It's close to a new year and you are excited about what lies ahead for your photography.  Here are 5 things you should do to start the new year.

1, Look back over your workflow – Is your workflow working for you?  The new year is the perfect time to evaluate if your workflow needs an update or if it is working just fine.  Making subtle adjustments can have a huge impact in time and enjoyment.  Just be sure that you give yourself time to truly evaluate any changes you make before deciding whether they work for you..

bigstock-Review-Time-words-in-d-letter-103183358

2. Backup and save files – this goes without saying and should be done numerous times throughout the year if not after every time you photograph.  Whether you upload to the cloud or copy to hard drives and store them off site be sure to have all your images backed up.  While doing so be sure to determine whether your file management process is seamless with the way you work.
Back up your photos

3. Update copyrights and watermarks – Update your copyright to 2020! Be sure to update your watermark if you use the year along with your copyright.

20191109_JMS_ValleyofFire_NV_0294-HDR-231_Print
4. Set goals - Most of my goals are centered on trying new things, but that’s just me.  Some ideas are

1. Shoot more panoramas.
2. Photograph with B&W in mind
3. Volunteer your photography services to a local charity
4. Learn luminosity masks
5. Teach someone a technique that you like to use.  Nothing helps you learn like trying to teach others.

5. Review your equipment – Do you need all that equipment?  It is always a good thing to go through your equipment and determine whether or not you really need it.  Have 5 filters but only use 2?  Sell the three you don’t use and put that money into something new.  Have some extra camera bags you don’t use anymore?  Ask people at your local camera club if they have anyone that could use a new bag.  Not only might you make a little money in the process of getting rid of the equipment you don’t use but you might also make your camera bag a little lighter.  Win. Win.

Review your equipment

There is no better time than the start of a new year to review your workflow, set goals, update your copyright and backup your files!  Start the year off right and have a Happy New Year!

Explore | Compose | Capture | Publish