I’m not exactly a bandwagon sort of guy, but as I see other photographers post about their favorite photos from the year before I can’t help but think a little bit about my own favorites.  I tend not to think of time in orderly chunks like years, but it is sometimes convenient to do so, since things like birthdays, anniversaries and tax returns tend to happen on a pretty regular basis.  So, why not a post about favorite photographs from the previous year?  Why not, indeed.

Overall I’d have to say that 2013 was a very good year for me and Kathy.  I didn’t do a lot photography relative to what I have done in prior years, but I didn’t exactly sell the cameras and take up basketweaving (not that there’s anything wrong with basketweaving).  But my time, attention, energy and money was spent on things other than photography.  The good thing is that the things that we did spend our time, attention, energy and money on last year are investments in our future, and should ultimately make it easier to do the things we enjoy, like traveling and taking pictures.

Selling a house is not an easy task.  Moving is a pain in the butt.  Building a house is not for the faint of heart.  We not only did all three, but we moved twice and actually sold two houses!  Fortunately we only built one.  But the one we built is intended to be our “lock and leave” house, allowing us the freedom and flexibility we seek in the next act of our lives.  And of course, mixed in among all that work was a little play.

I’m not going to recount my entire life over the last 12 months.  Those who care have been around and already know, and those who haven’t been around probably already know as much as they want to know!  I’m also not going to try and narrate every photo, although I’ll probably throw in a comment or two along the way.  And finally, I’m not trying to keep this to a certain magic number, so we’ll see what we end up with.

Side Notes:

The Light Factory

If you are in the Charlotte area and have an interest in photography, there are two things that I wanted to mention.

Many folks are familiar with The Light Factory, a museum of photography and film that has existed here for many years.  TLF is one of a very few organizations in the country that are devoted exclusively to photography and film.  Their educational programs have been excellent and their outreach programs have helped a lot of people.  I have taught classes for them over the years.  In what is probably a sign of our times, near the end of last year the former board decided to close the organization down, citing declining revenues and increased expenses.  The staff was let go and the doors were locked.  A small group of dedicated members has taken over to move the headquarters and teaching space, which was accomplished in December.

Keep an eye on their website and Facebook page over the next few weeks as they get operations bank in gear.  I understand that they are working on a Kickstarter campaign to raise some funds, and in doing so will be offering some interesting rewards for people who donate.

Second Tuesday of the Month Club

A long-time tradition of the Charlotte photographic community is seeing some new life.  Joe Ciarlante, a local commercial photographer and educator, has recently taken on the task of revising these meetings. Held fittingly on the second Tuesday of each month, the first such meeting of the resurrected group is this coming Tuesday, January 14 at SparkPoint Studio at 625 Griffith Rd. Suite 105 in Charlotte.  Time is 7:00-9:00.  This is a great forum to get to know other photographers, get feedback on your work, talk about equipment, or just hang out.  Stop by and check it out if you are in the area and have an interest.