LOOKING BACK AT THE FIRST YEAR

Can you believe it?  From a seemingly insignificant purchase of a new point and shoot camera, Photographyfree4all was born one year ago today!  And from that birth a new-found passion was ignited that burns even hotter today than it did a year ago!  I have to admit, most of the time I prefer to look ahead!  I’m a visionary…a dreamer, a goal-setter.  I’m the guy crying “CHARGE” and find a remarkable absence of the term “retreat” in my vocabulary.  Yet as important as it is to be moving forward, reflection and assessment is paramount to continued progress.  

As we begin this reflective moment, I feel compelled to attribute much of the successes listed within this publication to you!  It may be difficult for you to gauge the level of importance your encouraging comments have been, but let me be perfectly clear – as a light drives away the darkness of insecurity and indecision, your participation has been a beacon lighting my path as I have moved forward!  And for that, I will always be extremely grateful and constantly recognize your importance.

So, let’s share in the path we’ve taken over the past 12 months!

• Over 25,000 images captured
• 1 print currently accepted for exhibition at the Muzeo, Southern California’s newest cultural art museum
• 3 prints currently accepted for exhibition at the Huntington Beach Central Library and Cultural Center
• Over 200 blog posts
• Over 4,000 reader’s evaluations and comments – possibly the most important aspect of these accomplishments
• Over 500 blog subscribers
• Nearly 30,000 ± blog hits, although drastically distorted as subscribers who read the blog via their email notification are not registered
• Purchased new Canon 50D DSLR camera with 28-135mm zoom lens
• Purchased 17-40mm f/4L Canon Lens for landscape photography
• Developed printing agreement with a professional printer for my large format prints
• Developed framing agreement with a professional custom art framer for my large format prints
• Nearly 20 different prints custom framed and ready for sale
• In the process of developing an agreement for standard cards and smaller matted prints for sale
• Incorporated my photography business
• Received business license to conduct business in California
• Successfully completed two photography classes, one in landscape photography and one in portrait photography
• Negotiating the display of my prints in several restaurants in close proximity to particular landscapes I’ve captured

Taking a quick glimpse at this past year causes me to realize the enormity of what lies ahead!  There is much to do!!  And as I promised from the beginning, I’ll continue to be transparent every step along the way.  So wherever you happen to be in your photographic journey, jump on board and let’s travel this path together!

I thought I would share the final touches of this flora series of bold color!  The only thing I need now is a title.  Maybe you can help me there!

What would you call this series?

The White Tiger Lilly

The Brilliant Succulent

The Pink Tiger Lilly

The Sunburst Rose

And now, on to year 2!!

~ by photographyfree4all on May 25, 2011.