2022 was an amazing year! Covid is largely behind us (I hope), and I was able to get out quite a bit to do both photography and videography. There was so much to be thankful for, but there was also some tragedy thrown in as my amazing aunt battled cancer and eventually lost the battle. I often think of the lyrics "...only the good die young." Anyway, as my mom always says, life goes on.
Running through the highlights of 2022, I was so grateful to finally get back to my annual Florida trip for bird photography. Next, being able to capture quite a bit more White-tailed deer images was a goal met. It seemed like generally, every goal for 2022 was met and then some.
Great, but what does 2023 look like?
Let's dive in with my top goals for 2023.
Photograph and Video Snow Geese and Tundra Swans in Pennsylvania
Despite living in the state of North Carolina, which offers some of the best Snow Geese photography in the east, I am turning northward to go to place in Pennsylvania to photography both the tundra swans and snow geese. This should be some time in February.
Travel to Florida to Photograph and Video Birds of all Types
So far, I have no reason to believe I will not be able to return to Florida. But, with such great options in Florida, will I look to the interior, (as I did this year) or go to the coasts to find birds as I normally do? So many options to choose from here!
Travel to Eastern North Carolina to Photograph Bald Eagles
Bald eagles are becoming more prevalent in eastern North America and so it is a bit easier to find them. Will they ever be as habituated as they are in Alaska to people? Only time will tell. I will be heading to eastern NC on several day trips to find and photograph these amazing birds.
Continue the Hummingbird Project
This probably goes without saying, but for the uninitiated, I will continue my project to photograph the ruby-throated hummingbird in more interesting ways.
Continue the Bluebird Project
Hit or miss defines the bluebird project. It all depends on nesting pairs visiting my nest box and weather they can truely defend against predators. If successfully nesting occurs, you can bet I will be there with my camera capturing flight shots and perching shots.
Additional Time Photographing and Videoing Local White-tailed Deer
Photographing local populations of white-tailed deer has become a mini-obsession with me. In 2022, I really went in heavily to find and capture images of these amazing creatures. This year, I would love to capture some video as well.
Release at least 3 YouTube videos per month
YouTube has become another outlet for my creativity. I am slowly learning how best to communicate with my audience and I truely hope that 2023 will be the year of amazing growth. Only you can help me with that one!
Release at least 1 News Podcast Episode per Month
Another type of podcast episode that I have been integrating more is the news oriented episode. Look for more of those in 2023.
Reach 1,000 Subscriptions on YouTube. Currently around 600.
1,000 subscriptions or subs as they are often called, is the base goal I have in YouTube. This number allows me to be monetized, so I can pay for more gear reviews and so forth.
Review at least 5 pieces of gear in 2023
Reviewing gear depends a lot on time and money. Without the support from folks like you, it makes it hard for me to do reviews on various pieces of gear. That is why my goal is so small for 2023.
Take More Macro Images
Macro photography is always an amazing genre of photography. From tiny objects around your home, to tiny insects in the wild. It is truly and underappreciated skill. I will most likely spend more time finding insects to photograph in 2023.
HOW CAN YOU HELP IN 2023?