It is almost 2019 and another year had passed. A good moment to review this photographical year and look back to my trips, photos, improvements. It is also a good moment to set new goals for 2019.
Lastly, I would love to know what you consider my best photo of 2018.
Trips
2018 was a good photographical year. With only one trip this year I had only three weeks in the tropics. Trip wise 2017 was a better year with trips to Sri Lanka, Ecuador and Sicily. 2017 was hard to beat!
In 2018 I started photographing in my own area again. Not just because I didn’t make a lot of foreign trips, but also because I wanted some good photographs of my local fauna. I haven’t done this properly since 2015.
My accomplishments
My biggest win is that I am getting more grip on my performance anxiety. Also in my photography it held me down. When having a great photo opportunity it is better to be calm and confident. The results will be much better.
In 2016 and 2017 I worked hard on improving my knowledge and technique in photography. I also had a lot of practice. In 2018 I could build forward on the skills and knowledge. Now I don’t have to think that much and with every setting I can predict the outcome. And when the outcome isn’t exactly what I wanted I know how to improve. This gives me a lot of confidence and calmness. This gives me much better results!
Having the skills, knowledge, confidence and calmness gives me time to look for new compositions and room for creativity. I hope this will lead to bigger things.
Of course I made photos I am still proud of in the years before. I would still put some of my older works in my “all time portfolio”, but the numbers of great photos per year did definitely increase. I consider myself a better photographer than last year.
Another great improvement is my colour management. With a calibrated screen and using customized colour profiles I have accurate and much better colours. In 2018 I started ordering prints. And when you know the outcome of the print, printing is more fun. I love the results!
If you want my work on your wall, have a look at the new “shop” section on my website.
In 2018 I also got this email from the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. This is the most prestigious international wildlife photography competition in the world. Unfortunately none of my images got rewarded. I feel honoured that one of my images got through and that I am on the right track. Hopefully I can still improve and have a little more luck.
Goals for 2019
In 2019 I want to go to Madagascar, but nothing is sure yet. I hope to make at least one more trip. For now nothing is booked.
My photographical goal for 2018 was to use my wide-angle lens more often for wildlife. I did make some wide-angle photos, but again not many reached my favorite photos.
For 2019 the lens I use will not be important. I want to photograph more photos with animal behaviour and add more storytelling photos to my current “style of photography”. I also want to keep improving on my composition and lightning skills.
I also want to make a start in wildlife photojournalism. I don’t set the bar very high, but I like new things to keep myself passionate.
THE PHOTOS
Here is my final selection of 2018 with my best photos of this year.
I selected my photos based on popularity on Facebook, Instagram and my personal preference. Let me know which one is your favorite.
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