2023 A Year In Review
It’s that time of the year when you look back and reminisce on what happened in the last 12 months and determine what you could do better in the coming year. Personally, with regard to my photography business, it’s been a big year, I’ve achieved most of the things I set out to do, and I’ve been very fortunate to exceed a few of my expectations.
One of my biggest goals was to grow my local presence by attending art events and shows. For example, I had not attended any art shows that required canopy setups even though I had purchased a second hand 10x10 canopy at the end of 2022. In addition, I had no display panels but was lucky enough to have a local artist I knew sell me his 3x7ft panel setup, which had also been sitting in my garage for several months. I had all the equipment I needed to dip-my-toes-in but did I have the courage? Finally, toward the end of this year I found the courage I needed and after practicing setups in the garage I have now completed 3 different local canopy required events. That may not sound a lot but the experience I gained has put me in a good position and I feel I can confidently grow the number of canopy required events I will do in 2024.
Without doubt my biggest commitment to an outdoor event this year has been to regularly participate in the Art On The Green, held every weekend outside the Carlsbad Inn, throughout the year. Somewhere between 3-8 artists, who are members of the local North Coastal Art Gallery, setup their art on tables and some on 5ft A-Frames to display their work to anyone who walks past as they head to the beach. Canopy’s are not allowed for this event but I did have to make my own A-Frames which is a new carpentry skill I have acquired. Again, I’ve learned a lot from participating in this event and relatively speaking I have done well and sold a variety of my photography.
Another goal for 2023 was to attend a photography workshop. The idea of mixing with other photographers and spending time with an expert tutor sounded appealing although the costs can be significant. However, through a local referral, I attended a photography workshop in New Mexico led by Ed MacKerrow. It was a great experience and we had a great location where we spent 4 days photographing, learning and discussing techniques. I definitely want to attend another photography workshop next year.
Finally, I can’t end my brief review of 2023 without mentioning an achievement that exceeded my expectation.
Every year Del Mar Fairgrounds holds the San Diego County Fair which includes various judged competitions including photography, as well as the traditional fairground attractions. It’s a big event, and the photography competition draws hundreds, if not thousands, of photographers. I was fortunate to get through the pre-judging phases and into the actual show where thousands of photographs go on display during the month of June. But in addition to being accepted, the photograph I submitted, ‘The Chair’ received an ‘Honorable Mention’. Considering this was my first show of any notable size or recognition that I had entered made the acknowledgement of my work a very special achievement and encourages me to keep moving forward with my photography journey.
So as I wrap this up I’m looking forward to my continued journey and growing my photography business in 2024. I am confident that will include attending more local art shows, finding more competitions to enter, and attending another photography workshop, in addition to doing more of my own solo photography roadtrips. I am on a journey, one that I am definitely enjoying.
I hope you have a great Holiday wherever you are and I wish you all the best for 2024.
