The End is Nigh! (of 2011).. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

So 2011 is drawing to a close and I must say rather happy with 2011 as far as my photography goes; alot of fun firsts and I feel like I advanced a good bit skill wise, I think that is the most important thing in life .. to keep moving forwards and bettering yourself.  

In 2011 I:

1. Took my 1st shots that will be used in a published book
2. Had a shot on a billboard all across town
3. Won my first physical award for a shot from last year
4. Did my first really significant sales of prints 
5. Helped more people with Xmas cards than ever before; i'd consider that my 1st seasonal promotion

In the real world as with most of the population my real goal is to shrink that waist line but this is more for photography things so ...

In 2012 I will:

1. FINISH Project 365:  I've tried this a number of times but never made it all the way this year I WILL!
2. Take a Trip up to photograph Waterfalls in the blue-ridge parkway (after the snow melts)
3. Go to a Hot Air Balloon Festival
4. Sell at least 1 print as a "artistic print"
5. Develop a more concrete pricing plan including a solid digital distribution model.
6. Join PPA and attended at least 1 big photography event.
7. Run at least 1 promotion per quarter (I'm thinking Valentine's Day, Easter, Halloween, Xmas)

Anyways.. HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!! Make 2012 a awesome year!! :)

James Island Holiday Festival of Lights 2011

This year was my first trip to the James Island "Holiday Festival of Lights"in Charleston SC; and I must say it's a very impressive display.  I had the good fortune to have some of my local friends be my driver so I could ooo and awww at the display and try to grab some shots; next year I'll have to go back and walk the whole course it's REALLY big!

Lots of animation and a whole Christmas Village!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

I hope everyone has a fantastic Christmas Weekend! I look forward to having a good time with family and friends, and probably eating way to much ... and taking tons of pictures! :)

PotD: Rainbows in the Night Sky

Rainbows in the Night Sky

Shot info: 1/10 second, f 5.6 ISO 1600 Tamron 17-50 on 7D

I shot this at Swan Lake in Sumter, SC; I sat the camera on the ground and shot up; sort of shooting blind but i think it worked well... I'm glad they had a rainbow one this year I've always preferred the multi-colored to the white or solid 1 color strings.  They really do put on a good show.

Riverbank Zoo's Lights Before Christmas

This was the first time I've been to photograph the Riverbank Zoo's Lights Before Christmas, I must say it was a very impressive display! Parking is a little tricky but once your in it's great; I think if I had a kid i would def make it a yearly ritual.  Also I saw an ANGRY BIRDS TREE!!!

I also got a shot of a carousel which i have been wanting to get a good one to for awhile now... overall lots of fun!

PotD: Marshmallow Roast

Marshmallow Roast

Shot Info:  1/125, f 2.8 ISO 800 with 17-50mm tamron on the 7D

Another Shot from Riverbanks, they have massive fire-pits for kids to roast marshmallows; that's a very cool feeling that really suits the winter spirit.  Makes me want to go camping!

Swan Lake Christmas Lights 2011

 Swan Lake Iris Gardens' Festival of Lights is one of my favorite Christmas Light Displays, I like to try to visit every year; this year was excellent as always; I even got a chance to walk around a bit earlier and test out a new lens on some of the birds; they are always great subjects to get a feel for a new piece of gear.

Anyways I think i got some shots I was happy with!