The Only Resolution You Need for 2019

I'm not talking about image resolution. I'm talking about the things you want to achieve in 2019. Here's a great way to do it. 

We often get told to get out of our comfort zones. To be creative and to reach out to next frontier creatively. And at this time of the year we reflect and we also think about the year ahead and how we will make the necessary changes to make these dreams we have a reality. But I argue that for a creative person, I don’t always think we should try to think outside the box.

I think we should maybe consider forming a routine and placing consistency before being creative. If you’re thinking about making a change for the new year, maybe it’s your routine or habits that needs adjusting, or for them to become better maintained.

What Do Good Brands Do? 

They build loyalty. They are consistent with their messages, their routine of sharing information, and with that, they're consistent with delivering good work. How about seeing yourself as your own brand. Communicate and build consistency by yourself, for yourself. 

Habits Work

If I want to draw something, I’m not going to be a good illustrator on the first day. Like all thinks of value, it’ll take time to develop the necessary skills. It’s the same with photography. If you think you’ll be a great photographer within a month, you’re going to be disappointed. It just doesn't work like that. 

My suggestion is to list what you want to improve on or become better at. Then, see if you can think of a way to form routines and create habits around these skills you're looking to acquire or improve upon. Secondly, I recommend you analyze the frequency and make it possible and enjoyable to complete this on a weekly or monthly basis that you’ve set up for yourself.

How I Did It for This Year

For me personally, I think it’s important to focus on a specific genre of photography, if it’s at all possible. I often find it hard to choose and focus on a medium, but I have realized that I am surely better at certain types of photography than others. I am able to shoot a portrait of a person, and deliver work I am proud of, much more frequently than shooting fashion or lifestyle photography. I should therefore focus on shooting portraits. 

Although these industries differ a lot, and so too the way of how each artistic process takes place, I think more people will ask for a portrait by me than they would a fashion shoot. I’ve done work in both, and although I can deliver on both genres, I also have started enjoying portraiture more, and that just might be the reason I’m performing better at it too.

What I’ve learnt is that it’s not all about what you want to do in life, but also about what people want from you, and what you are good at. The best scenario would be to deliver work that people want, and not try to perform at something that you only want to do, or think you’re amazing at, but don't have the needed talents.

Choose Your Medium

Choose the genre or area of photography you want to work in. One that you enjoy, and can become excellent at, and secondly, choose a medium that you know other people you’ve shared work with, enjoys and think you’re good at.

In 2018, I had many things I needed to become better at, and I needed to manage my time. I started working full time again, and that took a lot of time out of my day. For 2019, I therefore need to make sure I allocate time for my medium, to my photography.

What I Want to Achieve in 2019

To grow my photography business. I share a lot of time with people working at banks, insurance agencies and financial institutions, and corporate portraits, or even lifestyle portraits, will be great to do and a perfect space for me to grow in. 

What is the genre you're focussing on, and how are you going to achieve it? Let us know in the comments. 

Lead Image by Marek from Pexels