Keeping it in balance for 2012
1— Read your manual: Knowing your camera’s capabilities will pay huge dividends in the field. I don’t know many surgeons that are cramming in the last minutes before they’re about to performing operation. Sure, a slightly dramatic example, but you get my point. If you’re going to get the most out of your equipment then you need to know it’s limits. Quick quiz: How do you set your camera on aperture priority? How do you change your AF focus point? How do you set your exposure compensation? How do you set your camera on shutter speed priority? Where’s the mirror up function? If any of these questions stumped ya, then it’s time to review your manual. If you’re relatively new to photography then consider buying a book to supplement your manual. I’m of course very partial to the Snapshots to Great Shots series 
2 — Become a post processing expert: The dirty secret behind many of the images that you step back and say, “Wow, how did they do that?” is simply… there’s been some amount of post processing magic applied. I’m not saying you need to enroll in your community college to become a Photoshop Voodoo doctor. Instead, dedicate some time this next year to learning more about your favorite post processing application, whether that be Photoshop, Lightroom, Aperture or Adobe Elements. Seminars, online training and photography workshops are great ways to learn, but for those of you who enjoy having hard copy, then here are my suggestions:
3 — Step outside your comfort zone: I like to think of myself as a landscape/travel photographer, but at the end of the day I’m nothing more than a photographer who specializes in landscapes and travel. I’ve had very little interest in other forms of photography, but last year I challenged myself to learn more about HDR photograpahy. I’m not a huge fan of HDR, nor am I looking to become the next Trey Ratcliff. With that said, my journey to learn more about HDR uncovered a world of new techniques which I’ve blending in with my own style of photography. It was a helpful reminder that sometimes you need to push yourself outside of your bubble to have one of those a-ha moments.
4 — Add flash to your photography: I’ll be the first to admit that learning how to use a flash correctly can be a bit overwhelming. For many of us, the mantra, “I strictly use natural light” was code for “I don’t know how to use my flash!” Knowing when and how to use your flash can elevate your work to the next level. I realize not everyone is as comfortable with small flash as Joe McNally, but here are a few resources that might make you feel better:
5 — Personal Projects: We all need something that motivates us to push our creative vision. Select a personal project that is near to your heart and elevates your creative energy in the New Year. This year I decided to take on a Chicago Portrait Project to keep my creative vision alive. You need to make time for your projects because as Jack Torrance would say, “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”… 
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Great advice John! I’m doing #3, #4, and #5 this year. Last year I tried to do #1 but didn’t make much headway I think because I learn by doing. The manual was a really good reference. As for #2, that is going to take me a long time but I keep chipping away at it.
Sabrina,
Happy New Year. I always remind myself it’s a marathon not a sprint. My goal is just to get a little fast towards the finish line but that darn line keeps moving…;)
Thank you for the tips, I see a lot of useful information I could use
Anyes,
Happy New Year and thanks for stopping by the blog…John
Great tips! #1 – Why bother when P (for professional) is an option… only kidding! I do this but I do it selectively. Usually I know what I want to do and read only that section. Most cameras are reasonably intuitive for the basic functions. #2 – Far from an expert but I am constantly working on this and picking up new techniques. #3 – Always trying to do this. Last year was my portrait year. I learned a lot! This year might be my street photography year??? #4 – Started doing this last year as well. Quite a steep learning curve. So much so that I am considering reworking my blog to show some of my early (and current [groan...]) disasters and discuss what went wrong. #5 – Need to do more of this. Still looking for a good, solid project for this year. Oh, and Happy New Year!
Aaron,
Happy New Year to you and your family. I like your idea for your blog. Vulnerability and transparency sandwiched between a little humility are some of my favorite ingredients to a good blog post…;)
wonderful blog post … i think we all need help putting together that “to do” list for improving (me especially … i often find it the most difficult step)! thank you for sharing & all the best in 2012!