I’m really looking forward to 2018.

This year is the first year in about a decade that I’m not doing some kind of photo project. I’m not sure how long it will be before I miss the structure of a long project, but the freedom of a free-form photography year is calling to me.

I want to have days where I just don’t have to take a picture. I want to have days where I shoot 10 different pictures and get the chance to spend time learning how to do post-processing on them. I want to be able to be more creative with my shoots, not cram quick photos into days that seem impossibly busy.

Camera in hand, as always.

The last year has been a challenge for me, both in terms of coming up with ideas and in terms of decreasing motivation. The pressure and the forced nature of daily toy photography sucked out the joy. So for the next month, I’m planning on taking it easy photography wise. I won’t force myself to pick up my camera (but if inspirations strikes, then I’m there, of course!) I want the chance to breathe a little now that 2017 is over.

One year, 365 photos.

I’m hoping the break will rekindle the interest to pick my camera up and that it will allow me to do a little reflection on the year just gone. Some thinking about things is in order. I need to spend time looking back at what I learnt over the last year and how I can take that forward to improve my photography.

Of course, I first have to get through the first day of 2018 without taking a toy photo. As I sit and write this at 7:30pm on January 1st, I can’t help but feel that something is wrong. Like I’ve forgotten to do something fundamental to my day. My fingers are itching to pick up my camera and start all over again, even though I know how stressed out I’ve been about the project. Sense is prevailing though, and my brain is saying no. It really is time to take that break.

What are your plans for the year? Any projects you have decided to do? Any toy photography resolutions you want to share?

– Lizzi
Stepping on Bricks