Thursday, December 29, 2011

a fresh new year


It's that time of year again. Whether you are a resolution-maker or not, there's something about the end of one year and the start of a fresh one that gives us all pause. It's a time to reflect. To embrace the ups and downs of the past. An opportunity to look forward to what the future might hold.

What do you see on your horizon in 2012?

Some of your hopes and dreams may be deep, private, soulful, life-changing aspirations. While others may be on the lighter, simpler, or more practical side. If you are here reading this, chances are that you dabble in a bit of photography. I always love to hear what photo-challenges people set for themselves this time of year. Are you going to commit to shoot in full manual mode in 2012, or maybe pick up and dust off that old film camera? Perhaps you are going to attempt a 365 project, or a year of feet, benches or fences on flickr.

Last year I set a goal for myself to take 52 self-portraits in 52 weeks. As I look back, I am amazed by how I transformed from someone who wasn't sure I'd even be able to step to the other side of the lens, to someone who has come to enjoy the practice so much that I'm challenging myself to do it again in 2012. Shooting and editing these images has opened a door to creativity and self-expression inside me that I thought was closed forever a long time ago. From the looks of her collection, I think Lady Miss Elle enjoys the art of self-portraiture too.

I invite you all to share your ideas for your journey in 2012 with us today--be it photographic or otherwise. Sometimes it helps to say it out loud (I find it motivating!)

See you all in the new year!
 ~christy {urban muser}

P.S. I'd love to have you join me in my 2012 self-portrait project! If you think you might be interested, visit me here.

355 | 365

355 | 365 by lady miss elle

13 comments:

Barbara said...

I haven't thought about a photo challenge for next year yet - but these shots are so inspiring - wonderful!

Jessie said...

No thoughts about next year yet. I did my own 52 weeks of selfies last year and maybe will join you. Towards the end of the year it was hard I am not going to lie. I missed a few weeks too. I do love the inspiration from a group though. Happy 2012!

Holly ~ Soupatraveler said...

Oh Christy! I love this post!!! It has me thinking all kinds of things! I'm just finishing up a 365 and am in the middle of a #fromwhereistand project myself...with no particular end date in sight! I'm also in the middle of a 52 Weeks of BAM self-portrait project, but I'm thinking its time to set some concrete goals for my photography as well...learning all the functions on my camera! Or at least trying to learn some more! Thanks for the push : )

Anna said...

Hi Christy, I'm just back from a Xmas vacation, so I'm starting to think about plans for the year. Lots of plans :) Photography-wise, I'm going to work on some personal photo books. It's fun planning them out!
Thanks for all the wonderful photos and inspiration that you share at MM!!!
I so enjoy it all!
Wishing you a wonderful 2012!

Jo Murray said...

I've joined up.... wonder where this challenge will take me?

Unknown said...

What a beautiful post. I love the two photos you chose and of course your words. I'm still trying to figure something out for the new year. I did a 365 project in the past and don't want to commit to something so time-consuming right now, and I'm not up for doing self-portraits regularly right now. I have to come up with something new.

blue elephant photography said...

love both photos! happy new year!

Wendy T. said...

wonderful post! I've been thinking about a photo project for the coming year...nothing figured out yet, but still musing on it :)

Kirstin said...

I love this Christy. Your self-portraits have been quite the most amazing journey of self-discovery and I look forward to seeing more!
As for my projects...I have too many to mention, you know me! x

christina said...

a wonderful post! such beautiful photos, as well.
xo

barefoot mama said...

love....

Elle Hanley said...

thank you so much for featauring one of my images!! :) my 365 was a great challange and I wish all those beginning one lots of luck and inspiration~

happy new year

Elle

Anonymous said...

Beautiful self portrait and I adore your processing!

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