From "Square Pegs" to Soaring Drones
My Quest for Intentional Photography in 2024
Confession of a Resident Drone Expert: I won a photo contest. And I'm fuming.
Not at the win (hey, trophy in hand!), but at myself. See, this wasn't just any contest. It was the 2023 Viewer Photo of the Year Awards, hosted by the man, the myth, the legend himself, Steve Carty. You know, the dude I moderate for, learn from, and yes, occasionally embarrass myself in front of his vibrant online community (The Carty Crew, represent!).
So, why the self-inflicted rage? Let's chalk it up to a six-month sabbatical that sucked the creativity right out of me like a rogue DJI Phantom through a wind tunnel. April to October were lost in the pursuit of a full-time job that ended up costing me more than it paid. Sure, I kept my motorsports videography humming, but my still photography, the stuff that feeds my drone-loving soul, went dormant. Hibernation mode, except without the cozy cave and ample snack stash.
That meant digging up mothballed photos from the year's first half for the contest. Entries I was once proud of, but now? Square pegs hammered into round holes of categories I hadn't truly planned for. There were contenders in my winning category I swore would eclipse my submission. Frankly, they probably should have. But hey, a win's a win, right? Right?
Wrong. This "victory" tasted like a slap in the face from my complacency. It woke me up and jolted me from the autopilot that had become my creative workflow. No more aimless droning around, waiting for inspiration to strike like lightning while I snack on stale chips in my PJs. 2024 is the year I ditch the square pegs and craft masterpieces, one category at a time.
Here's my master plan, fueled by the jet fuel of intentionality:
Embrace Carty's Photo Assignments: Every drone-worthy prompt the man throws out, I'm on it. Time to stretch my wings beyond the familiar aerial landscapes.
Contest Conquest: Beyond Carty's playground, I'm venturing into new photographic arenas. Time to test my mettle against diverse themes and push my skills beyond my comfort zone.
Project Runway (for Drones): No more random shoots. I'm crafting themed projects, giving my creativity a runway to take off and soar.
This isn't just about my personal redemption arc. It's about proving myself to the Carty Crew, the community that's been my online haven. Steve, your guidance has fueled my drone dreams, and I can't wait to see this community flourish. Thanks for being the wind beneath my propellers, man.
So, fellow photographers, what are your 2024 goals? Challenges you're tackling? Spill the beans in the comments below! Let's conquer them together, one shutter click at a time. Remember, intentionality is the key – ditch the square pegs, craft your masterpieces, and let's make this year a sky-high flight of photographic awesomeness!
This is my call to action, my invitation to a collaborative journey of growth. Let's lift each other, pixel by pixel, and make 2024 the year our photography truly takes flight.
Now, excuse me while I go dust off my drone manual and plot my course to photographic glory. Buckle up – it's gonna be a sky-high ride!
Congratulations on the win! Even if the real victory is getting a reality check about your own creativity and drive to actively pursue it, you still managed to do good work. Now, on to even better submissions next time!