2015: A Transition Year

Is the title to this post completely cliched? I guess for me it just happens to be true. Now that we are a couple days into the new year and I'm attempting to make some major plans for the business, I am thinking about what I accomplished for the business in 2015. To be honest, I don't feel like it was that much. I was transitioning - from a life in Melbourne Australia, to about 5 months of travelling to different special life events of friends and family, and finally to settling into our home in Whistler during mid December. Let me just say, trying to settle into a new life and set up shop is not a good plan 10 days before Christmas. Nothing gets done. Well, a lot of family time and love happens, and that's a top priority to me. But now... time to crack down and get on with it. I feel very ready to have things happen and start working in Canada. I'm actually quite excited about it. So after this post is done, it's time to stop looking back at what happened and move forward and focus on possibilities of what can be. And walk my dog. Always take breaks for dog walks.

Now I'm going to test myself and try and pick my favourite photo from last year. Maybe top 5. Ok let's be realistic, it'll be my favourite 10. In no particular order...

Why Photography?

I'm sure this is a question every photographer is asked, "why did you choose photography?" Heck, I'm sure everyone in any profession is asked why they went down the path to the career they have chosen. I'm not sure I've ever been able to give a good, solid, or coherent answer as to why I chose photography. I've always known it makes me happy. Even when I didn't realise it could be a career, taking photos made me happy. I also know I love producing images that have a nostalgic feel to them. I want to capture memories and moments, photos to look at and reflect upon, and hopefully even make you smile.

For the past 10-15 years, this time of year becomes quite reflective for me. I spend a lot of time sitting, listening to music (most likely City and Colour), and thinking. I think about what was happening in my life at this moment in 1999; I think about what was happening in my life during November and December in 2005; I think about the people I lost during those two years; I think about our friends and family that also lost those people; I think back to earlier times and the memories I still have; I wonder how life might have been different "if"; I think about missed times and times that will never be; and I hold onto any physical memories I have to help me remember. These physical memories include dried flowers, long-ago written notes and cards, perfume bottles, teddy bears, key chains, video snippets, and photographs.

Three days ago, my newest niece was born. At the hospital I snapped a couple photos on my phone. There are 2 photos that include baby, big sister, and mumma. They're a bit fuzzy (on account of trying to take them really quick in poor lighting), but when I look back on them, they capture a memory that I will want to hold on to for years.

This birth, and the anniversary of my mother's death, has made me realise why I love to take photos for other people. I want to provide them with memories that they can hold onto for years: a face or a place that takes them back. Back to wherever they want to go. Perhaps to a time they had forgot about. Perhaps to a place that is yet to be discovered. I just hope my viewers feel something and go to another place in their minds when they look at my photos. I hope I can provide you with a piece/memory/snippet to cherish and look back on fondly.

For today, that's the reason why I chose photography.

My mom and I. Not sure what year. '91? One of my most held onto photos because it's so us.

One of the photos from the hospital this week. This helped prompt my "why I chose photography" reflection.