It's 2015...now what?

[chauncey]

Comfort zones...we all have them, but I'm finding it more difficult to escape mine. Most of us have the
typesof images that we're moderately good at. I tend to fall back on those when I post a series of images
that are, somewhat less enthusiastically, received. I'm working on another orchid as I write this.

I'm continually trying to cross that obscure line between photography and art...it's a line that continues
to elude me. Anyway...what are your desires for this new year?

[NorthernFocus]

I'm actually considering trying my hand this year at shooting... gulp... people

[xpatUSA]

Faced with being surrounded by less-than-stunning overgrown Texas woodland and having no desire to travel anywhere in search of more impressive scenery, my goal is to find inspiring images here nevertheless. In so doing, to use the gear that I already have with more skill and attention to fundamentals to shoot "better" pictures.

[Rita]

This might sound fundamental to some but as I have just acquired a good flash (finally) I am determined to learn to use it. My aim is to take flash images that don't look like flash

[DanK]

In no particular order, except for the first one:

1. Shoot more. I keep finding that I am too busy.

2. Try more landscape work. I'm pretty lousy at it.

3. Experiment with abstracts.

4. improve my PP skills.

5. Last but not least, keep doing some of what IS in my comfort zone, like flower macros (even orchids!)

[IzzieK]

Aaahhh....goals are like New Year's Resolutions...but if I can stay with Project 52 here, I know I will be a better photographer for it and might be able to remove the tag I put on myself for years "Seriously Amateur Hobbyist" (snap photographer in short). I don't aspire to be a "photographer" as some want to be recognized as -- I just want to be good at it without having to think of what lens to use in a particular situation or how lights really works and be able to apply it to my shots without having to think so hard. My weakness is post processing. I am more into composite and graphics than anything else. If I am able to improve on that, I will be better at my presentations.

[Brownbear]

1. To continue working on improving my landscape images, especially the ever elusive mountain scenes.

2. To capture some beautiful images (like Dan's) of eagles in flight

3. To photograph Brown Bears (Grizzlies) in the wild... I'm hopeful that I will be able to join a photograph trip/tour to see these bears next fall.

4. To improve the artistry of my images simply by seeing through photography.

5. To create an especially artistic, fantasy-like image of a bird(s) through post processing. Chauncey... Just FYI I still have that swan image on my to do list. I haven't forgotten about it... I simply can't do it well enough, yet... One day this year I'll surprise you with it.

[Geoff F]

I'm actually considering trying my hand this year at shooting... gulp... people

Yes, that is something where I tend to literally keep my distance, although I should do more. Not so keen on formal portraits though.

Many people get nervous when they see a camera pointed at them. I try to look like I'm not a weird stalker and make sure that anybody I know is well aware that I will ditch any shots that don't make them appear 'in a good light'. But it all goes to make me nervous of the whole subject.

OK, I do a few events like my local regatta and similar occasions with acceptable results but I really ought to do more, particularly of people working etc.

This year I did consider this to be my new Project 52 challenge but reverted to something more comfortable - improving my botanical photography skills, where I feel more relaxed.

[Shadowman]

Yes, that is something where I tend to literally keep my distance, although I should do more. Not so keen on formal portraits though.

Many people get nervous when they see a camera pointed at them. I try to look like I'm not a weird stalker and make sure that anybody I know is well aware that I will ditch any shots that don't make them appear 'in a good light'. But it all goes to make me nervous of the whole subject.

OK, I do a few events like my local regatta and similar occasions with acceptable results but I really ought to do more, particularly of people working etc.

This year I did consider this to be my new Project 52 challenge but reverted to something more comfortable - improving my botanical photography skills, where I feel more relaxed.

Long held suggestion for people photography is to ask your friends and family to pose for you, or as you attend family events capture some candid images. You can move towards formal portraits as you start to incorporate external light sources in your photographic journey.

[Geoff F]

But I find friends are the most reluctant to pose. 'I don't look good enough to be photographed' is the most common comment and nothing will convince them otherwise.

I do use a few tricks like saying I'm only interested in their work or even, 'I'm just working out the exposure for something else'. Setting up the exposure and focus when they aren't looking and holding it for a quick shot when they are more relaxed can be helpful.

[Shadowman]

But I find friends are the most reluctant to pose. 'I don't look good enough to be photographed' is the most common comment and nothing will convince them otherwise.

I do use a few tricks like saying I'm only interested in their work or even, 'I'm just working out the exposure for something else'. Setting up the exposure and focus when they aren't looking and holding it for a quick shot when they are more relaxed can be helpful.

I have the same problem with relatives, but about a year ago I invited my niece and sister to a friend's studio. My niece has two daughters; one a teenager who surprised me by being a most receptive model. She posed for over two hours and was happy enough to receive a few photos as compensation.

[Manfred M]

I'm actually considering trying my hand this year at shooting... gulp... people

Dan - its kind of like shooting wildlife, but a bit harder.

And just like wildlife shots, it's nice to get their faces...

[Mike Buckley]

I'm determined to get through much more of my list of photos to make in my makeshift studio.

[Mike Buckley]

And just like wildlife shots, it's nice to get their faces...

In great light

[mknittle]

I need to improve on just about everything one thing I am planning on working on is post processing.

[chauncey]

I don't aspire to be a "photographer"

To improve the artistry of my images simply by seeing through photography

It would appear that I'm somewhat in tune with the ladies among us...here's to us...yea.

[rpcrowe]

I plan to follow through with my plans to shoot... Last year, I found that I was not following through on plans that I had made. I told myself that I was too tired or too busy. However, I want to ensure that I will not be that for 2015. A few things that I want to shoot are: mariachi bands and Mexican dancers, surfing, and do a lot more portraits; both formal and informal...

[tao2]

Ah was planning a ruthless cull, then sale, of 10-12 manual lenses and a couple of my cameras. Then, a dealer ah buy regularly from, had a 40% off sale which has resulted in the acquisition of 3 more lenses and a v. old Zenit SLR (in excellent condition) which ah'd been searching for.

.....Plus ça change.....

[dubaiphil]

For me:

Shoot more
Hold back and post far fewer images
Refrain from processing images as soon as I can - taking stock
Shoot Medium Format film (I have my eyes on a Fuji GW 690 ii in a local store)
Finally buy that 35mm rangefinder that I'm saving for

[Dr Bob]

I am planning on retiring in April. I am hoping that allows me more time to work on the following:

Shoot more, shoot more, shoot more.
Take more landscape shoots of my home turf (Pacific Northwest).
Improve and expand my photographic skills with my current equipment.
Improve my macro skills.

Dr Bob