42
B+W
19
15
Organise your files and folders, starting with the most recentIf you receive
negative feedback,
take it on the chin13
Liberate
your files
Choose 10 of your favourite
images and get them printed.
If you don’t have the space, or
money, to invest in a printer and
some inks send the files to an
expert (try theprintspace.co.uk)
and prepare your wall space
for their arrival.14
Become a
storyteller
Producing one knockout image
is not easy, but producing
a series of shots that
communicate a story, yet work
independently, is even harder.
Take on the challenge and tell
a story without words.15
Go with
the flow
If your digital workflow comprises
downloading a memory© bikeriderlondon/Shutterstock© Franck Boston/Shutterstockcard to your computer and then
renaming the folder, you need to
get organised. Intuitive software
such as Adobe Lightroom will
allow you to be consistent in
your saving and sorting, while
also offering great editing tools.
Start with your most recent
pictures and work backwards.16
Retain your
copyright
Much has been written about
‘orphan works’ (files whose
authorship is uncertain) in
recent years but you can make
it harder for companies to use
your work without consent
by adding your contact details
to the metadata. Spend
a few weeks protecting
your collection.17
Take fewer
pictures
If your camera hasn’t seen the
light of day for 10 years then,
obviously, your resolution
should be to take more
photographs. For most of us,
though, the reverse is true.
Imagine your camera is loaded
with a roll of film, offering just 36
frames, and then adjust your
mindset accordingly.18
Get it right
in camera
Before post-processing
programs like Photoshop came
along photographers took great
pride in getting everything right
before releasing the shutter.
For one month pretend that you
can’t correct exposure, white
balance and saturation after
the event. You might be
surprised at the results.19
Take it on
the chin
Accepting criticism can be hard,
but when the comments are
genuinely constructive, there’s
much to be gained. If you receive
a negative remark from a trusted
friend or colleague try not to be
defensive, just ask yourself
what can be learnt from their
observation. This year, practise
responding rather than reacting.20
Tackle social
media
If you want your photography
to provide you with an income,
however modest, you need an
online presence. Don’t join
every networking site – pick
two (try Facebook and Twitter)
and post comments regularly.
After a few months use an
analytics program to measure
your success.©heromen30/ShutterstockImagine^ your^ camera^ is^loadedwith^film17
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