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End of 2021 Wrap Up – Goals for the New Year

This year has been a strange one. At the end of 2020, we had all hoped 2021 would be better, Covid would end and our goals were to get some parts of our old lives back. Instead, what 2021 has showed me is that this is not ever going to be the case. Wherever you stand, on either side of the political aisle, or wherever you stand on the stance of vaccines, our lives are never going to be the way they were before Covid-19 changed them forever.

Pentax 67 Kodak Portra 400
Pentax 67 Kodak Portra 400

While I don’t ever like to get political on here, this is a film photography blog after all, there is no way to avoid it anymore in our currently changed forever lives. It affects everything we do now.

Because of my compromised immune system, I have to wear a mask wherever I go. My fiancé and I haven’t been able to have our wedding due to Covid-19. I haven’t been able to go up to New York to see my family and my 90 year old grandmother because of Covid-19. Not to mention how many of hundreds of thousands of people have lost their lives altogether.

Leica M2 Fomapan Action 400 AT 800
Leica M2 Fomapan Action 400 AT 800

Families are split up because of differing opinions on who should be our president. I don’t remember politics ever being this potent in the past. At least personally, it never affected my family and everyday life as much as it has these past few years.

Leica M2 Arista EDU 400
Leica M2 Arista EDU 400

I would imagine some of you have left my website by this point, so if you’re still reading, thank you. I promise there is a point to my ramble. My point is that in our relatively small community here in Film Photography land, it doesn’t matter where you stand. We are all here for the same purpose. For that reason, I will always continue with this passion because it has always been, for me, an escape. This passion I have for all things film has saved my life in so many ways, and since Covid-19, it has taken on an even broader meaning.

Alstroemerias on Kodak Portra
Alstroemerias on Kodak Portra

Goals for 2022

Every year I like to write out a set of goals to reach in the new year in my film photography journey. I won’t share them all here, but one of them is to really make time for personal projects and learning. I want to read as much as I can about the history of photography, about other photographers, artists and just learn.

Kelsey & Frank - Mamiya RB67
Kelsey & Frank – Mamiya RB67

I will continue to share what I learn and create here and on my YouTube Channel along the way. I hope you will stick around. My intention for this website and my channel was never just to become a resource, but more to become a member of the community that people enjoy growing with. That being said, I have really enjoyed sharing what I’ve learned and helping others learn as well. All of your messages have meant more to me than you know.

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Look Forward with Me

I don’t know where this passion for film photography is going to ultimately lead me, but I know that my dream is to have a photo book at the end. One thing I know is that this road is going to be long and require a lot of improvement on my part, but I look forward to it. I hope you’ll join me.

Ricoh 500G - Fuji Superia Xtra 400
After Ricoh 500G Light Seals Changed

Just a little preview for what’s to come, I have only reviewed a small fraction of the cameras in my collection. Mike lent me his KMZ Start, so that will be coming in the beginning of the year. More Nikon F and Nikkor lens content is on my list, as well as my Kodak Petite 127 collection, and many others.

I want to follow your journeys as well. Always feel free to let me know what you’re working on in the comments or on my Instagram.

ficus tree

While the pandemic has really affected some of us more than others, I think we all have faced moments where we had to become really creative while stuck in our homes. That is the beauty of being an artist, you can create art wherever you are. That is your talent. You don’t need anyone else to create for you.

Final Thoughts of 2021

So here’s to a better year in 2022. Here’s to growth, learning, loving, tolerating, and accepting.

Lomography CN 800
Steak N Shake as we drove by

For the photos in this article, I selected one photo from each month of the year. I can see my growth and that is probably my favorite memento from 2021.

shooting out of my comfort zone

If you have found this article or any of my articles helpful, please consider supporting my work by buying me a roll of film, purchasing a zine, or even just subscribing to get my articles in your email helps me out. Either way, thank you so much for reading.

Until next time, and next year, stay motivated and keep shooting.

 

 

18 thoughts on “End of 2021 Wrap Up – Goals for the New Year

  1. Hi Aly,
    Thanks for your thoughts as we go into another year of (covid). I too enjoy film photography and like you while enjoying my hobby it has kept me somewhat sane during these crazy/trying times. “Focus” on the good things in life and try to at least put up with the other stuff. And, rememeber afterall, we are all in it together. The real test is how we deal with it and still retain our “composure” and “resolution” in life. I enjoy your blog….keep up the good work…I sincerely wish you “good light” in the coming year….

  2. You just added yet another reason why I want this pandemic to end, or at least for our medical community to find ways for us to live with it: so that you and Kelsey can have your wedding! But whatever happens, here’s wishing you good health, happiness, long life and a roll of film whenever you need one. (I intend to help out with that last one.)

  3. Happy New Year, Aly! No matter what the year brings, your spirit and art always will find a bright place to land. Keep on posting, keep on being you. I hope this year brings better things for all.

  4. I’m subscribed, reading, and still here. I’ve been in the house. Really need to get going. My film is surely WAY past date by now. Will be fascinating to see what I end up with!! Cheers for 2022 for ya Dear.

  5. What a nice way to end the year. I think of you and Kelsey often. With your health issues and the never-ending drama in the world today, I can’t imagine how frustrated, tired, and scared you are of all of it.

    You have the right attitude about it though, keep shooting and doing the things you enjoy and you’ll find peace. Keep up the great work, and I look forward to seeing what you do next year! 🙂

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