So 2011 is gone and 2012 is here. Despite 2011 ending on a rather sour note for me with the loss of my previous website (thenightboat.com), in all it was a great year and of course I want to build on that in 2012. My first priority which I am about to do is buy a long overdue tripod and a new lens - in this case the very popular Sigma 10-20mm one. It’s perhaps an oldie now but it’s always been highly rated and if it does the job I need it for then I won’t mind. I spent most of my photographic investment in 2011 on buying software and now that I am happy that I have all the tools I need, I must concentrate more on the photography itself. I’m a firm believer in getting the picture in the camera, not on the computer. Get that right and the post-processing element is a lot easier and a lot more fun.
My plans are bigger than just a new lens though, the Sigma lens is only 1 of several lenses I’d like to own, and if I start to sell more pictures (far from easy) then I will invest this straight back into photography. I will have to check my dates but I have another exhibition booked for a single day in Newbury Town Hall on Saturday 2nd or 3rd March. It will be a smaller affair than my last exhibition at The Bear Hotel in Hungerford, but will still give me a great opportunity for people to see my work. I am getting married this year in September, and with saving for that and a house, traveling abroad might be a rarity this year. I’m ok with that as I believe you can get some stunning pictures if you get to know your local landscape but it will be sad I that I don’t get to go away much. Oh well, might have to plan the honeymoon somewhere inspiring....
I should say at this point a big Happy New Year to everyone! I don’t intend the blog posts in future to be this long but hey, it’s the launch! Today’s picture is of the British Museum in London, somewhere I got to walk round a little while in London for the company I work for’s Christmas Do in December. Wouldn’t say I came with many (if any) great pictures that weekend, though after a while processing this one, I was happy with the look I got. Next blog post on Thursday! As with my previous website, I welcome all comments, feedback, discussions, issues etc...What’s your photography ambition for 2012?
Happy New Year, and Happy New Blog - though I admit to being confused by seeing all of the 2011 posts (unless they're imported perhaps?).
ReplyDeleteThe Sigma 10-20 is lovely, and I think I use it for 90% of my shots. It's also reasonably priced and I certainly feel I've got my money out of it over the past year.
2012 - well I guess I hope to start selling a few things as well, and like you I feel that any cash made would be thrown straight back into photography. It's about time this hobby started to pay for itself :)
Hi Pete! Welcome back - looking good! Nice image to start.
ReplyDeleteI am hoping to go full frame sometime this year. The 5D MkII is so tempting but I am gonna hold out to see what happens with the rumoured 5D MKIII. The Sigma 10-20mm is high on my list too! In fact there might be a trip to B&H in New York next week..... :-)
I am exploring the Red Bubble option at the moment. I would love to start selling some work to help offset some of the hobby cost! We'll see.
I hope 2012 see's my blog grow further as it did in 2011.
Cheers, Tim
Thanks for the comments guys and happy new year to you!
ReplyDeleteMichael, Yes the pre-2012 blogs are old blogs from my old website. I had a lot of problems with the web hosts so decided to close it but managed to use some of the blogs on here which I imported from Google+. I was posting pre-launch to add some photos really.
Great to see you back Tim! I guess it's a lot of our aims to sell more and it is a tricky one to ponder. Who buys photography? Would I buy a picture I like? Where do I find people who 'buy' pictures? I think about these a lot and I don't think there's anything wrong with wanting to make some money from photography. It's not a cheap hobby as you both say!
Nice image Pete and glad to see you up and running properly! Good news on another exhibition.
ReplyDeleteI definitely recommend the Sigma too. I bought it last year and I felt it was a massive step up from my 18-55mm kit lens. Get it, you know it makes sense!
As for my ambitions for 2012? I am hoping to break into the wedding photography field and have a few already booked for the summer. It's a competitive business but could be a good earner. I have been studying the art of (and practicing on real subjects of course!) portraiture and wedding photography for a few months now. Also going on a photography workshop in March so lots to look forward to.
Thanks for the comment Marc! Seems like the Sigma lens is a winner! I remember you saying you bought it last year. Good luck with the wedding photography this year, I hope it's a great success and I'm sure will be a good earner.
ReplyDeleteReally nice piece Pete. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteThanks Eden and Happy New Year to you! Just had a look at your website, it's fantastic! Great to see you on here.
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