As the year 2023 draws to a close, it's time to take a moment to reflect on the journey, the lessons learned, and the exciting ventures that unfolded. For me, this year was marked by a decision to go all in on my passion for photography, transition to professional status, launch a website, and delve into various creative outlets. Here's a recap of what 2023 taught me and what lies ahead in 2024.

Going Pro and Website Launch:

After 32 years in corporate management, I took a leap of faith, deciding to turn my passion for landscape photography into a full-fledged business. It was a bold move, driven by the belief that if I didn't seize the opportunities I had already cultivated, I might look back with regret. The decision coincided with the creation of my long-overdue website. The process of building it was not only rewarding for finally taking the step but also because of the approach – it wasn't just for me; it was meant to be a resource for fellow photographers. The website now serves its purpose, housing blogs about my adventures and showcasing images that had long been confined to my hard drive. This exercise revealed not only the beauty of my past work but also showcased my growth as a photographer over the years.

While the podcast took a bit of a back seat in 2023, the episodes released garnered positive feedback and chart-topping success. The challenge lies in finding the right balance between solo monologues and engaging conversations. The plan for 2024 is to rekindle the passion for podcasting, sharing insights, knowledge, and perhaps a bit of humour. If you've missed any of the 174 episodes in the back catalogue, they're a treasure trove of photography wisdom, inspiration, and entertaining conversations.

Guidebooks, Books & Writing for Fstoppers:

The joy of the writing process became a highlight of 2023. The release of eight photography location guides received a warm reception, connecting with photographers who found value in discovering new locations. Additionally, a concept that had been brewing for years came to fruition with the launch of "The Alphabet of Landscape Photography Volume I." Joining the Fstoppers team halfway through the year as a staff writer was both rewarding and challenging. The focus was not just on gear but on the emotions, memories, and life lessons that photography can evoke.

Collaborations reached exceptional heights in 2023, bringing together some of the best in the business. Hosting Gavin and Amanda, followed by a visit from Michael Shainblum, Mads, and Nigel, turned weeks into a whirlwind of creativity, learning, and exploration. The collaborations not only energized but also brought in new subscribers, and I'm excited about future endeavours with these talented individuals.

Workshops:

Answering the long-standing request for workshops, I took the plunge in 2023, offering one-to-one sessions and group workshops. The joy of witnessing participants' smiles as they capture stunning shots has made teaching a highly rewarding experience. I'm grateful to those who chose me as their tutor in 2023 and look forward to meeting more photography enthusiasts in 2024.

This year welcomed a new addition to the channel – a big, nimble red camper van. What started as a pipe dream became a reality, allowing for more adventures on the road. A game changer in regards to time out in the landscape and one that if you can invest in one, do it. This addition promises exciting possibilities for future content and exploration.

Bad Conditions STILL Don't Exist:

As the year comes to a close, the philosophy remains unchanged – bad conditions don't exist. The upcoming year holds promises of continued teaching, writing, content creation, and exciting projects. Most importantly, it's about enjoying the photography community and connecting with subscribers, friends, and supporters who have made this journey worthwhile.

Conclusion:

In closing, a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported commented, shared, purchased books, attended workshops, and been a part of this incredible journey in 2023. Your continued support means the world, and I'm eager to share more adventures, insights, and creativity with you in 2024 and beyond. Here's to another year of growth, learning, and capturing the beauty of the world through the lens of passion.

Wishing you all a fantastic year ahead!

Reflecting on 2023: A Year of Growth, Challenges, and New Adventures in Photography