2011 In Review

Sunrise on the farm, Nov 4, 2011

This was a big year for Stonewall Photography. I got inspired to write this post while flipping through all the photos I took in 2011. It was a year of growth and learning.

I had a lot of great experiences this year. Good and bad they all taught me something. A big lesson was learning how to say No. This is very hard for a photographer (at least it is for me) wanting to take on all shoots regardless how difficult. I learned my lesson this year after taking on a job I wasn't ready for.

I have also learned to take photos I like, not photos I think the client will like. It's easy to start changing your style to fit what you think someone will like. Everyone is different, and if they are choosing me as a photographer, they must like some part of my style so I must stay true to my vision.

I had over sixty shoots this year. A number I never dreamed of a couple years ago when I started out. I am excited for 2012, I have six weddings booked so far, and a couple family sessions for January. I hope to bring the joy of photographs to many families in the next year.

My goals for 2012? To hit 20 weddings, and 100 shoots, and increase my print jobs (newspaper, magazine, ect) I would also like more fashion/creative shoots. Any designers out there needing a photographer for their spring line?

I would like to raise more awareness of Helping Hearts (free photography for families with sick children)

I am also working on a couple different photography workshops. I have a new workshop called simply "Introduction to Photography" which is open to beginners, point-and-shoot, film, digital SLR, anyone wanting to learn the basics of photography. This is a course that will teach you the basic camera functions and how to optimize your camera no matter what kind.

I hope to run classes in Brockville and Kemptville and will keep everyone posted when I find a space and get dates.

I would also like to run a summer photography program for kids, start the photography bug at a young age. This is just an idea currently, but would love any insight my readers might have.

I have the beginnings of a studio in the works. I moved in August to a bigger house with a great space for a studio above the garage. This year I hope to manifest some insulation and drywall and get a proper studio set up (instead of ghetto set-up many of you have seen)

I am very excited for this coming year, I send infinite love and gratitude to everyone who has worked with me this year, and to everyone I will be working with in the future.

Now that I have shared my 2012 goals, what are your plans? I would love to hear them.