At the start of a year you're supposed to write a "this is what I will try to achieve" post (at least that's what seems to be the consensus among many bloggers), and I did one of those last year, where I stated that in 2016 I would do two things photographically that year; an Instagram 365 project (which I finished) and I would do more analog photography (which I've at least I've begun to do). So that's great for 2016...but that makes me think of goals for 2017.
...and that is where I've come up short so far. There isn't a clear-cut project, no defined idea for me to sink my creative brain cell into. At least not yet anyway. It was easier in a way with the 365 project, because that was so defined and easy to grasp. I've done that now though, so in 2017 I don't think I should just continue that; it would be a bit like trying to reheat a souffle (at least to me. I've got friends who are doing a picture a day for the third or fourth year in a row and my hat is off to them!).
This photo taken in Galveston, Texas might be an inspiration for a story this year. We'll see.
I've toyed with the idea to use some of my photos as basis for writing fiction. What kind of stories can I come up with based on a picture I've taken? What intrigue lurks behind the obvious things you can see within the rectangle of a picture? That might be something to have a go at this year...although I am not sure how difficult it would be to go "beyond" what is in the picture and see the potential stories in it. I may be too attached to the actual moment and situation when the picture was taken. We'll see...I am certainly not ruling it out.
A parallel to this...or another option if you like, is doing an outright photo book (a coffee table book perhaps). As of now I don't know exactly what the topic would be, but it's something I've been thinking about for some time, especially when putting together my 365 book through Blurb. That won't be a book I will sell; Blurb charges way too much to leave any sort of profit for the writer/photographer, but it is a nice way to make your print-on-demand copies of your stuff, for yourself and/or someone who really likes your stuff.
Various cameras used in the photo club analog class in 2016
One thing I do know I will do much more of in 2017 is analog photography. I'm still a complete newbie when it comes to this (I've only developed ONE film so far), so I have so much to learn, both about shooting as well as developing and printing! It's interesting though the looks you get when walking around in the city with a camera that is almost 40 years old instead of a modern DSLR. People can't seem to comprehend why you would use technology that is that old! :-)