2018 comes to a close in a few hours and I am so excited for it to end. Not because it was a bad year but because I'm looking forward to continuing some progress I made. I love to make and read these "mini journal" posts looking over the past year. I find that it gives me a lot of perspective. Either I get inspired to continue or change direction. I can compare it to looking in a mirror after working on my outfit. If it looks great, well continue on and walk out that door. If the shoes don't work, go back and change them.
Therefore, to end the year, I'm repeating a paragraph from the start of the year. "Although the year has started, the remaining months are a blank slate. So why not start over with the positive things that happened in the past year? No matter how small they may be. Maybe you met a new friend. Maybe you got a promotion. Maybe you completed a course or tried a recipe that turned out to be a hit. Maybe you fell in love or out of love, and not necessarily with a person. Anything positive is source of strength." I am very thankful for the past year. So I decided to make my gratitude list of things that made me fall in love with my camera and photography all over again...
I rediscovered a set of photos from a car show in 2017 and I decided to have a crack at editing them. I thought that I would never revisit these and I absolutely loved the results. And I also managed to improve my Photoshop skills. Compositing, anyone? Check it out here: https://www.nickyhighlanderphoto.com/blog/2018/4/2/something-different
I've had the desire to photograph a particular set of horses for the longest time. I finally went out and made a small project of it. I can't wait to go back. https://www.nickyhighlanderphoto.com/blog/2018/5/5/horsin-around-easter-monday-jaunt-with-some-horses
I decided to face a longtime fear of flying in a small plane and took my camera along for the ride. Read all about the half hour trip that changed my life here: https://www.nickyhighlanderphoto.com/blog/2018/6/10/facing-fears-a-cinco-de-mayo-adventure
I discovered a new favourite location: PEG Farms in Easy Hall, Saint Joseph. Not only do I love their wide open spaces to walk around, but I'm buying their organic produce. Healthy living initiative in action. https://www.nickyhighlanderphoto.com/blog/2018/8/12/down-on-the-farm
Remember in 2017 when I signed up for an introductory 7 week course in video production? I had never used the skills to make any videos and I wish I did. So I recently jumped at the chance to take a 2 day workshop in film at the University of the West Indies, and a follow up practicum session with my club. That session produced a short interview video which has some of my footage featured. I'm hoping to be working towards improving my video and editing skills over the upcoming year. If you have any ideas, suggestions, want to collaborate or just want discuss photography/videography, feel free to message me!
As always, I'm working on my content, both on my website and on my social media platforms. Here are my best nine Instagram images for 2018!
I am so excited about my plans for 2019 and I hope that you stay tuned to what I hope is another productive year. Wishing you a Happy New Year and may your dreams come true.
Camera and equipment details: see details from links above
Until next time.... best wishes and Happy New Year!