Snapperific: Thoughts on the Year Past

With 2011 almost behind us, let's look back on the year and reminisce.

How have we grown, what have achieved and done that we thought impossible just a year before? I came back to South Africa after a trip to London that didn't go as planned. I learnt a lot. I grew. These experiences are not always pleasant. Sometimes they hurt. London is equal parts joy and sorrow, smiles and grimaces, exploration inside and out of my head.

I exhibited a couple times this year. If you have never shown your work, make next year the year to begin doing so. There is nothing as wonderful as people seeing and enjoying your work. It validates what you do and gives your work new life. I waited far, far too long before I started showing my work. Don't wait, don't put it off, break through your shyness. I eventually did and I'm telling you there's few greater joys. Someone may like the work enough to buy a piece. That is always nice too. When you show you work expect praise, expect feedback (not always positive, but that's actually GOOD) and expect to engage with people about the work you are doing. Don't expect sales. They'll come trickling through but not always when and where you expect.

What about relationships? How have you been this last year with staying in touch and making relationships count? This is something I think about often and feel the push and pull of Facebook and Twitter and all that stuff. I tried to cut back on my social networking and made room for actual networking in the real world. Next year I want to do more of the actual stuff and a little bit of the online stuff. I'll be looking for balance.

And finally, since this is on my blog and Flickr, let's discuss gear. Has it helped or hampered you this year? I know it's been both to me. Looking back at the work I've managed to create, it's clear that the effort is more important than the tools you're choosing to use to make that work. Just this morning I was obsessing over expensive lenses and cameras and film vs digital and what to buy next. I made a decision: yes, I still want that Leica badly, but I don't need it. I'll spend a little bit of money on a lightmeter and take out my already wonderful collection of cameras (I'm lookin' at you Canon FD...) and make art. I've moved to a new flat in a vibrant area - I'll go search out stories and images. I will stop lusting after stuff and make art. I'll shoot more film (even if it is getting more expensive and more trying to shoot) because it makes me happy in my soul and feels better. Do what works for you. But do it cause you love it.

Hope you have a Merry Christmas and New Year and hope 2012 brings you what you're looking for.

How was 2011 for you? Let me know in the comments of drop me a mail. Let's use this internet thing to build some new relationships.

Canon 5d Mk2, Canon 50mm 1.4, Vovo Telo Bakery Parkhurst Johannesburg.