I set some pretty lofty goals for 2013. Looking back perhaps too lofty. There was not a lot of convergence of the goals. I had a lot of ideas for projects that fizzled out by the time the year got underway (i.e., grocery stories, photos with friends, community education). At the same time the year was far from a loss considering I will be finishing Lunch Break Project Vol. 2 (two full years complete at the end of this week), Saginaw Happening completed a total of 35 posts plus a few special projects (the end of the year Oct-Dec. seem to be my weakness not for lack of things going on, but just lack of planning and usually other family commitments). My film adventure also continues to have small rewards although, again, not always at the speed I would expect. But I am comfortable with that because shooting film is a slightly slower way of working and learning to slow down has its benefits.
And then there's the business of THOR*tography...2013 proved to be a good year of well paced growth over all. I developed some important elements to help ensure greater efficiencies moving forward. But still not the kind of focus I would like to have. I have a long way to go in learning what to say 'yes' to and what to let go.
Moving On.
2014 Goals
2. Film Adventure: I love film. It is so much more hands on then digital. I want to continue to learn photography using film. I plan on continuing on through my book.
3. Saginaw Happening: I want to continue with the core purpose of Saginaw Happening "showcasing the vibrancy of life in and around the Saginaw Michigan community with a primary focus on using photography to tell the stories of people, events, and organizations in the area. "
But this may be done in a different way than I have been doing it. It might be interesting to show how people in Saginaw are working together to solve particular problems. What are people collectively doing about poverty? or crime? or providing education? I've been thinking and admiring the work of National Geographic photographers a lot lately and just wonder how I would approach Saginaw if I were working for National Geographic.
4. THOR*tography. Ahhhh.. to be in business. It is still really weird to think of my photography as being a form of currency, but with the end of the year and taxes around the corner it is a good reminder that I am a photographer and a small business owner. These I am finding more and more are separate but related items.
I still recognize there are a bizillion photographers doing portraiture out there these days, but when I am picked to photograph a newborn baby or a wedding, I am in a position to make the most important photographs in the world for someone. I'm going to take care of the people have picked me and those that are going to pick me. That's the long and short of my marketing plan for 2014.
Like I've mentioned before, I do want to photograph lots of newborns this year. Specifically I think it would be neat if I could photograph 24 newborns under 24 hours old. If you know someone who is looking for an at the hospital (or not at the hospital) newborn photographer feel free to pass my name along.
Goals 2016-2017
Last year I introduced the idea of going on photo missions with an organization called Global Hope International . This year I met with a friend who works for the group and introduced the idea. He sounded open to it when the time comes. Still a ways off, but I'm going to hold onto it.
Everything takes a little longer to get done than I expect so narrowing my goals down to four basic areas is a really good thing. This will at least give me a trajectory moving into the new year. We'll see where things go. Thank you all for your encouragement and interest in my photography. It helps me carry on.
Blessings to you in the New Year!
Thor
Photographer // THOR*tography
Phone: (989)272-8040
Email: thor@thorthought.com
Web: www.thorthought.com
Mail: PO Box 6685 | Saginaw, MI | 48608
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