Except it’s not just a new year, it’s a new *decade* - which means I’m jumping on the bandwagon and reflecting back on the last ten years and setting some positive intentions for the next few spins around the sun. This past decade been a rollercoaster. I went from a bit of a wild child, who felt directionless and spiralling to a square peg trying to fit myself into the round hole that was a very traditional office job to taking a passion of mine and turning it into a profitable business. There have been highs and lows, questionable decisions (I’m looking at you, 2011’s side shave) and celebrated accomplishments. It’s so cool to think that because of a skill I taught myself, I’ve been afforded the opportunity to work with top brands and celebrities. I’m excited to carry this momentum into 2020 and these are a few professional goals I have set for myself.
Experiment more.
It’s easy to get comfortable. As creatives, we figure out what works and develop a bit of a formula. Personal style is incredibly important and clients must be able to trust you to deliver an image that is in line with your portfolio, but that doesn’t mean you should stop pushing personal boundaries. I find social media limits our creativity sometimes because we feel an obligation to create work that fits within our feed’s aesthetic and often if we deviate, it’s not well received. I’m challenging myself to ignore all of that and play around a bit more this year.
On location lighting.
This is something that I find challenging. I feel at home in a studio where I’m fully in control of my surroundings but throw me in an unknown location and my heart rate will go up. I will figure it out and I will get beautiful images out of it, but I’d love to expand my on location lighting toolbox so that I feel more confident in these situations. Some of my very favourite photographers shoot on location and I’d love to do more of it.
Diversity.
Representation is important and in 2020 I want to make sure that I’m showcasing a broader array of beautiful faces and bodies in my creative projects. I work hard to make sure I’m not displaying a homogenous standard of beauty and I love models with unique features but I know I can always do better, especially in terms of gender and age.
Workshops.
I always find it so honouring that people want to learn from me and I’d love to pass on the knowledge that I’ve gained over the years so I want to work hard and finally plan a workshop and other educational materials in 2020.
I’d love to hear what your 2020 goals and resolutions are. Please share them in the comments so we can inspire each other to reach new heights this year and beyond!