The 2013 photography project concluded

I started this blog to document my progress in trying to become a better photographer, showing the work and sharing what I learned along the way.

It’s been a fantastic year full of great experiences, new friendships and a passion found. I do think I‘ve succeeded in becoming a better photographer. I went from close to zero knowledge about exposure, focal lengths, my camera, post-processing, lighting, directing, and what makes a better photo, to being comfortable shooting in most settings or knowing where not to go with photography yet.

I owe a lot to Becky May, who ended up being something like a muse. I’ve lost count of how many shoots we’ve done together and every one of them added to my experience (thanks for the introduction, Nik).

With becky May

Here are a few things I’ve learned

1. Everything I heard about the Golden Hour is true, except that it lasts an hour.
2. Fashion & Beauty photography is my thing.
3. I love photographing architecture.
4. Rotterdam is my favourite city for architecture shots (so far).
5. London and I don’t get on when I carry my camera. I’d love to go to New York, San Francisco, Tokyo or Seattle.
6. They've got a bad rep, but I like lens flares and light leaks.
7. I actually only need one lens on outdoor shoots (Canon EF50mm f/1.4 USM).
8. I’d then use a second one for studio shoots (Canon EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM, usually on around 85mm, but I’d love to get a faster lens around this range.)
9. VSCO Film rocks.
10. It’s all about the eyes.
11. There’s no money in photography.
12. Always shoot in RAW.
13. You need a lot of storage space.
14. Different focal lengths and angles change face shapes.
15. I hate camera straps.
16. I still don’t like having my own picture taken.
17. You can achieve a lot through collaboration.
18. Pinterest is an amazing moodboarding tool.
19. I need at least another year devoted to photography.

And my list for 2014

1. More fashion shoots.
2. More models.
3. Find a way to incorporate my photography in my/a day job.
4. Learn how to do food photography.
5. Go on adventures with the camera.
6. Get into the water with the camera.
7. Learn how to do flash photography with multiple speedlights.
8. Visit some new cities with my camera.
9. Visit some new great landscapes with my camera.