last days of the year

Who’s ready to bring in a brand new year? It’s been a roller coaster of a ride this year, but we are at the head of the line-up for the new year. This gives us a chance to reflect and reinvent, a cause for optimism, and an opportunity to gain an understanding from all that we’ve ridden this past year.

I recently read this quote, “If you want to succeed, you should strike out on new paths, rather than travel the worn paths of accepted success.” by John D. Rockefeller. It immediately struck me because it parallels how I’ve been thinking since embarking on my photo project. I’ve noticed, especially on Instagram, a lot of photographers tend to copy or try to mimic the types of photos that others take. For instance, how many photos have you noticed of people holding cups of coffee, or selfies of toes, or photos that have had a matte applied, or … You get what I mean.

Don’t be afraid to be different. Do it. Be different. Be you. Be the amazing, unique, and unable-to-put-in-a-box you! {And please don’t compare yourself, your art, your results in whatever you do/say, to that of others. Just be YOU.

Just as this year of the pandemic has forced us to strike out on new paths and new ways of doing things, I’m also planning to do the same photographically — and in life — in 2021. I think it’s refreshing that we’ve had to become more creative in how we ‘interact’ or carry out many of the activities we used to take for granted. Although the most important lesson of all during the pandemic is likely the simple fact that many of us have realized just how important family, friends, and a simple life are to our well being.

And so now as we shuffle our way to the beginning of the line to step into 2021 …Thank YOU for all the times you’ve dropped by, left a note, shared a story, or even asked to buy a photo. Your notes and stories often make my day, other times they inspire me, and always leave me feeling grateful for your presence. And I hope you will follow me as I jog away from that queue for the roller coaster and I bounce gleefully into 2021.

{Oh and a little PS: don’t forget to get some of your favourite family photos printed.}