New Year, New Lens: Setting Your Photography Aspirations for the Year Ahead

Tom Marsh • January 1, 2025

Improve your photography in 2025 today!

The start of a new year is the perfect opportunity to reflect on the past, set fresh goals, and embrace new challenges. For photographers, it’s a chance to redefine their artistic journey and push the boundaries of their craft. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an enthusiastic hobbyist, setting photography aspirations can breathe new life into your practice and inspire you to capture moments in innovative ways.

In this article, we’ll explore how you can set meaningful photography aspirations for the year ahead, along with tips for achieving them.

 

1. Reflect on the Year Past

Before diving into your goals for the new year, take a moment to look back. What were your biggest photography accomplishments from last year? Did you explore new techniques, experiment with different genres, or perhaps develop a deeper understanding of post-processing? Recognising your progress, no matter how big or small, is essential to understanding where you are and where you want to go.

 

Actionable Tip: Create a "year-in-review" photo album. This could include your favorite shots, milestones, or even challenges you overcame. Not only does this act as a reflection tool, but it also gives you a visual starting point for where you want to head next.

 

2. Set Specific and Achievable Goals

Rather than making vague resolutions, such as “I want to improve my photography,” set specific, measurable goals that challenge and motivate you. These goals can cover a range of aspects, including technical skills, creative projects, or even personal growth.

 

Here are some ideas for photography aspirations:

  • Master a New Technique: Whether it's long exposure, macro photography, or light painting, choose one technique you want to master.
  • Explore New Genres: Experiment with a different style of photography, such as portraiture, landscape, street photography, or fine art. Try working in a genre you’ve never explored before.
  • Learn Advanced Post-Processing: If you’ve only scratched the surface of editing, consider dedicating time to learning new software tools, such as Lightroom, Photoshop, or Capture One, and focus on advanced techniques like color grading, compositing, or retouching.


Actionable Tip: Break down your goals into smaller, monthly objectives. For example, "This month, I’ll shoot and edit my first portrait session,” followed by, “Next month, I’ll learn how to blend exposures in Photoshop.”

 

3. Challenge Your Creativity

Photography is as much about artistic expression as it is about technical skill. Challenge yourself creatively by setting goals that push you outside your comfort zone. Creativity flourishes when we try new things, so don't be afraid to experiment with different lighting, composition, and storytelling techniques.

 

Actionable Tip: Set a goal to shoot with a limitation in mind, like only using natural light or shooting with a single lens. Limiting yourself can spark innovative ideas and force you to see the world in a different way.

 

4. Create a Personal Project

Personal projects are a great way to cultivate passion and purpose in your photography. Whether it’s a long-term documentary-style project, a series of themed portraits, or capturing everyday life in a specific location, having a project to focus on can help you grow as an artist.

 

Actionable Tip: Set aside time each month to work on your project. Document your progress and don’t be afraid to make adjustments along the way. The key is to stay consistent and dedicated.

 

5. Engage with the Photography Community

One of the best ways to improve as a photographer is by surrounding yourself with others who share your passion. Join photography communities, attend workshops, or participate in online challenges. Not only will this provide valuable feedback, but it will also inspire you to try new things and push your creative boundaries.

 

Actionable Tip: Follow photographers whose work you admire, and engage with them. Attend photography meetups or workshops, either virtually or in person, and share your work for constructive critique.

 

6. Embrace the Power of Storytelling

Every photo has a story to tell. In the coming year, focus on not just capturing images but telling compelling stories through your lens. Whether it’s the emotion in a portrait or the narrative of a landscape, your photos should convey more than just a moment in time—they should communicate a message.

 

Actionable Tip: Start a storytelling project where each series of photos tells a story. This could be about a person, a place, or a concept. Learn the art of visual storytelling through framing, composition, and mood.

