21 Essential and achievable photography goals for 2021

Before you start making a bunch of new year resolutions or that big vague photography goal of “mastering your camera”. I’d love to invite you to spend a few minutes thinking about what it would look and feel like to be successful in your photography goals this year. Photography should be a passion, something you find relaxing and empowering. There’s nothing more satisfying than loading you photos onto the pc and relishing in the fruits of your labour.

Going from mindless snaps like this one.

To mindful master pieces that make you smile.

Time for some brutal honesty with yourself…

21 Photography goals to start you going this year

Create a photo wish list

Everyone should have something or someone they want to achieve. The northern lights have been on photo wish list for a while now, and I’ll achieve it one day. In the mean time I learn what I need so I’m ready when they come.

Learn a new photography technique

Here at The Academy we believe it’s never too late to learn. I’ve been a professional photographer for over 6 years now and I love learning something new each year. This year, I’m mastering night photography, can’t wait to get those all important night skies.

Visit the photography show and try something new

I love the annual photography show at the NEC and with everything going on. Virtual summits have become more and more important. It’s always inspiring to see what other photographers are focusing on and the projects they’re working on. Here’s just a couple to get you started:

• German photo festival Biennale für aktuelle Fotografie is offering virtual tours
• Jessica Silverman’s ISAAC JULIEN is well worth a look.
• PHMuseum show’s various exhibitions.
• Google arts & culture have over 38,000 photos galleries to inspire you.
• Circulations festival of young photographers is awesome

Organise your photos

Yes, everyone should have a system for all those digital files and while this is not the sexiest of projects, it’s an essential one. (It can also be really nice to flick through old photos you’ve probably forgotten all about)

Print your work

Everyone should do this more frequently than we do. Finding that favourite image of the week, the month and printing it. There’s something about the process that completes the whole concept.

Complete a Photo challenge

Whether you’re feeling daring or want something a little simpler. The 52 week photo challenge is great for those who want to explore photography, from learning new techniques, to stretching their creativity. Having a weekly prompt is a great way to push yourself.

Master a piece of gear

There’s nothing quite like having a new piece of gear or even renting some from the local gear store, and dedicating some time to just that one piece of gear. Wex Photos have a great rental system.

Try photoing new locations

Especially with everything that’s happening at the moment. I’ve been taking to opportunity to explore new places around us. You know that park you drive past and say you’ll pop to one day. Well todays the day. Don’t forget that locations have a very different feel at different times and different seasons.

Learn an editing software

Learning all the different aspects of an editing software is daunting for anyone. I still don’t every tool in Photoshop, but I do love learning a new aspect of the software each year. I simply choose something cool to learn and get started.

Use your photos to create personalised gifts

You’ve spent so much time creating beautiful photos, make sure you share them with your loved ones. There’s nothing worse than seeing people store their photos on a hard drive where no one can appreciate them. Need some inspiration? Check out my favourite DIY Photo Gifts here

Learn a different style of lighting

There’s no photography without light, so learning a new style of lighting can open up a new part of the photography world. Maybe you’ve been struggling to control natural light or want to finally master artificial lighting for once the kids are in bed.

Join a photography community

It’s always nice to share thoughts and ideas with like minded people, but best of all it’s great when these are local to you so you can truly appreciate each other when things settle down.

Personal photo project

Photography is a great way to show change, growth or simply document the moments. Trying a self portrait series to show who you really are, or a day in the life series are all way to expand your creativity and understanding of yourself.

Same location – different times

This is a favourite of mine, and a great way to document how things change but don’t all that the same way. Great for a year long project.

Learn creative photography

Isn’t all photography creative? yes, but I have a branch of the 52 week challenge called creative photography for those who want to learn so more advance creative photography like oil and water, photoelasticity, multiple exposures, free lensing, zoom exposures, light painting, free lensing, frozen bubbles etc. These are great mini projects for intermediate and advance photographers as they require a basic understanding of photography and specific gear.

Shoot film

Time to make you more mindful. Limiting yourself to shot film, makes you think more about the type of film you want to shoot on, and the settings you should use. It’s ridiculously easy to use 36 shots, and when it costs to develop them. The anticipation is a killer. Did you get the shot or not?

Photo contests

For me personally this is still the scariest photography goal. Submitting your photos for judgement is hard, but its a great way to push your skill. Check out these photo competitions, they even have kids ones so the whole family can get started.

Make a video presentation of your best photos

I love sending these to grand parents, especially when its been a while since they saw the kids. I normally do this my little Jack. He picks the best photos from our adventures and a song and then emails it to his grandma, so that she’s caught up on everything. It’s so easy to do straight from your phone.

Find a mentor

Mentors can be a blessing, if you struggle to see the path. So many people claim to not be creative enough, or simply feel overwhelmed with where to start. That’s when having a simple chat with someone who’s already pushed through all the mess and found the way can help clarify your learning path.

“If the plan doesn’t work, change the plan. Never the goal”

Robyn

Photo journal

Write a summary of what you were trying to achieve, who, what and where you were? What happened and why? Is a great way to learn from your photos and find your style especially when you take the time to look back and see what you did and how you can improve it.