Bob Crum

Well, here we go, ready or not, tumbling into 2019. No better time to take a deep breath and think about what kind of photographer we all want to be in 2019. I have paused to do just that. Always a good idea to reevaluate and consider new challenges. You know, for motivation, to keep the creative juices flowing.

Santa brought you a new camera (smartphones don't count) for Christmas because I told him that you've been a good, faithful reader all year long. Or, you took the loot Santa left you in the stocking and you dashed out and bought one. I am so proud of you! After studying the owner's manual, you're wondering what to do with this wonderful creative tool. Right?

There are many genres of photography to entertain your fancy. In the meantime, let's get back to the subject of photo projects. On the Olympus photography website, Mike Boening wrote: “To begin let’s explore why you might want to build a photo project. Maybe you have been looking for a new challenge in your photography, or an adventure. Some people start a project to get them out of a creative rut. In either case, starting a project can help with any of these things and more. Photo projects can lead to you discovering more about yourself, and what types (genres) of photography motivate you. Maybe there is a place you don’t go often, the city or the country, and you would like to know more. These are great places to start.” The idea is not to park the camera in a closet!

Many photography educators propose a 365-day project as I did in my last column. Boening pens: “In a 365-day project you take one photo a day consecutively for 365 days. This is a very challenging project and one that can lead to much discovery, but also one that involves much commitment. Maybe you can select one item outdoors from your home and take a picture of it for 365 days straight and watch it through the seasons, or maybe you select another item or items at random with some meaning like things people use to get their day going? It’s up to you but be prepared because taking at least one image for every day of the year can be a challenge.” Indeed, but think of the rewards!

Shooting a photo every day is too daunting you say? I get that. Then how about a 52-week project? Quoting Boening again: “This one, like the 365 Day Project, can be what you want it to be but you only take an image once a week for a year. This one is selected more often by those who are just starting a photo project for the first time. You also can put more thought into how you capture the images you will be taking.” Easy to do folks! So how many up for a 52-week project? Anyone?

The photo of the week is another rose. Wait! There's a good reason. I'm experimenting with a new photo editing program: PhotoLab from DxO. Hence, I needed a similar subject to do a comparison test. With Bug taking the day off, I needed a new actor for this shoot. The talent agency whose motto is: To bee is to be; sent me Sir Bee. Can you imagine the challenge teaching a bee to land on the rose, stand still and pose? Ahhh... another challenge vanquished!

BTW, did you notice the photo of the week data? Harsh dazzling sunlight, bright highlights and a fast flying bee required some quick and extreme camera settings. C'est la vie!

Send suggestions, comments and/or questions to: focusonphotography@earthlinknet