NEW YEAR NEW PHOTOGRAPHIC YOU.

Dear friend,

2022 is here. Why do I love the new year so much?

New photos await you, and a ‘new you’ awaits you.

1. Get rid of the past baggage

Carte blanche mentality. That which used to define you is no longer you. The new year means:

The opportunity to shed your old skin, and create a new skin.

A new year means a new rebirth. For you to declare new ideals for yourself, and to re-challenge what you used to hold true.

2. New dreams, new aspirations?

What dreams and aspirations do you have in your photography? To publish? To have a solo exhibition?

I have realized with goals– there are no ‘bad’ goals. Just honest and true ones.

It also helps to have a reason why you are interested in doing xyz. Ask zen of ERIC why app to figure out more of why you want these certain goals?

3. To maximize the exploit advantages, and disregard disadvantages

Certainly there are certain places, environments, neighborhoods, and conditions which are less favorable. However, in spite of all these disadvantages, how can you maximum exploit them to your benefit?

For example, I prefer the hustle and bustle of a Mexico City over the suburbs of LA. However, rather than desiring something else, just maximize and leverage the benefits of wherever you are. For example, one of the big benefits of being in LA during the winter time is the sun. Therefore the wise thing to do is spend as much time outdoors as humanly possible during the winter time, with a maximum amount of sun exposure. Also, being able to walk 30,000 steps a day.

Also, it seems that not that many people have done suburban photography. Therefore, my personal interest is to try to make a good suburb Photography project.

4. New life experiments?

I still believe there are lots of new lifestyle innovations waiting to happen. For example in the past, I’ve experimented with nomadic living, and now, I’m interested in experimenting with suburban living. How can you live a virtuous and interesting life in the suburbs? My new goal.

Also, being flexible with your photography. Rather than sticking to a certain genre photography, just take your present day reality, and seek to make interesting photos of wherever you are.

5. New techniques and approaches in your photography

Experiment with new technical approaches in your photography. Different metering systems, different compositions, and different ways to frame your photos. Also experiment with your aesthetics.

The new year as an opportunity for you to get rid of antiquiative notions in photography. This year you are the new innovator in photography.

6. Starting a new folder

The way that I organize my photos is by creating new folders based on the year. For example, this year in my dropbox I will create a 2022 folder, and fill it anew with new photos. The most interesting photos are the ones you have yet photographed. And consider all the new exciting adventures you can embark on this year.

7. Invest in experiences

This year, use more money on new adventures. Go on little family road trips, rent a nice Airbnb, or go on short travel trips. Or go on bigger ones. It is up to you. Use your car, go on a flight, or go on an epic hike or walk.

Money is always well spent if you use it to spend on gasoline, airfare, or accommodations. New adventures mean that you will be pushed outside of your comfort zone, and you’ll also discover new opportunities to photograph. The more opportunities you have to make new photographs, the better.

8. Create your own book

Make your own photography book. Make it available open and free as a PDF, or get it printed locally somewhere. The simpler the better.

Even something you could try to do is print your photos on newspaper print. Th cheaper it is, the more easily accessible you can make it, and the more widely you can distribute it. Cheaper and many is better than expensive prohibitive printing. no need for a fancy hard cover book. The more flexible your printing options, the better.

9. Becoming the uber visual artist

Also this new year is a chance for you to become a greater visual artist. To break beyond just photography, and become something more. Photography is only a means to create an expression, not the end in itself.

I actually believe the best way to brand yourself is not as a photographer, but to brand yourself as a visual artist.

So this year, the next time someone asks you what you do for a living, just say that you’re a visual artist. Much more fun and interesting than telling people what your boring job is.

10. Becoming more childlike, and becoming more creative

This year I want to become more childlike, and to become more unrestrained my creativity. Let us consider how children are able to create without any boundaries or obstructions. Let us strive to emulate children.