Set A Goal. It’s a MUST!
I cannot emphasize the importance and benefit of setting goals, both personally and professionally. This post is about the goal that begin the journey I’ve been on as a photographer. Over a decade ago, I set the goal to go back to school and take all my photography education (film and darkroom) and update it for the digital world. And so I ventured for several months to live in Missoula Montana attending the Career Intensive program at Rocky Mountain School of Photography. To say intensive is an understatement. Three months covered what most universities cover in 4 year program. It was incredible and I will always sing RMSP praises - the instructors, the program and all my classmates who became some very dear colleagues and friends. Goal #1 completed. Check!
ANTELOPE CANYON series exhibit
And that’s where my journey as a fine arts photographer began with Goal #2. I wanted to capture a strong fine art photograph specifically with travel and if I could do that, I’d pursue fine art. Let the planning begin. The goal and dream was to capture Antelope Canyon. I know, hefty goal. But as I always say “go big or go home” applies to me as well ;) After much planning and setting course to do the The Grand Circle Road Trip, I finally made the stop in Page Arizona. Just minutes away from Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon. And here I was, finally at the destination after months of planning and weeks of driving thousands of miles, only to be welcomed by snow that morning! WAIT - WHAT? Nothing ever goes according to plan. As fate would have it, the snow stopped and we got clearance to hike down into the slot canyons. Once there, I learned another valuable lesson - can’t control the weather! Yes, the lighting was terrible in the belly of the canyon and after several minutes of huffing and puffing and pouting (it’s not just for toddlers you know!), I decided to put my big girl panties on and just sit and appreciate the opportunity of being in this magical place. I sat for several minutes taking in all the curves and details throughout the slot canyon. And then, magic happened. The sun came out and shined its light through the tiny crack in the earth and brought that slot canyon aglow. Fortunately I had that time to learn the details of the canyon so when I had this brief moment of magical light, me and my camera were ready.
That day was the beginning of my fine arts photographic journey and it’s been an amazing ride thus far. What I learned that day I carry with me always and I thought I’ll share my lessons with you. Here’s the cliff notes version.
Set a goal.
Plan. But stay flexible as very seldom things go according to plan. Some of the best things are happy “accidents”. They are a positive.
Be in the moment. Take it all in. Don’t spend all the time behind the viewfinder. Take some time away from the camera as well.
Celebrate. Big goals, little goals…all are worth celebrating especially because they required commitment, dedication and effort.
Reflect on how this achieved goal is the stepping stone for the next goal. Remember it’s a journey which you will want to continue to be on for growth.
As for the images I got that day, they were the first I added to my fine arts photography portfolio and I share with you here. AGLOW in ANTELOPE CANYON, CHIEFS HEAD and SUNBEAMS were the first ones captured and therefore part of my limited series to document the moment in my journey. All the images you now see in my gallery are from the goals that followed. So remember, set a goal and enjoy the adventure of achieving it. I guarantee you won’t regret pursuing it…you will regret never having started it. Happy Journeys!
