One year ago, I made a list of goals for 2011. I didn't call them resolutions, because I actually wanted to take them seriously (and my resolutions, usually made whilst enjoying too much champagne with good friends, never result in much anyway).

I didn't achieve all of the goals on my list - Ouchy. I accomplished some things that I was barely letting myself dream about a year ago (and thus did not make the 2011 goals list). The list taught me a lot and kept me accountable to myself. Thank you to those who checked in and asked how some of these were coming along - you're awesome.

I'm actually looking forward to sitting down (with a glass of wine, because that's a responsible list-making drink) and making my list of goals for 2012.

But first! ... A review of 2011

First, the Good News: (completed goals)

2nd shoot (be a second photographer for) a wedding with a photographer whose work I really admire/look up to.
Actually, this year (hear my bragging voice?), I've gotten to 2nd shoot for LOTS of amazing photographers: Bunn Salarzon, who was one of the photographers shooting my wedding and Sara Gray, whose work is just gorgeous. I shot 4! weddings with Becca Dryer, who always makes me laugh, and I got to finish out the year with Ashley Sturm, who is far to adorable to be behind a camera (except that she takes such wonderful photos...) - I was actually such a busy 2nd shooter that I'm almost certain I'm forgetting someone.
Travel somewhere that requires I pack my passport.
I got to shoot a wedding in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic this past May. UNREAL. Lauren & Aaron's wedding was awesome. Their friends and family were so fun, and Steven and I had a great vacation too! Thanks to Liz, one of the awesome guests, who took the shot below.

Improve confidence with on-camera flash bounce.
OK, so I admit it. I suck at geometry. But after some great explanations and practice, I think I've got this more figured out.
Network with 1 new local high school.
I have senior reps from 4 new high schools this year. Oh, and I'm speaking at Albany Public Schools about being a photographer - it's scarier than it sounds. Apparently, rooms full of students ARE kind of intimidating, when you aren't one of the students.
And, don't forget to Jump in Mud Puddles!
Really, do you even have to ask? :) I love splashes. I can't help it.

Below: Lauren and Aaron are the awesome people getting married. I'm the person swimming & Kayaking. And that hot, but goofy lookin' guy I'm kayaking with - that's Steven. :)

Widen shooting stance.
Oooh, I don't think I can comment on this one without making a dirty joke. Let's just go with - keep up the good work. ;)

Shoot at least 7 weddings. Do better than my best. Do at least one creatively, pre-planned/unexpected image per event. Come home with images to be super-proud of. Then remember to rest...and be proud.
I shot 21 weddings this year. 21. Holy wow. I counted because a potential wedding client asked me. I'm in shock with the total. Guess I under-goaled myself on this one. Also, I learned a lot this year about quality vs. quantity. My 2012 goals will reflect this wisdom.

Plan and throw an amazing and eco-friendly wedding. Have a blast.
I'm married. :) It was a great day. Goal achieved, according to me. Thanks to everyone who helped us achieve this one.
Make more time to cook.
I've cooked a few things I hadn't cooked since before I started EHP. And I'm making scones at least 2-3 times a week. So far, so good. :)

Goals that I achieved...that I was too afraid to write down as Goals...

This category is a lesson on self-confidence. Two big things happened for me in 2011 that I really really really wanted to happen. But I didn't list them as goals. Because I was afraid. I didn't think I'd have a shot at achieving them. So, to protect myself from failure, I didn't even write them down.

I'm telling you this because this same fear made me hesitate at making photography a career instead of a dream. Because I was afraid to try (and possibly fail), I spent almost a decade doing many jobs I didn't love because I was afraid to go after the one I did love. Don't do that. Be brave. Because, when you really look at it, not trying and failure look pretty much the same.

Secret Goal #1: Get blogged.

In addition to being a wimp about not writing down this goal, I also only braved submitting 1 photo to Le Magnifique. Fortunately, it made it. :) Next time, I'll woman up and submit a whole wedding.

Secret Goal #2: Wedding Show

I did it. I survived it. It wasn't really my scene, but I met some great people and I didn't cry until after the show ended. The Booth was scarier for me than my public speaking class in college. But I learned an important lesson: even though I really enjoyed the pretty booths, the nice vendors, and the fun brides-to-be, I didn't really love being a vendor at a show. There are probably less terrifying advertising opportunities out there that would be a better fit for me. :)

Goals that didn't happen in 2011

The funny thing about this list is that they're all the "easy" goals. They're also mostly related to personal life. I guess I skipped over the goals that I knew I "could" do and I went for the ones I wasn't so sure about.

So, my list of incompletes:

Go on a picnic. With Steven. (unless you count our wedding dinner at the park...)
Take a backpacking trip this summer. (I should've shot for 'take a day off this summer')
Buy a the new laptop I've been avoiding buying.
Continue to do a weekly photo personal project; this year it doesn't always have to be of me. I can have a break from being on both sides of the camera at once. Only one "selfy" per month required.
Complete one backyard landscaping project.
Post on website/blog at lease twice a week.
Make more time to exercise.

Buy the 70-200mm lens I've been drooling over.
Well, I've rented this lens enough times to know I NEED it. Honestly, I've dreamt about the dang thing. Result: still on my wish list. :( BUT, I'm buying this next year for sure. Seriously, I NEED it.

I'm heading off to my last shooting assignment for 2011. Tonight, I'll ring in the New Year with champagne, giggles, and resolutions I don't intend to keep.

Tomorrow night, I'll pour myself a nice (big, fat, red) glass of wine and write my Real Goals for 2012.

Cheers!