2013 was a less than stellar shooting year for me. I didn’t pick up my camera as much as I wanted to, I didn’t try too many new things, and up until the last few months, I really hadn’t done much work I was proud of.
Now, I’m not one for resolutions or anything like that, but I do love giving myself missions.
In 2014 I am going to shoot more and better photos. I am going to challenge myself to shoot subjects I’m not comfortable with. I am going to experiment as much as possible and learn whatever I can to be a better photographer.
Those missions in mind, I decided to act on some thoughts of what my first photos of 2014 could be. I have really enjoyed looking up at the night sky where I am living these days, there is something so refreshing about actually being able to see stars. Combining this joy with the interest I have in photography, it became clear what my next step was going to be.
After ringing in the new year with friends, I decided to take advantage of the clear night skies and take a shot at doing some night sky photography. Shooting at 3 in the morning, it was cold and every ten to thirty-second exposure felt like an eternity, but I am pleased with the results.
I know things are off, I know there are ways for me to shoot this better, and I know these are nowhere near the most beautiful starry sky photos people have ever seen… but it’s my first try at it. I’m going to shoot more of these, I’m going to experiment, and I’m going to get better.
For me, 2014 is about getting back in the lab, rediscovering endless wonders, experimenting with things I have and haven’t tried before, taking risks, and hopefully doing some of the best work of my life (so far).
I’m ready to shoot for the stars in 2014.
Shot with my Nikon D600 with Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 24-85mm f/2.8-4D IF.