 

7. Take Care of Your Well-Being

Photography, like any art form, can be mentally demanding. The pressure to keep improving, capture perfect shots, and stay inspired can sometimes lead to burnout. Be sure to set realistic expectations for yourself, take breaks when needed, and find joy in the process rather than just the outcome.

 

Actionable Tip: Schedule regular “photo walks” or downtime to recharge. Allow yourself to shoot without the pressure of perfection, and simply enjoy being creative.

 

8. Share and Celebrate Your Work

Don’t be afraid to share your photography journey with others. Whether it’s through social media, creating a website, or hosting an exhibition, sharing your work helps you connect with your audience and receive feedback. Plus, it can open doors to opportunities and collaborations.

 

Actionable Tip: Create a photography portfolio that you can update throughout the year. Make it a goal to showcase your progress, whether through online platforms, galleries, or printed books.

 

Conclusion: The Year Ahead is Yours to Capture

As the new year begins, embrace the opportunities it brings to grow as a photographer. Set clear, actionable goals, challenge yourself creatively, and above all, have fun. The beauty of photography is that it’s both an art and a journey, and the year ahead offers endless possibilities to push your limits, refine your skills, and capture the world through your unique perspective.

 

Remember, the process is just as important as the result. So pick up your camera, set your intentions, and let the adventures of the year unfold, one shot at a time.

How to critique your own photos, without being too hard on yourself

By Tom Marsh • March 29, 2025
So, you’ve just been out with your camera, and now you’re scrolling through your shots. Chances are, you are thinking, 'I could have done better.' The key to improving your photography isn’t just taking more photos—it’s learning how to analyse them constructively. We can often be our own worst critiques, but below, I have listed a few pointers to help you to critique your own photos, without being too hard on yourself. 1. Step Away Before You Judge It’s tempting to review your photos immediately, but your brain is still in ‘shooting mode.’ Give it some time. A few hours, a day, whatever it takes for you to come back with fresh eyes. You’ll be able to spot strengths and weaknesses much more clearly when you’re not emotionally attached. 2. Identify What Works First Before diving into everything you don’t like, pick out what you do like. Are there aspects to the composition that work? Is the lighting good? Even if the photo isn’t perfect, there’s probably something worth celebrating. This helps you understand your strengths so you can lean into them. 3. Analyse What’s Off (Without Self-Sabotage) Now, let’s get critical—but constructively. Ask yourself: Is the composition cluttered? Does the lighting help or hurt the picture? Is the focus where it should be? Does my photograph communicate my intent? Instead of thinking, “Oh dear, this is bad,” reframe it: “This would be stronger if I adjusted X, Y, or Z.” That way, you’re learning, not just self-critiquing. 4. Compare, But Don’t Despair Looking at work from photographers you admire is great for inspiration, but don’t let it discourage you. Everyone starts somewhere. Instead of feeling bad, analyse why you like their work. Is it their use of colour? Composition? Lighting? Figure it out and apply those lessons to your own photography. 5. Edit With Intention Sometimes, what seems like a ‘bad’ photo can be brought back to life in the editing process. Play with cropping, or colour grading to bring out the best in your shot. Editing is part of the creative process—don’t avoid it! At the same time, don't simply use editing to mask mistakes you make in camera. A good photo will always start when your camera's sensor's pixels are sensitised. Getting the basics right from the start will allow your edits to be enhancements, not just corrections. 6. Get a Second Opinion It’s easy to be overly critical of your own work. Show your photos to someone you trust—preferably someone who knows a bit about photography. They might point out things you didn’t even notice (good or bad) and offer useful insight. 7. Keep Shooting, Keep Learning The best way to improve is to keep taking photos and, dare I say it, keep making mistakes! Every shot you take, every mistake you notice, and every improvement you make, helps you grow. So, be kind to yourself, take those lessons onboard, and apply them next time. Remember: No one’s perfect, even the best photographers have shots they’d rather forget. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress. Keep shooting, keep learning, and most importantly, keep enjoying the process!

