It has been nearly two years since I started this blog. I remember it well - writing into the void, never imagining that anyone would actually read it. It was my son's birthday and it was snowing. I had just emailed my lecturer at university to say that I would have to give up my photography degree due to family circumstances. I felt a little lost if I am honest and wondered whether I would progress with my photography. So two years on and I am feeling pretty happy with my decision. I never have plans in as much as I don't know what I want from my work but I do usually know what I want to do. Overall it's been a good year. I have met amazing people both online and off - some of whom I really do feel I can call friends. I am at times overwhelmed at how kind and supportive people have been towards me and my work and I am truly grateful. I hope you all know who you are.
I sometimes sit amazed at my inbox at some of the people helping me - people I have known about for years, through their work, their books, blogs or just being on their mailing list - I never, and I mean never thought I would chat so casually and happily with them.
I have achieved more than I ever believed this year. However, naturally it is not always that plain sailing. I have huge crisis of confidence in myself and my work like anyone else and of course I get countless rejections and criticism but that is part and parcel of putting yourself out there I suppose. But, this is a positive blog today - and one of thanks for all those that support, encourage and inspire me - I hope I give a little something back too.
So, I just wanted to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and I hope 2012 is a wonderful year for you. As for my 2012, I am going to refine the craft of my wet plates, continue my wet plate project with the children. I have some books to make for the al-mutanabbi street project and I am doing a project with a school in Glasgow - so lots to look forward :)
You keep the faith - as we have in you!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post, Deborah. I do find you inspiring! You certainly have had an amazing year, and I see you as something of a role model. You've progressed so much with your work this year, and have so many exciting developments coming up. I shall look forward to cheering you on from the side-ines.
ReplyDeleteAs you get to the end of 2011, allow yourself a moment or two really to reflect on what you've achieved, and to think big for 2012!
Warmest wishes,
Sophie x
lots to look forward to for all of us who are dazzled by your work...2012 will being more parking into my life! yeah.
ReplyDeleteSo happy to have "met" you and that you continue to evolve your photography into new exciting directions. I'm excited to see what 2012 brings - for both of us!
ReplyDeleteMark
All the best Deborah and keep up fantastic work!
ReplyDeleteThanks Carl - with a friend like you I will :) Thanks for everything, you have helped me grow in so many ways - hope I can repay one day.
ReplyDeleteSophie, what can I say - you are so lovely! It is so nice to have gotten to know you this year and I shall look forward to reading more of your work and catching up over a cuppa in M&S from time to time :)
ReplyDeleteHoney, I am so pleased our internet paths crossed almost a year ago - your support and friendship has been immeasurable - I truly appreciate it - I wish you all the best for 2012 x
ReplyDeleteThe feeling is totally mutual Mark - thank you so much - this is the wonderful thing about the internet, we can enjoy and watch each others photographic journey in the years to come - and lets hope 2012 is an inspiring and creative one :)
ReplyDeleteHi Artur, thank you so much for your lovely comment and taking the time to stop by - I also wish you all the best for 2012 and hope you have a wonderfully creative time :)
ReplyDeletefantastico trabalho,
ReplyDeleteabraço
Milton
Isn't it funny how one's life can turn around? That's one of the exciting things about it, not knowing what's around the corner. And I agree with the role model comment above, you most certainly are. I think you've had a fantastic year and am absolutely sure that 2012 will be even better :-) I'm really glad I read this as you are right - it's important to take stock, keep things in perspective - think about the balance between positives and negatives. 2011 was the year I met you and Carl and Alex and that, along with a few other things, is a massive positive for me. Keep on going Deb, great things await you. I hope you all have a fantastic Christmas and really hope that we meet up in 2012. xxx
ReplyDeleteDeb, what can I say? You know how much I've always appreciated your sincerity and this place is one of those very rare spaces where this can be felt so clear! Thanks for being always yourself, this is something almost impossible to find these days, and yes, especially talking about internet where everybody is more or less reinventing themself...Deb, I am wishing you Merry Christmas and a wonderful 2012 and I am absolutely sure that you'll winn all those inherent fights with each and every doubt! Take very good care of you and your family!
ReplyDeleteI just love that image...had to stop by and comment. Beautiful..evocative work!
ReplyDeleteDeborah: Thanks for sharing your work and thoughts with us!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas!
Todd
Thank you so much Milton for your kind comment - I apologize for the delay in responding :)
ReplyDeleteHi Lucy, so sorry for the delay - this blog has been rather neglected over Christmas. I agree, we do need to keep things in perspective, balance things out. When I get low moments I always think about why I picked up the camera and the very little expectations I had - just to get a shot I liked was good enough - and I was happy - so if all else fails, that is what it is about. Hope to see you in 2012 too :)
ReplyDeleteHi Codrin, so sorry for the delay in responding. I hope you had a lovely Christmas with your family and I hope you are going to have a fantastic 2012 - full of inspiration and creativity. I am so pleased that you find this a space of sincerity - I always try my best. I suppose I don't say everything I feel, especially when I am having moments of self-doubt or self-pitying because I don't like myself haha!! Anyway, I shall look forward to sharing my journey with you & following yours - take care x
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Marcie - really appreciate you stopping by and I hope you have a wonderful 2012 :)
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you for stopping by Todd, really do appreciate it - Have a wonderful 2012 :)
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