So Far Through 2022
We’re right around 1/4 of the way through 2022 already. Time feels like it’s going by so fast, yet at times, it’s unbearably slow. The funny thing about time is it doesn’t really matter what we perceive it as. It consistently goes on as a constant speed.
Looking back at my last post, I listed 3 specific things I wanted to get better at in photography. I wanted to see my own process and address them accordingly.
1) Get better at photography and keep growing in this aspect which includes more specific goals to achieve this by:
-Going out to shoot at least 3 times a week (hopefully 4)
-Refine compositional skills and seek out creative ways to develop other skills
-Posting daily onto instagram to encourage shooting as much as possible
-Continue to grow towards my ideal editing style while pursuing new creative ideas
With this point, I have been pretty good with shooting consistently through the weeks. Only this week and last week have I slowed down a bit (shot only twice last week and this week). The lack of locations as well as the rise in gas prices definitely have been taking a toll on me. I’m finding ways to try and fight the excuses. I will say though: Out of all the times I went out, I enjoyed myself. So I definitely have to be better about just going out and not telling myself anything different.
With my compositional skills, I think I definitely have improved in terms of trying out new ideas and getting outside my comfort zone. I’ve been really trying to find my style in terms of what kind of frames I like, I dislike, what color palette I like using, etc. It’s definitely been a joy to experiment. Of course, there have been frustrating moments, but I can learn from those and it just shows how much room I have left to improve.
2) Start posting videos on youtube in hopes to get better at video editing and going into the world of videography/vlogging.
So let me explain first (haha). I actually did try making videos and editing them. However, the Joshua Tree Vlog idea I had was a bit of a fail in terms of recording anything really. The only video I actually ended up making and editing was a funny inside video of my friends and I at a Superbowl Party. It was definitely a learning experience learning about how music works in editing and how clips come together, framing in video aspects, etc. I definitely have a goal of what I want to achieve in videography, but I still enjoy photography more.
3) Creating a better website to ensure my “central hub” is as good as possible.
This goal was a bit easier than the other two as I could actually measure it in a very obvious way. My last website was a bit everywhere and on a phone or tablet, it wasn’t the most user friendly, which I bet would deter people away from looking at my photos or read my blogs. I knew I wanted to switch to Squarespace, but I wanted to wait until July so I would actually get my moneys worth from Wordpress. I decided to just pull the trigger now since I could get a deal and just took the loss from Wordpress. I’m very glad that I did because I love how clean Squarespace is. Very simple user-face and easy enough on my side to update things as necessary.
Overall, am I happy with my progress thus far? I think so. I’m not content with where I am right now, but I know I can learn a lot more and become better so there’s room for growth. I’m having fun doing this and honestly, I think as long as I can keep the excitement and fun, I’m doing good.
P.S: Going on a trip very soon. I hope to get some nice pictures there! Stay tuned for my next blog for that trip! Hopefully, I can get some videos there as well for a vlog/video.