The Beginning Of A New Year. Celebrate!

December 30, 2013 • Leave a Comment

Wtg Fireworks - 0109

As I look back on 2013, I asked myself what was different this year than in previous years. What were my accomplishments.

First, I became a MaxPreps Photographer. What is MaxPreps? It is an orgranization that specializes in high school sports photography. I have photographed college sports, but high school sports photography is more difficult. Why? Because most high schools don't have the sports arenas that colleges do. Photographing on football fields at night or in poorly lit gymnasiums present special challenges in creating professional sports photographs. But, it can be done if one learns the skills to do so. So I have grown as a professional photograher. I love being challenged. It's how I advance my art.

Second, I have lost over 50 pounds since the beginning of the year which has allowed me to do things on snow skis that I could not do in previous years. I am more confident both as a skier and a ski instructor, and I am better at doing each. I like that most of my clothes don't fit me because they are too big.

Third, were my clients who gave me the opportunities to advance my art, and challenge me --- technically, creatively, and sometimes with tight deadlines. I often think that I do some of my best work under pressure.

Finally, the number of people who read my blog has increased, thanks to each one of you. Thank you for reading about how I see my world, both as a photographer and as a person. Photography teaches you to look at the world from a different perspective. Sometimes on a partly cloudy day as the sun goes in and out of the clouds, I watch the how the high contrast light from the sun, and the flat light of shadows, change the color of leaves on a tree. I may be a little crazy. But it's how I view my world.

So what are my goals for next year? Obviously I would like to grow my photography business, but I would also like to do something totally new. I don't know what that will be yet, but I am sure it will reveal itself in due course. Another goal is to stay healthy. I found out today that someone I knew for many years, who was younger than me, past away just before Christmas. Life is so precious. Finally, I would like to lose an additional 25 pounds to get to my ideal weight.

So celebrate the new year. The above photograph was taken last New Years Eve. It's one of my favorites. A new year means new things, new opportorunites, and new challeges. We all wish for happy times, with no worries, but would we be really happy? The challenges allow us to grow. Dissappointments and failures allow us to exalt when we accomplish something, like passing a fitness test.

My wish for you all is good health in the new year and that you may find someone who loves you. Truly loves you. Money will take care of itself in due course.

Happy New Year,

Paul

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