I'm not sure whether this is the best sub-forum for this thread. I'm interested in hearing about other people's goals and resolutions regarding their photography in 2014. My resolutions are still evolving, but here are my initial thoughts on a few:
1. Get enlightened. Specifically, I want to get comfortable using off-camera flash and/or strobes (with modifiers) and start using them regularly in my pet photography projects.
That could pretty much be my sole goal for the year, I think. I got a head start on this goal by taking a short (2x 3-hour) workshop on studio lighting) in December and I'm following up with an intensive (20-hour) workshop in January at the International Center for Photography in NYC. I'm someone who learns skills like this best by taking a hands-on course first, with homework for practice. And before the workshop, I'm getting to spend the next week or so practising with my new flash and working through some online tutorials of the basics. If I get comfortable and become more consistent about using these tools in the first part of the year, then I'm going to treat myself to Pet Photography workshop organized by Santa Fe workshops later in the year.
2. Get sharper.
This is a three-part goal. The first part involves learning more about how to use my K-3. I'm not satisfied with a number of the images I'm getting out of the K-3 and I know it's technique, not the camera, that is at issue. So I need to work on understanding better the controls that will improve the sharpness of my images. Part two is about handling the camera to reduce camera shake. I'm relatively new to photography (using an ILC for less than a year and before the K-3 I had a small NEX, so I'm finding that I need to work on stabilizing my grip on the heavier and larger camera. The third part is about using a tripod more frequently, when appropriate. I hate carrying weight around, but I know there are moments when I really need a tripod. So I need to put on my big girl pants, take that tripod with me, set it up and use it. (To motivate myself for this goal, I bought the new Sirui T-025x as a post-Christmas present.
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3. Get organized.
This is a two-part goal. The first part has to do with regularly tidying up my Lightroom files (e.g., using smart categories, etc). The second has to do with organizing my increasing pile of camera gear and setting up my office space to function better as a mini studio (which means keeping the gym clothes, shoes and mail out of it).
4. Learn layers.
This is a more discrete goal than the others, but challenging nonetheless. I want to learn how to use layers in Photoshop properly, especially because I think it will come in handy with the photography I do for the animal shelter where I volunteer. (I frequently have to photograph the dogs and cats in less than appealing environments, and I'd like to learn how to use layers to place the dogs and cats in cleaner backgrounds, when appropriate.)
So those are my ideas to start. I know that I need to make these goals more specific, measurable, etc. but I'll try to refine them over the next few weeks.
Happy New Year everyone!