Photographer Retrospective 2013

The end of the year is upon us. Soon we will all be spending some much needed relaxation time with friends and family. This is the perfect time for us as photographer’s to check in and see what progress we’ve made though out the past year, and set goals for the upcoming one.

While I didn’t specifically set goals for 2013, I had an idea on what I wanted to accomplish in 2013. One simple thing: take better photos. Isn’t that what we all want? So how is this achieved? For me, at this time, I’ve spent a full year and few months at Pittsburgh Filmmakers learning from some of the best photographers, lectures, and artists in Pittsburgh. I’ve had wonderful instruction and have made some really great friends in the process. This is invaluable for any photographer, to build a network of people who know and understand the industry. To collaborate with other photographers and to see each other’s work. I’m often inspired by work that I see coming from the people I’ve spent class with, and it’s not all landscape work either, which lends itself to a greater understand of the craft.

Speaking of understanding of the craft, I’ve spent the year studying some of the great masters of landscape and nature photography. This has allowed me to expand my own work. I’ve studied what worked and what didn’t from the masters and I try to take that new found perspective and incorporate into my own pictures. Sure i’m not out photographing Ansel Adams’ American West, but you don’t have to be. Honestly, over this time that I’ve been taking photos of my home state, it has made me more curious. What is the history of this land. How can we make sure it will be here for others to enjoy hundreds of years ago. I’m sharing my top ten photos from 2013, these ten best represent the growth I feel I made as a photographer this year.

For 2014, I’m going to continue to photograph Pennsylvania. It has a rich history and I want to know more and share more. I want to know what is going on with the land in Pennsylvania. So I’ve got my work cut out for me. I’m looking forward to it. What are your photography goals for 2014?

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