This blog has always been a place for me to share my photography, my personal thoughts, my creativity, my journey in parenting (including being a mom to a child with special needs), my digital art, and everything in between. 2018 was a quiet year for me. I rarely picked up my camera and when I did, it was because of a family event or my Macro Mondays project. I shared those images even less than I shot them.
I’ll be the first to admit that I’m far too sensitive. When someone is critical, I take it as a personal failure. When someone hurts me, I retreat. I had both of those things happen in addition getting some well-intentioned feedback that I was too involved in my kids’ lives. I’ve missed writing, shooting, creating, and sharing. Even if no one else ever reads my words or looks at my images, I still want to create and share. I like the process and find it therapeutic for my mental and emotional well-being.
For 2019, I thought about doing another Project 52 (one photo a week) or a Project 365 in 52 where I shoot everyday but only share once a week. When I look back over the years, my favorite images are when I’ve done a P365 in 52, but the stress of the weekly editing and writing deadlines drove everyone crazy. I thought about continuing with Macro Mondays but often the themes just didn’t speak to me. I wanted the images to be meaningful, not just pretty pictures… so I ended up skipping a lot of weeks.
So what for 2019? I have a stack of unedited, unprocessed images from personal projects and many fun family events. Do I go ahead and finish those up and share them here? Do I start a new project? My website/blogsite desperately needs an overhaul. Even though I have the latest version of ProPhoto purchased and installed, I’m running a version that is three years old. I want to update my portfolios, organize my life, and get back to creating art that makes me happy. At this time, I have no definitive plan. I have some goals but it’s okay if I don’t meet them and it’s great if I do. I put too much pressure on myself.
So this post is my start for 2019. Happy New Year by the way! I’ve been going to the New Braunfels Photographic Society for over two years, a local photography club that meets once a month. I realized that I rarely shared any of the images that I shot for those monthly assignments so I’m going to change that. This month’s assignment was “Blue.” Initially I thought about doing something more abstract like feeling blue emotionally and maybe a self-portrait because I’ve been struggling with my weight and health. But instead I packed up my gear and headed to Canyon Lake Sunday evening for an Artist’s Date. Oh my gosh, I really enjoyed getting out and shooting. I hadn’t done that in over a year and it just fills up my soul. The blue sky and blue water made a beautiful picture.
Canyon Lake Marina
I took this near the Canyon Lake Marina, just down from the Baja Restaurant. I’d never been to this part of the lake before and the view was so pretty. A man brought his boat up to shore and then a heron took off just beside his boat… great timing! The sunset was exquisite.
Canyon Park Road
As I was heading home from the marina, it was nearly dark. I looked back over my shoulder near the end of Canyon Park Road and saw the last little bit of light hitting the water. I had to get the shot. I pulled off the road, turned off my car’s headlights, and got the tripod back out. It was worth stopping.
If you’ve read through this whole post, thank you. Thank you for always seeing beauty in the darkness and being a never-ending source of support to me and my family. I’m still not sure what photography projects I’ll be tackling this year but I do plan on writing a lot more and sharing more too. Here’s to wishing you a balanced and authentic 2019!
Thanks for looking!
