Ready to move beyond excuses and change your photography game? Join me as I walk you through six New Year’s resolutions to get you there!
Rethinking resolutions
Welcome to day one of a brand new year! We’re all collectively thinking the same thing: Please, oh please, let this year be better than last year. And honestly, I believe it will be. Let’s dig into six resolutions that can help make this year not just better, but truly remarkable for conservation photographers.
Resolution #1: Discover Inspiration Without Comparison
One of the toughest challenges for photographers is finding inspiration without falling into the comparison trap. Social media can be a double-edged sword. While it offers a wealth of beautiful images to spark creativity, it can also lead to feelings of inadequacy. We often end up comparing our work to others, which can dampen our creative spirit.
To find inspiration without comparison, spend less time scrolling through Facebook and Instagram. Instead, immerse yourself in photography books and magazines. The printed page invites deeper contemplation and appreciation of images without the distracting metrics of likes and shares.
Engage in a constructive internal conversation. Ask yourself why you like an image, what elements captivate you, and how the photographer achieved the shot. This practice not only helps you find inspiration but also nurtures your creative instincts.
Resolution #2: See the Neighborhood with New Eyes
Photography is about capturing the world as you see it. You don’t need to travel far to find new sights. Often, we overlook the incredible biodiversity and stories happening right in our own backyards.
Challenge yourself to photograph something new in familiar places. Use a field guide to identify and seek out local species you haven’t photographed before. Alternatively, document familiar subjects in new ways. Experiment with different techniques, compositions, and perspectives to showcase everyday scenes and subjects in a fresh light.
By focusing on your immediate surroundings, you’ll discover that creativity flourishes within the constraints of the familiar. You’ll find beauty in the mundane and uncover stories that deserve to be told.
Resolution #3: Strive for Content and Forgive Imperfections
While technical precision is important, it’s the emotional impact of an image that truly matters. Iconic photographs often win awards not for their technical perfection, but for the emotions they evoke.
We can get caught up in pixel peeping and obsessing over technical flaws. But remember, an image that tells a compelling story or stirs emotions will resonate far more than a technically perfect but soulless shot.
This year, strive to create images that speak to the heart. Focus on content and storytelling, and forgive imperfections. Allow your gut instincts to guide your photography, and you’ll find that your images become more powerful and meaningful.
Resolution #4: Learn a New Shooting Technique
There’s nothing like learning a new technique to reignite your creative spark. Whether it’s mastering off-camera lighting, macro photography, or landscape shooting, diving into a new skill can transform how you approach your work.
Experimenting with new techniques forces you to think differently and challenges you to step out of your comfort zone. It also builds new neural pathways that will benefit your overall photography skills.
Take the time to learn and practice a new technique this year. You’ll gain fresh perspectives and tools that will enhance your ability to tell compelling stories through your images.
Resolution #5: Learn a New Skill Outside of Shooting
Photography isn’t just about knowing how to use a camera. Success in this field requires a diverse set of skills, from building custom equipment to understanding natural sciences, crafting travel itineraries, and more.
This year, resolve to learn a new skill that supports your photography. Whether it’s DIY projects for camera gear, learning a new software program, or mastering grant writing, expanding your skill set will make you a more versatile and resourceful photographer.
For example, learning how to build a custom camera trap housing can open up new possibilities for wildlife photography. Or, improving your public speaking skills can help you better advocate for conservation issues. Whatever skill you choose to pursue, it will enhance your overall capabilities and enrich your photography practice.
Resolution #6: Renew Energy in Existing Projects
It’s easy to get distracted by new projects, especially when you see others launching exciting initiatives. However, some of your best work will come from focusing deeply on existing projects.
Instead of spreading yourself thin, dedicate your energy to making your current projects exceptional. This deep focus will yield more meaningful and impactful results than constantly chasing new ideas.
Take the time to reassess your current projects. Identify ways to bring renewed energy and creativity to them. By honing in on what you’re already working on, you’ll create a body of work that’s truly outstanding and fulfilling.
Conclusion
As we step into a new year, these resolutions can help guide your journey as a conservation photographer. Discover inspiration without comparison, see your neighborhood with new eyes, strive for content and forgive imperfections, learn new shooting techniques and skills, and renew energy in existing projects.
Each of these resolutions offers a path to deeper creativity, meaningful storytelling, and personal growth. Embrace them, and you’ll find that this can be a year of remarkable photography and impactful conservation work. Here’s to a fantastic year ahead!
