Blog Author Richard Newman

Every year we make New Year's resolutions, but how many of them do we keep? I mean, it’s a deal we make with ourselves to improve our lives as we perceive them. So, why do we even make them if we have no intention of following through? We’re a crazy species for sure.

Rather than make resolutions for the New Year, I prefer to do a year in review, reflect on what I actually accomplished and then try to set reasonable goals for the upcoming year. As I age, I know that life is short, and I wish I knew then what I know now. All those things that I didn’t believe in my 20s and 30s are now undeniable facts of life. I find it productive to review what I really did do, what I tried and failed, and what I succeeded in. When I look at the year in this manner, I can see if I’m really making progress.

So, after having looked at my year in review, I’d like to share what I’m going to do in 2016. First, I’m going to have more fun and be more present when I’m making images. My strategy for doing this is to be grateful of the image-making opportunities that I’m given. I’m going to slow down and spend more time with my subjects. I’m going to look for the essence of the subject and use that essence to create a deeper involvement between my subject and final viewer.

Rather than feel that I can’t do or learn something new, I’m going to pursue it and grow. In this day and age, there is nothing that you can’t learn from a YouTube video or Lynda.com, Photoshop included. I’ll face this fear once again with gratitude so that I can learn and recognize that I want to learn and improve.

I’m going to allow myself more time to think, read and imagine, and I’ll try to do this without pressure.

I had a friend who always rushed to get on vacation so he could relax. I vow to be in a mental state of vacation whenever possible. I’m going to be critical yet playful with my work. I want to make the best possible image with the tools that I have on hand, and I want to have fun doing this.

As I look back on this page, I see "fun" is a big theme. So, in that spirit, I’ll share some fun images . . .

Grimm Family

Actual Size, Santa Fe

Any Questions?

Do Not Think

452 for $1

This one is a tribute to Eddie Soloway:
Armscape

As always, I encourage you to get in touch and open this discussion (blog@texasphoto.org).