I cannot believe 2011 is here! Parts of me wish it was still 2010, while other parts of me embrace 2011. This year, I have to grow up; Photographically speaking that is. I must step out of my comfort zone of casual shooting and create beautiful images at critical times. Is that a scary thought? Sort of. But then I say to myself, this is the very reason I have spent 3 years, fired 29,000 shots, and invested in nice equipment!
But it's more fun to just practice! It's easier! I get more pats on the back and then no one will criticize my work, and I can nonchalantly shoot. But that is not rewarding either emotionally, or financially. The training wheels must come off for every photographer at some point. This has happened to me. Now I find myself investing in more equipment, more lenses, and now I am faced with increasing demands. It is a bit scary, but i cannot doubt myself forever.
Every successful photographer has experienced my same feelings at some point in their maturing process. They accepted the challenge and succeeded. Now the time to grow up has come for me, even though I am now 44.
