Every year since before anyone can remember, the making of New Year’s Resolutions has been a tradition in many Nations around the world. In fact, it is said that the Ancient Babylonians were the first people to make New Years resolutions, some 4,000 years ago. In modern times, they cover quite a range of topics, from quitting smoking to joining a Gym and becoming more fit, to perhaps starting our own business in the hope of making that first million dollars. Perhaps you want to smooth over some ruffled feathers in a relationship with a friend or family member… We can all think of something that needs to be resolved.
I seldom make New Year’s Resolutions, since for the most part, like most people, I don’t manage to honour them, but this year I thought I’d throw a few out there that shouldn’t be too difficult to keep…
*Shouldn’t…
First, foremost, and most importantly; I resolve to spend more time with my camera; not just looking at it, or holding it, but actually USING it! I need to learn its subtleties, the best settings with which to get the results I want. I need to take those 10,000 bad images in order to get the good ones I seek.
I resolve to do more Vlogging. After 10 months, it’s time I made a return. Perhaps though, once a week may be too ambitious, so I’ll begin by releasing one per month and gradually increase as the task (and subject matter) gets easier.
I resolve to give credit where credit is due… From the gear I choose to use, (while acknowledging that gear is unimportant) to the apps that make my tasks [and decisions] easier, to the people who influence and inspire me.
I resolve to use my Photographs and Vlogs to tell the world about the beauty of Atlantic Canada. While we may not have architectural or Artistic heritage of Continental Europe, we have Natural beauty that is unsurpassed. The miles-long beaches of Prince Edward Island, The Highland Mountains of Cape Breton, the Ocean Shorelines of Mainland Nova Scotia, the Forests, Cliffs and Shorelines of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Rolling Farmland Hills of New Brunswick, all are worthy of praise.
Photographically speaking, resolution means something entirely different: Image quality! I plan to delve a bit into that topic in a future Blog and probably on a Vlog as well. Digital cameras offer many different storage sizes and formats – and as a result Image Qualities – from which to choose. Post-production editing software allows those images to be enhanced and saved in even greater quality. While it’s true a brick cannot be polished to become a mirror, a good Photo can be made GREAT with a little effort and know-how. [I’m still working on the know-how]
So, I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year. I know there is a lot of uncertainty in the world these days and most people are experiencing anxiety and discomfort. Restrictions on travel and gathering numbers are making our circles smaller, but I encourage you to grab a camera (it doesn’t have to be expensive – even your cell phone’s camera will capture excellent images) and begin documenting your world. It will be interesting in a few years to see the difference.
As my friend Dom Famularo says, “Onward and Upward!”
Until next week, keep your shutter finger warm, and always remember to pack spare batteries.