What I’ve learned in 2007
New Year’s Eve has arrived again, closing the chapter on another year. As I reflect on my successes and missteps, I wonder what I have learned to make a better 2008.
First, I must admit that retail fever isn’t such a bad thing — if you keep your “temperature” in check. Gadgets like camera lenses and flashes, cell phones and computers are essential to any graphic artist. Because these electronics are being continually updated, owning the most current model often makes sense. For instance, this year I purchased an iPhone to keep in better touch with clients. Sure the price tag is steep, but the iPhone’s versatility makes it worth the money for me. This isn’t to say I think it’s wise to spend every paycheck at the mall, but to remember that the lowest price doesn’t always equal the greatest value. My goal is to have the things that I need, but keep it realistic.
As I continue to juggle the worlds of graphic design and photography, I’ve learned the necessity of patience. As a graphic designer, I’m accustomed to meeting deadlines under strict time-constraints. As a photographer, I now understand that great photos are not taken on anyone’s schedule. The best photos result from planning and unpredictable candid moments. While you should plan for when and where you’re going to shoot, remember the photo’s finesse will come from all the details you cannot anticipate. So plan the path you want your shoot to take, but be prepared when it veers in an unexpected direction.
Finally, the last year has reinforced to me that artists must learn by doing. You can’t read books, blogs or Web sites and expect to become better; you have to get out there and make mistakes. Don’t be discouraged when a shot is overexposed or your flash doesn’t fire. Get over it, learn from it and try something different. Keep taking pictures and don’t delete any of them until you’ve had a good chance to look at them. Many times I’ve looked back through shots I thought were terrible at the time and they actually turn out being useable. Experiment with different angles, try different exposure settings, use different flashes and think about different perspectives. Just keep shooting.
Overall, 2007 was a good year and I had a chance to learn from my photography experiences. More than ever, I realize how making mistakes can actually turn out to be accomplishments in the end. Hitting these bumps the first time will make your second trip down the road much smoother.
Happy New Year!
