Come on 2026!!
I just looked back at my 2024 wrap up post from last December to see what I had planned for 2025. Nothing surprising at all, and as usual, there were a few goals I did not meet, but I am okay with that. I also didn't travel as much as I had wanted to, Arizona and Utah in March, and then nothing. No work trips at all, none. The travel and a few goals I fell short on was a bit disappointing, but my year in photography and education was not.
The biggest goal I had for the year was to have 15 photos place in the local photo club's monthly themed competitions. I managed to hit 14 through November, and then had 4 photos place in the End of the Year Celebration, which I am going to call that a met goal. I did not create a photography book either. One of these days it will be done, for now, I think it requires more attention and effort than I can give.
For 2026, I want 20 photos to place over the course of the year. I also want to eclipse Silver and Gold levels. With 27 points needed for that, it will be a battle but I am up for the challenge.
As much as I wanted to be out all the time photographing, I also recognized the need continue to develop my editing skills. Which I have. I have purchased more coursework this year, than any other year. And while I can't see any of my photos showing drastic changes, I can see them getting better over the years. I have a few courses I have yet to start, and a few I need to revisit. 2026 is likely going to be another year of editing growth.
The editing growth has been vital for my prints. I bought a Canon Pro-310 and have been printing quite a bit. A solid edit and knowing what kind of paper to print on has been huge. Printing my photos is a newfound passion and love. It’s so rewarding to see the work on paper. I can’t believe it took me this long to buy a printer. No going back now!
As far as my next trip. I have signed up for a Lofoten Islands of Norway trip with Stuart McGlennon in March. The plan is to visit friends in Scotland for a few days before the trip, and then fly back to Scotland for a day or so on the return to the US. I have a Kauai trip in the cards for next year too for work, and then I hope I can have another weeklong trip somewhere, but it may be complicated by the lack of PTO. Keep reading...
On the personal front, an odd circumstance with my current company has caused me to have to shift to a new company at the beginning of the year. It wasn't ideal, and absolutely unwanted, yet the new company is going to be an upgrade. Same job, same desk, different company. A bit more pay and far better benefits. And on the health front, some biomarkers over the past few years have been creeping up to close to out of range, and I cannot have that. My diet is fairly clean, I lift weights 3-4 times a week, and I run 10-12 miles a week. Beer is the only thing I can see not benefitting me in any way. So it must go.
With all of that said, I think it is time to sign off for the year. It wasn't as prolific as 2024, but it was a great year regardless. And I feel like 2026 is going to be really good as well. Until next time, Happy 2026!