Usually this time of year thoughts turn to resolutions and goals for the coming year.  They’re nice to think of and plan for but I’m thinking more of the past year.  I’m looking back on my photography accomplishments and things I wish I had done.  Happily, for me the list of accomplishments far outweighs what I haven’t done.  I’m not going to make a list of either here in this column, but I can offer a few observations that helped with the accomplishments:

• Photographically I am taking fewer pictures per photo shoot, but they’re better.  I’m shooting with much more intention by paying attention to composition and exposure before releasing the shutter.  When on the street I’m waiting for a scene to develop rather than shooting like a maniac when I see something happen.

• The best way to shoot with intention is to create a limitation on a photo shoot.  Choose one camera and one lens or choose only one focal length for the day.  Or use only a phone camera or only shoot with film.  Overcoming limitations will make you more creative.

• Set a theme before randomly taking pictures.  The theme could be anything you think of.  Perhaps only doll faces if in an antique store or people riding bicycles while on a photo walk.  You will miss some pictures with this limitation but it’s also an opportunity to go back and set a new limitation.

• Create projects from your photos.  Rather than continuously take more pictures allocate some time to reviewing your previous photos with the goal of creating a project.  A project could be a pdf book, hard copy printed book, gallery show, digital presentation accompanied with music or any number of different things.  Keywording pictures using Lightroom or equivalent will help you find themes for photo projects.

• Join a group of photographers on a photographic outing and stay close to them.  Observe what others see as picture worthy.  Even if you don’t want to take that picture you will to slow down and observe the scene with your own point of view.

• Photography is an art that can draw inspiration from other arts.  Read, write, listen to music, see plays or movies, and go to museums to see other forms of art.  The more well-rounded your art life is the better your photography will become.

The key to these observations is to look back at the year, slow down and enjoy the process of photography.  Life moves fast so rather than set the drive on high speed continuous I suggest taking some time to focus, compose, click, wind and repeat only when the conditions of light, subject and timing align.  In the meantime, review and enhance.