Back in late August I got a chance to walk through the Central Library in downtown Seattle. I would have missed this had Chase Jarvis not been so emphatic in pointing out to me that it was a must visit. During my walk through I worked my way up to the highest point that I could and found a small platform to look down to the first floor. If I recall correctly it was about 8 stories up and looking down at the 1st floor book displays I could hardly make out a single book. The only truly recognizable forms were the large bookshelves. It made me realize how much information resided in the building. Where am I going with this allegory?
Starting off a new year and seeing ones future as it relates to individual goals is very much like trying to read a book in a library from 8 stories up. It’s impossible, but the first step is knowing what you want to find and/or achieve. The next step is to plan and chart a course to find or get what you want. So what lies ahead for you in 2009?
[tags]Seattle, Central Library,public library, travel, photography, photo, stock photo[/tags]
Hmmm. How about a sub-$2000 18MP Nikon D300X! 😉
Now – ain’t that a familiar site 😉 : http://www.flickr.com/photos/sdcoolstuff/2555940590/
@John not sure thats as much a goal as it is a wishlist item 🙂 Got any locations you’re looking to photograph this year that you’ve missed in years past?
@Ale great perspective. the Seattle Central Library is a great place to explore camera in hand. As I have time I’ll be digging through your photostream to see more.
I myself am looking to finally put in place a solid storage solution for my photography. I’ve been holding out way too long and it needs to get done. I also am interested in getting a few more articles published. I think what I’d like more than anything else in regard to my writing is to have a regular article published. One thing I’ve learned over the past year is I enjoy writing about photography nearly as much as I enjoy taking photographs.
That’s a neat post Jim. That picture is an amazing perspective as well.
Jim, there you go shooting my subjects again! 🙂
My son lived in Seattle for a few years, and the first time I visited him there he almost forced me to go down and visit that library – and I’m glad he did. What a phenomenal structure… and what a great place for photography.
Regarding my photographic plans for 2009… aside from making many, many photographs I have three goals.
One is to do a lot more printing (something I’ve already been focusing on.
The second is to organize some sets of images with common themes that I’ve been working on. I’ll wait to share details until I’ve gotten a bit closer to that goal.
The third is to integrate to aspects of my creative work. By academic training and long experience I’m actually a musician trained in electronic music and composition. (Surprised? 🙂 Anyway, I have a concept of some multi-media pieces that integrate my photographs with some of my music – I think I’m in the somewhat unusual position of being able to create my own work in both media and think very carefully about how to synthesize them.
Dan
Great angle Jim. Thought I noticed that you’re not sharing what your plans are for 2009…at least not yet.
Personally in 2009, I’m trying not to participate in the current recession :-), looking forward to offering a few limited edition fine art prints and releasing a few photo projects that have been building offline, and expanding my photo network…while leaving some room for other surprises!
Maybe we can even get together for another photo outing again in 2009, except this time bring your good ankle!
@Thomas Thanks for the kind comment.
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@G Dan Mitchell I figured you had been to this location. It is a great spot to visit camera in hand. As to your plans they sound great. I too am planning on using multimedia presentation more. Expect to see some of that on the blog. Themed presentation of photos is a great idea and something that I’ve been thinking about too. I look forward to seeing how 2009 develops for you. With your music background I most anticipate the multimedia you develop with your photographs.
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@latoga I commented as to what some of my plans are and have interspersed other tidbits in my comment responses. I like your idea of not participating in the current recession. Sounds like someone has been listening to the LensWork podcast 🙂 A photo outing in 2009 is a must!