A New Year, A New Resolution

I just looked at my blog full well knowing it had been quite a while since my last entry, but I had no idea it had been a FULL YEAR! So a recap of 2011...it was another great year! haha! Looking back, I felt like I needed to write so much to keep everyone updated, that I just burned out. I have no intention of trying to make up for lost time, but in keeping with tradition...with a new year comes a new resolution...


This year, my resolution is going to be a 52 week project. Many photographers, and well...people for that matter, do this same type of project, often at the start of a new year, but it can be started at any point during the year (but really, what better time than the first of a year?!?). Some do a 365, others a 52, and some just come up with their own number. The purpose is different for everyone, but the goal is the same: to take 1 picture per the determined period of time. A 365 is too daunting a task for me and I'm really trying to NOT set myself up for failure...so a 52 week it is for me, after-all, I do have a time demanding 2 year old! The hard part is going to be picking just one per week, so honestly...there probably will be several some weeks, but I'm only committing to 1 per week! ;)


This project will serve several purposes and fulfill several of my goals:


1. (the obvious) to document my family's experiences and daily life (a virtual scrapbook if you will!). Time seems to be flying by and I feel there is no better way to document memories, emotions, experiences and life in general than through pictures (and because, honestly, I'm doing good to remember my own name some days!).


2. To provide a peep hole into our lives 'on the road'. We miss our family and friends dearly and wish y'all could watch Luke grow up every day like we are afforded the blessing of, but the unfortunate reality is that's impossible at this point in our lives (so says the Navy!). So this blog, email, phone, Skype and every other technological medium it is!


3. Finally, to improve and hone a *learned* talent of photography. I've taken several classes and can definitely see an improvement in the 'before and afters' to this point, but like most everything, there's always more to learn and practice is key (so I've been told!). I find that I tend to ebb and flow when it comes to photographing. Some weeks I will have the camera in my hand several times every day, then other weeks, the camera bag isn't unzipped. So hopefully this project will encourage (force) me to be more consistent in both taking photos as well as increase my post processing (editing) knowledge and help me to develop a 'style'.


I have no intentions, as of now, to do this photography thing professionally, but I have a great desire to take photographs that document my family's memories and fleeting moments in time. I have seen numerous images that have inspired me and I hope through this project, I might capture some of my own inspirations!


So all this being said, some weeks may be photos that I am working on the whole artistic, 'be a better photographer', etc. thing; whereas, other weeks might just be a snapshot of Luke. And some weeks may have a story to go with them; whereas other weeks may just be a photo. To reference #1...documentation of The Brian Watt Family is the ultimate goal! I hope y'all enjoy!


Love,
Lesley


p.s. Not to start the project off with excuses (ha!ha!), but a truly acceptable reason (in my opinion). As many of you know, we are about to embark upon a cross country move from sunny California to burrrr cold Rhode Island. I wanted to get started as this first week of January is coming to an end. And what good is a resolution if it gets broken the very first week??? So why not break it the second?! haha!


Luke and I are headed to Texas for about 2 weeks whilst Brian and my dad make the journey in the car. I won't have any way to upload my pictures since my computer will be 'in transit'. So I will definitely be taking photos during our travels, but the uploading of them may be a few weeks late, but don't y'all worry...I'm not breaking this resolution (notice my resolution is to take the pictures, not upload them in a timely manner! ha!ha!...only kidding...sort of! ;)).


Happy New Year!