While you’re doing some of these contests, it gives you a time to look at what elements you think are important in your photography that will help set you apart from the crowd. What elements in the photograph do you you feel are important to you?. Is it the color, the graphic representation, some special lighting characteristic, brightness, or even going to the darkside? Which are special parts of the photograph that says it is you?

This may not all happen at once, but as it grows, you will know what you like and what you do not like as you photograph it. At this point, you will be more able to build a portfolio that represents you and your photography. You will be more able to weed out weak photos and you will find that your portfolio will take on a life of its own.

So…with those thoughts in mind, let’s just say that we would like to do some studio work this winter and get some high fashion shots for your portfolio. Great, now we can think about all the things we need to get those shots. A studio, lighting, models, clothing, make-up artist, etc.

We can also ask the questions about how we want to pose the models and what the expected outcome will be from the shoot. Are we going to do this alone or are you going to have an assistant? Maybe a friend that wants to learn lighting and posing will help for free and all we need to do is to allow them to take some shots and give them some encouragement. Otherwise, have you considered the cost that you might incur?

Well, whatever the project and whatever the challenges that come before you, here’s to a great year with great projects.

What are your goals? Have you looked at what you would like to carry out as a photographer this year? Have you looked at what the path is to reach that goal?

Take the time to see what your year in photography means to you. Take the time to set some obtainable goals and decide what path you need to get those goals. Write them down and check them often.

This is not a resolution but rather a way to focus your photography and make the step to the next level.

Rick Sammon

I am always looking for inspiration to help my motivation. To me, it is what makes  us move, get going, get out of the rut, etc.. So I am one of those that gets Scott Kelby’s Daily Blog and the best day is usually Wednesday because he always has a Guest Blogger. Well today was no exception and I thought that Rick Sammon did such a wonderful job of telling us how to start the New Year off Right that I would share that with you.

Here is the link to today’s Blog

http://www.scottkelby.com/blog/2011/archives/23350

After a wonderful Saturday at The Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens, Sunday got even better as we sat in The Restaurant at The Getty and enjoyed an amazing brunch, which was served by impeccable servers and only slightly outdone by the atmosphere and the view. See more photos on my website.

If there is one place that everyone should visit is The Getty. The architecture, the gardens, the setting on top of the hills and, above all, the art and the view make for a most enjoyable day, We were able to see the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island on one side and Mount Baldy,covered with show, on the other.

The exhibits of photography in black and white, as well as the paintings and sculptures, were all done by well=know artists and as you can imagine, some were priceless.

The holiday season does not feel right as the leaves are still on the palm trees and there is no snow on the ground unless you go to the mountains and get above the 6-7000 feet of elevation. The shopping is great if your looking for Black Friday, it is the same where ever you are it seems.