10 photography ideas for 2011

#1 Start a new project ~ a new year is a fantastic time to start a new photography project. It can be agonising making a decision on what to start, and it creates a lot of pressure if you just focus on one subject. start several projects and then let one at least, come naturally to the fore.

#2 Explore a new genre ~ we're all guilty of doing it, we get good at one type of photography and start to get stuck in a rut. Whether it's landscapes, portraits or something else that's your main focus, it can do your creativity a world of good to try something completely out of your comfort zone.

#3 Start a photo blog ~ if you struggle to find motivation for a project, starting a photoblog could give you the focus you need. Knowing that there are people out there looking at your work and looking forward to seeing new photos, could be just what you need to get moving.

#4 Print off your best work~ let's face it, a good majority of our images end up languishing in a forgotten corner of our hard drives never to be looked at again. Why not make 2011 the year you finally get round to printing off your best work.

#5 Be inspired by the work of others ~ no matter what field of photography you're interested in, there's bound to be a photographer that inspires you. Carefully study the work of others by checking libraries for books and finding photography exhibitions to visit.

#6 Join a photography club ~ one of the easiest ways to get a regular dose of inspirational photography and critique of your own work is to join a photography club. As well as being a fantastic way to meet like minded individuals, you can also discuss ideas and compare techniques. Many also have specially organised events from professional photographers and the opportunities to join other members in holding exhibitions.

#7 Learn to critique your own photos ~ if you've stood outside in the elements for hours waiting for the exact right conditions for your photograph, you will have the tendency to believe it's the best you've ever taken. But a photograph should be able to stand up to viewing without you being there to relate the conditions you were in at the time. Consider if your images are composed with enough care? Are there any distractions in the scene that you should have spotted before you pressed the shutter release? Is it really how you wanted it to look? Although you're probably itching to check your photos on the same day you shot them, it will do your editing skills a favour if you don't. By giving yourself more breathing space you'll become more objective in your assessment.
 
#8 Enter competitions ~ one of the best things about entering competitions is it gives you the ability to measure what other people think of your photography.

#9 Create a photobook of your images ~ yes, time consuming if you want it to look good but well worth the time and effort.

#10 Promote yourself ~ why not challenge yourself to an exhibition at a local gallery, or create your own website.
 
 and me? well my project for 2011 is the Lensbaby......
 
Happy snapping! x