The year that was MMXI

Every successful wedding photographer, had their humble beginnings. I’d like to think that I’m successful, or at least, gaining success. And I certainly had my humble beginnings. I came across a blog post by Chase Jarvis recently, that the admission of entry for any professional (no matter which industry), was their hard work. I would like to think that I have paid the admission ticket, and am on my way to big and better things.

If I had to summarise in a word what 2011 represented, I would say ‘learning’. If I had the option to purchase two additional words, 2011 could be surmised as ‘learning and mistakes’. One cannot grow without making mistakes – this applies in both one’s personal life and their professional career. In a sea of many other talented wedding photographers here in Sydney, what sets me apart is probably not my work, but my openness to share my weaknesses here on this blog. It has been an incredible journey since I first decided to pursue this particular path, and it has naught been without overcoming challenges.

A number of people have emailed me thanking me for sharing my thoughts so openly, some have been clients, others have been new photographers such as myself. To me, this blog has represented a journal of sorts. It marks my progression, my determination, my wanting. I’m a pretty terrible verbal communicator. I’m not much of a speaker. But through writing, I can express myself without fear or shame. Thus, I intend to keep on writing, because it keeps me on target.

A lot of thank you’s are in order. All this, would not have been possible without the generous support of many. Probably too many for me to list, or even know. But I know all that I have achieved, has been a result of others helping me. I cannot claim that it was all me – far from it in fact.

My parents have been supportive, in their own unique way. I know it was a shock when I announced that I was quitting from my somewhat secure day-job at the Royal College of Physicans. But they took it with good grace. They gave me the space to see my intentions through. Of course they expressed their concerns and these were duly noted in my usual grunts. I’m not the most expressive when I come to my parents – I have difficulty saying the things I need and should. But I know that all this, could not have occurred without their support.

To my sister – thank you for your generous loan. Without it, I would not have been able to have achieved that incredible career milestone of covering a destination wedding in Norway.

To Dave & Ed, somehow you guys transformed me into who I am today. I suppose it was the llama *wink wink* You guys may not know it, but spending those times with you so long ago, have really helped me see what it is to be professional.

Zakari, I can never thank you enough for showing me the ropes to this crazy monster called wedding photography. You were the one person generous enough to let me in the door – not many people will do that. You took a gamble, and I hope I have made you proud. I still remember that night that we met, in my living room, exchanging camera equipment. Then you popped that all important question. Bahahaha. The bromance is alive!

To Jack and Tai, you guys have been the invisible helpers behind the scenes. I never believed in teamwork until I met you guys. You have backed me financially, emotionally, and physically. Continue to grow as photographers, and keep on wanting more.

To the readers of my blog – thank you. I would love to get to know each and every of you. So please don’t be a stranger, add me on Facebook and say hi!

Of course, my lovely clients. This thank-you would not be complete without a mention of the people who have actually put their trust in me, in monetary form. You all knew I was relatively new, without an extension portfolio, yet you all have entrusted me with your wedding day.

And to my partner Charmaine – you are the one who keeps me in check. I know I don’t say the things I should to you over the phone, but I honestly love you to bits. Words don’t mean much to me, so I show by actions. You are my rock. Spending the rest of my life with you is my goal in life. There are many hurdles along the way, but what we have – the core of our relationship, will make all these challenges easy to overcome. Please continue to be patient with me and tell me when I go astray. I’m going to marry you girl.

…

The year 2011 was in many ways life-changing. I quit my job. I got kicked out of my Master degree. I started something totally alien to me. In fact, I had my arse handed to me. All these have defined who I am. I have never ever been so challenged. And to have pulled through the first year, and having met my goal of repaying almost all my debts (minus FEE-HELP lol), has been a real confidence booster.

I went to London. I went to Norway. I photographed a lot of amazing couples. I got to meet Jonas Peterson. Melbourne couples can’t get enough of me. And OMG I’M FINANCIAL! To me, these have been really momentous achievements in the short time frame of 12 months.

I have great plans for 2012, and even greater plans for 2013. My promise to you is that I will never stop learning, never settle for average, and continue to rock your socks off with amazing stories. This year is going to be fucking amazeballs. Hehe, yes Steph, I have commandeered your phrase :D

So to end off this rather emo personal reflection of mine, I have prepared a small selection of my most favourite memories.

Enjoy!
Dan, Storyteller