The Magic of Nighttime Photography: Capturing the Invisible

By Tom Marsh • February 2, 2025
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Don't worry, there's no need to rush

By Tom Marsh • December 1, 2024
I don't know why, but at this time of year I always get a little bit nostalgic. I suppose, as another year draws to a close, I like to look back on my experiences and photographs from the last twelve months, taking stock and planning how I can explore the wonderful world of photography further. At the hight of the fast paced year, it is easy to loose track. Resolutions and aspirations we set ourselves during this nostalgic period, become obscured by the pressures of everyday life. One of my jobs in November is to make a calendar of my photos from the previous year, which I gift as Christmas presents to family friends. I often find, when I search for suitable photos to fill each month, many of my folders are still full of RAW files; unprocessed since the day they were etched onto my memory card. At the time, this was probably due to me not allowing myself time to work through them, however, as I look back; I don't think this is necessarily a bad thing. Whether it is down to the instant gratification syndrome of sharing our lives on social media or the fact that one photo outing is over, let's move onto the next one; we can become a little overzealous when it comes to rushing through our photo edits. Although it extends the preparation time of my calendar, going through some of my un-edited photos months after they were taken, allows me to see them with fresh eyes. I realise that some of the pictures I thought might be bangers at the time of taking, are overtaken by the subtle impact of others, on reflection. Whether life simply gets in the way of our editing and sharing process or we purposefully put the breaks on, giving yourself and your photos time settle before picking out the prime of the crop can be a really useful exercise. Just like we give fruit time to ripen in order to make the most of it's delicious sweetness, giving our photographs time to grow on us can completely change our perspectives, and make more considered decisions on which to keep, share or delete. It won't be long until we are reliving this moment in 2025, uttering those immortal words, we all say. Where has the year gone?! However, as we nostalgically look back and try to piece together our busy lives, don't worry if you still have some editing to do. There's no need to rush.

Who is the Yorkshire Photo Walks tutor?

By Tom Marsh • November 1, 2024
In 2008, I studied a module as part of a website design degree, that was to change the course of my life forever. The module was called 'Digital Imaging' and it opened my eyes to the world of photography. Whilst studying this module, I discovered the work of northern industrial landscape photographer John Davies. It made me realise that photography wasn't just about making pretty pictures; it has a gritty, more rhetorical side. From that moment on, I started searching for more inspiration to shape my own photography work, discovering other 'new topographic' photographers such as: Stephen Shore, Andreas Gursky, Edward Burtynsky and Bernd & Hiller Bescher. In 2012 I embarked upon a Masters Degree course in Photographic Studies at the University of Westminster and also set up Yorkshire Photo Walks. I found myself between two very different worlds. On one side I was discovering innovative and exciting approaches to photography and on the other, I was helping people to develop more traditional skills. One day I would be standing in front of a piece of contemporary photographic art in the heart of the capital, the next I would be in front of a waterfall, slowing down my shutter speed. Although between these different worlds, I felt balanced. My portfolio was enriched by the positives of both camps. However, on graduating from my course in 2014, I felt myself becoming adrift. Because I was putting so much effort into growing my tuition business, my personal work took quite a heavy hit. A few years ago, I was asked, 'what type of photographer are you?' I paused, and soon realised I couldn't give an answer. Don't get me wrong, I love all the photography I do under the umbrella of Yorkshire Photo Walks, but because I cover such a variety of genres and styles, the photography that actually defines me, has become blurred. Just like the discovery of John Davies and his new topographic contemporaries, this question galvanised me into searching for Tom Marsh the photographer, not the Flat Capped Photographer. In doing so, it has taken me on another journey of discovery and, although 10 years after graduating from my MA, I am proud to announce the launch of my brand new portfolio website! It showcases the work that I feel defines me, not just as a photographer, but as a person. You will see that a lot of it is a far cry from the photographs you will see on the Yorkshire Photo Walks website, but I see that as a positive thing. I am starting to re-address the balance. Click here to check out my new portfolio site!