5 Big Photography Lessons from 2014

BTL#18 (1 image) Santa Fe Mountain, Trees II 200dpi6.4%22q9 LR2014 is a curious year for me to write a photographic end-of-year wrap-up piece as I shot less this year than almost any other. But everyday life gets in the way of all of us — even photographers — so I thought my lessons learned might still carry some value. Here are my top five:

• Set Big Photographic Goals & Make Them Happen: Fifteen years ago I set a goal of traveling to one of my dream photographic locations each year. But in order to truly make that happen, I’ve found that you must plan well in advance or a year will slip by without your notice. So now I’ve made it a top priority. I created a visual list of locations that inspired me. Pinterest is a great tool for this so get on board if you aren’t already.  And I realize I have to choose my location at least a year in advance and begin collecting data on weather and light as the basis for my trip timing. Otherwise, the trip won’t happen.

This year, although weak on photography in general, did include a trip to one of my big “must see” locations: Antarctica. 
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Turning Short Trips into Photographic Adventures

 gp Grace Wedding Photos (2 of 2)

 

Recently I have been doing a lot of traveling, but only a few days here and a few days there. While time is invariably limited, I’m always interested in photographing if possible. The problem is if it’s new country for me, I end up spending most of my time figuring out logistics: the best location, perspective and most advantageous lighting. Last week while visiting South Carolina’s coast I was intrigued by the long stretches of beaches and even more interesting, the delta ‘low country’ landscape interlaced with miles of inland waterways as the coast gradually transitions west to higher ground. 

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