This will be my almost mid-year report for all who are interested and even
those who aren't. One of my goals for this year was to enter a national or
international contest each month. Just like a diet, I was really good at
first, submitting in each of the first three months and actually getting an
honorable mention in a contest which only had 9 people recognized (one winner
and 2
HMs in each of the three categories). In April it looks like I hit the wall
or perhaps just went to sleep. It was not until August, yesterday to be
exact, that I picked up the pace again and sent three images to National
Geographic Traveler. Can't say that they were typical NG material, but who
knows,
they may like one or more.
While not entering contests on time with my goals, I have exhibited in a
juried and a non-juried show, sold two of my three images in the non-juried
show, served as President of Houston Photographic Society, written a number of
articles for our publication, moved a little camera gear in and out of my stash
closet, done some MF work and during the whole thing managed to crash my hard
drive and lose much of the digital work I've done over the past year. Oh,
well . . .
So, I'm still enjoying my photography and engaged in the question of "What's
next?" Next spring I am scheduled to teach a continuing education class
which will be about capturing memorable photographs of your grandchildren and
children. That will be an 8 hr class spread out over 4 weeks, designed to
have
folks capture the essence of those relationships with timeless images.
Should be fun. It will be an image and feelings class rather than an
equipment
class, which may be a bit of a challenge for this equipment freak. That is
not all of what is next, however it is part of it. Part of my question is how
to I use my photography to feed both my soul and my body in the future.
Retirement is on the horizon in the next 3 to 5 years and although I've done
things to successfully prepare for it, I plan to do something to keep engaged
in
life and to generate some income in atypical ways from my photography. I
suspect that will be through teaching and selling work. We will see . . .
Reflection is an important tool for me. As I look back over this year, I see
some ups and downs and I see forward motion. It has, so far, been a year of
engagement and growth. It is a good year, just as will be the next one. I
am, after all, cause in the matter.
For each of you who reflects on your year, I trust you will see the same
forward motion. If you don't, change it.
For any who have read this far, thank you for being part of what keeps me
engaged in my photography. Bill Barber
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