/fans, not necessarily other photographers.
• I had fewer booked clients, but enjoyed the interactions much more. (In my first eBook, I explained why I took this approach).
• I designed 5 photography books for print. (This took about 3 months..and the books are displays of actual photographs versus heavy written content). They'll be custom printed next year.
• I worked on assorted personal projects. (How I list them and choose them for 2012 will reflect this photography, scholarship, writing, filmmaking framework versus being listed by date alone.)
Photography for 2012
I want to remain as subject-focused and project-focused as I am now. I have no interest in chronological decisions (i.e. make X number of photographs in X days) leading my work but the who/what and why leading my work. The intent (why I make a photograph) and message (what does that photograph mean/what is it trying to "say") can guide me. I just look forward to making more photographs whether for clients, projects or even haphazardly. I love photography. As far as social media integration, I still love Twitter and blogging but I feel a dissapating love for using other networks. Good ol' word of mouth and friend of a friend connections have been more interesting to me lately.
SCHOLARSHIP
Photographic Scholarship in 2011
• I went back to basics by studying some great photography books for the written content and to study the photographs (if applicable).
• I listened to and watched several great workshops on filmmaking, being a photographer, portraiture and food photography.
• I read many blog posts and articles on photography as well as explored art as a visceral experience including studying other visual art and enjoying performing art (i.e. the ballet).
• I created a learning page based on my study techniques for learning filmmaking, specifically. (I elaborate more below.)
• I engaged in conversations via Twitter and not only on photography but other topics that impact the people that I photograph. A part of what I photograph is cultural documentary so all facets of contemporary and historical culture (including race, gender, age, sexual orientation, education, socio-economics, politics, art, history) are all relevant topics to discuss. Many of my clients are minorities. That which affects the people that I photograph is critical to my photography...and to my existence as a human being. As the singer Erykah Badu would put it, "I stay woke."
Photographic Scholarship for 2012
I am tossing around the idea of pursuing my doctoral degree Fall 2013 (so the research/application process would occur in 2012). Though my AA/BS/MS degrees are within subjects under the behavioral sciences, I am interested in the intersection of psychology/sociology/culture with photography/film/media/communications, and exploring programs that lie at this intersection. In the past, I stated that I wouldn't pursue a PhD, but that was during the days where for some completely illogical reason, I thought that it just "had" to be in psychology. Now that I alleviated myself from a false box (we all create these, check your own life, you will see them there), I can explore deeper and further where my formal studies and informal art studies meet. I am interested in researching and teaching at the 4-year and graduate level (and possibly other levels) within this intellectual intersection that I mentioned. Again, this is not a "final" decision" but something I am thinking deeply about. Even so, the same level of study that I engaged in independently (as mentioned above) this year will continue for 2012 as well. I love learning.
WRITING
Writing in 2011
• As I alluded to above, I wrote my first 2 photography eBooks: On The Path: Journeys Through Darkness and Light and Photography Projects For Practice and Portfolios. I am proud of the work that I put into both of these. I call my writing projects Mind Perceptive • Image Perspective.
• I wrote my 400th post on this blog only a couple of months ago. I love writing about photography. (I also used to write a psychology blog [that I started in 2009 as well] and closed it this year with over 420 posts. Over 100 of these were written this year alone.)
• I did not write any guest articles as I thought I might since I wrote several in 2010. However, I was interviewed a couple of times and received a few web shout outs. However, as stated above, I still kept my pen or keyboard going.
Writing for 2012
I have already laid out the general foundation for my third eBook. Also, I am brainstorming several writing ideas that I now keep with me and revise as I think of new things. My goal is not to be famous or to receive excessive attention but to simply write about areas in photography that I am knowledgeable and passionate about, and make the eBooks available at a fair price. Though there are small amounts of written content in the photography books that I mentioned that I will print, I am tossing around the idea of an actual print photography book, rich in content like my eBooks but much longer (of course). We'll see.
FILMMAKING
Filmmaking in 2011
• I started dabbling in HD dSLR filmmaking through education (as mentioned above--the filmmaking education page and workshops) and blogging. From reading filmmaking books, to creating practice videos and short films to learning from workshops by the talented people such as Vincent Laforet, Gail Mooney and Gale Tattersall, learning a lot as beginner was important this year.
• I made 2 new photograph-based videos including Jamrock and Vinyl (I actually started in 2010 with Art by Ideity, Shoe Addict and Tantalizing Taste).
• I made 2 event videos with motion: Jamrock Caribbean Festival and X102.3 Custom Car and Bike Show.
• I made a few short films: Sulfur, Hoops at Dusk, Simmer, Pretty and Peace (a test video), and one just for fun one (using an iPod Touch 4G as opposed to a HD dSLR) called No Ice Cream For Picky Sisters.
• I watched a large amount of films on DVD this year (averaging between 3-10 each week since April), and over 100 HD dLSR shorts online not just to be passively entertained but to look for specific things in the filmmaking process. I also watched a lot of the "behind the scenes/special features" material that many film DVDs include as a learning source.
Filmmaking in 2012
I want to continue to work on technical skills and learn more complex video editing (once I decide on software---I know about what's on the market [I disclaimer this so I don't get 45 million tweets about software]). I want to produce documentary-style stories of specific populations and people that I will elaborate on as the projects themselves unfold. Also, as I mentioned under the SCHOLARSHIP section, I may learn more about film theory (and possibly practice) if I pursue a doctoral program in the intellectual intersection that I mentioned above. Even so, I will still continue to learn and practice independently as I have this year.
Knowing what I enjoy creating and studying makes the craft of photography exciting yet calm for me. My professional work is portraiture, lifestyle and cultural documentary photography. I describe my work as interpretations of beauty and reflections of life. I photograph a variety of subjects for my personal work...whatever makes me smile or think. I like studying photography for technical, practical, creative, historical and cultural knowledge. I like writing about photography for both reflective and educational purposes. And, though I am new to film (or returning to it since I spent 3 years in high school in the mid-90s making videos and short films in a media productions class) and simply learning and testing now, I want the knowledge obtained through my image-making, writing and studying to be revealed in the film work I do, mostly from a documentary angle.
I feel more artistically and intellectually focused than I did at the end of 2009 and 2010, and I think that is evidenced by how different this post is than the others. (It does not mean that life outside of photography or emotionally I am "perfect" or better. In fact, I face many struggles that I have for years even as I write this. I simply mean that my focus on what I want to learn/create and what I enjoy is rather sharp.) I am not worrying about the next "photography persona/micro-celebrity" drama or the next social media this, that, or the other that I have to run to to make a profile. (I lost count of how many accounts I have deleted since 2009, and some may be deleted in 2012). I am not worried about chasing and counting blog hits or SEO. (I don't even check blog statistics anymore and I have not since the fall). I am a professional photographer, student of art and life, a writer and now a filmmaking newbie. I am not overly optimistic in that annoying way people are at a New Year (which dies off by March 31st), or pessimistic. I just want to create and live a simple life with more smiles than tears. Welcome, 2012. I hope you'll treat me alright.
2 Comments:
Best to you in 2012 Trudy! Looking forward to seeing the work you produce.
Thanks Chris. Best wishes to you too. I appreciate your conversation and support throughout 2011. :)
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