I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season and are ready to take on 2011 with vigor! I know I am. Last year I started keeping track of my photographic goals in a public way. This verbalization and the resulting feedback and comments from friends and readers was very helpful to me. Besides, being creative is not a science and with support from friends and readers you can get a whole lot more from the process. So without further ado……..

1) Photograph more, a lot more! This will be difficult given my schedule but I think it is crucial for growing as a photographer. I see how much better I get with every click which inspires me to try new things. There is still much for me to learn and I know I can’t achieve more without shooting more.

2) Get Published!!! This goal really could be considered 1b. As of this writing I have 2 text – photo packages in the hopper and ready to go to magazines. I just need to decide which magazines will get the first submissions!

3) Attend at least one photographic workshop. Working with skilled professionals in any given discipline can only make you better. The same holds true with photography. Given that nature and wildlife photography is my thing, I find 2 benefits to attending workshops other than the educational aspect. First is the camaraderie and networking. Usually you meet several people that are in the same boat as you (whatever that boat may be) and who are always willing to share their knowledge. I have made some fantastic, time tested friends simply by attending workshops. Second is the “guide” aspect of the instructor. For the price of many of these workshops you get the instruction of a pro or pros as well as the advice of a travel guide, all for the same price. However, you must do your homework on workshops, they are not all equal. Make sure you are attending a workshop that is being taught by someone who likes to teach!

Glacier National Park is one of the best locations for a Wildlife/Nature Workshop I could have attended. The images above are both from Two Medicine, one before sunrise, one at sunrise. My next National Park stop will be Yellowstone in Winter!

4) Attend Photoshop World. I hope to be able to attend PSW in Orlando this spring. Maybe even get 2 days of bird photography in before the event!

5) Grow my photographic network. I have made a few friends in this great business but think I need to cast a wider net. Part of this problem is mine. I think I am very personable but I am a tough nut to crack. I don’t let too many into the shell, but when I do, I am ferociously loyal. Hopefully I will need a bigger shell when 2011 ends!

6) Enjoy every moment of everyday! I know this sounds funny and some are even wondering why this would be in a photographic goals list. Truth be told I am a championship level worrier. In this regard I can’t be beat. I was grey haired at 27! The reason this belongs on my list is that I don’t think I can get to the next level as a photographer and person unless I do this. It requires a “rewiring” of who I am, but it is never too late to try. Besides, it will make me a better father, husband and person as well as helping me as a photographer.

So thats my list, what do you think? And whats on your list for 2011?