So what are my plans for this year? Let me see. Since I am not the kind of guy that goes on any new year resolutions, I don’t have a masterplan on 2018. That being said, well yes, there are some concrete plans for this year indeed and some things that I would like to see happening.
First plan can be marked as “done”: the release of this homepage. Which means a major step for me. And I like the thought of having this place literally as my landing page and not only relying on social media or image platform. Next up I am seriously considering a gear update. So far I am relying on my beloved Sony a6000 and my collection of APS-C lenses. But as much as I like this camera I have clearly experienced its limitations within the last 1,5 years. And ever since I rented a Sony a7rii (yes, I see myself sticking to Sony) and fell in love with its raw-files and the usability advantages in the field, I am completely spoilt. I might be doing a gear blog post in the future so I will keep it short here: but I am absolutely fascinated by the features of the newly released Sony a7riii. As is everybody else so it seems. After having shot with its predecessor night and day for a week I have a clear vision on how much sense those improvements make. It´s not even so much the fact that it´s a full frame camera. Although I have to admit that it is definitely a plus to be able to go wider with my shots than on the APS-C.
setting up at Hintersee (Germany)
Makes a good segway to the next plan: I will be going on a phototour to Lofoten, Norway. And there I want to have a camera with me with very good low light capabilities, a high dynamic range and durability outside. I know some of you will come up with suggestions for Nikons and Canons that might be even more weather proof. But I was so happy with the a7rii (and am used to the Sony handling) that I don’t see myself changing system, especially when there is such great gear available. (and the Sony r-series better suits my overall needs than the lowlight monster a7s2) And I know that my a6000 will only take me so far. Especially with low light when shooting the aurora borealis (hopefully). But I don’t even want to go so much into gear here, because I am way more excited to finally go to Norway for the first time. Everybody, really everybody, who has ever been there tells me that it´s just mindblowing and impossible to not have any great photos from there. So the expectations are very high. And I am also looking forward to meeting some of my photo buddies and be shooting with them. I know there are plenty of other artists out during that time so I will see who else I will meet. But experiencing the amazing landscapes and hopefully the northern lights is what I am looking forward to the most!
fighting for position at Carrasqueira (Portugal)
What else is up for this year? Well, I will see. I will just take it from there. Yes, I will stay active on Instagram. I am very thankful for the many fine people that I got in touch with and stay connected with there. And I am amazed how my following has picked up ever since my Alps tour: being +7k now. And yes, I would like to see if any of my shots will do well in one of the photo contests out there and if some more images get published throughout the year. But this is not really in my hands, so anything of this would be a bonus. I will think about maybe releasing a photocalendar at the end of the year, since my first try at the end of 2017 was perceived very well. But most and foremost I want to enjoy taking photos in beautiful landscapes! Of course, I want to continue improving as a photographer. But nothing beats the joy and excitement of travelling and shooting beautiful places in special light.
At the beginning of 2017 I would have never thought I would see and shoot this much. I had travelling to Berchtesgaden in my mind. But Portugal, Saxon Switzerland and the Alps tour weren’t planned then at all. So I will just relax and see how 2018 unfolds. There is so much to discover and to be seen. I would definitely love to shoot some seascapes again this year and get to be in some rough landscape as well. And luckily there are many people who have reached out to me if I wanted to shoot with them so that I am pretty positive that I will be meeting a lot of people, too. ...and not only to fight for best spot at the location. I cannot wait!