Happy New Year everyone! 2016 is sure to be a great year and, looking back, 2015 wasn't a bad year either. At the beginning of each year, many people make promises to themselves to better themselves in some way for some reason. Whether it be by exercising more, studying harder, or even just by smiling more, many people seek to make the coming year brighter than the last. And now, in 2016, I join the fold of the millions of people making "resolutions" for the year.

I am resolving to post to this blog weekly; not in a "Dear Diary" way but hopefully in a way that gives insight into the way I build my photographs. My goal is to post at least one new image every week. From what I've learned over the past few years, consistency is key and ultimately, I want to be that way in all of my dealings, professional and otherwise.

For this week, I am posting my first image in a 52 week challenge originated by Dogwood Photography (http://dogwood.photography/52weekchallenge.html) Week one's photo was for a self portrait, which can be interpreted however the photographer sees fit.

For this image, I wanted to portray myself simply and with a straight forward appeal. It's always a good idea to strive to make images compelling, even if you think the subject is boring. I, along with many other photographers, dislike being in front of the lens of a camera. We prefer to be behind the camera, controlling and capturing the world in front of us. Even a picture as controlled as this one is unnerving for me.

I know that if I am out on a photo shoot, clients often feel uncomfortable in front of the camera. And it is my job as the photographer to help them relax and feel comfortable, which in turn, makes the images really shine! On the flip-side of that, there is no one to give me that assurance when I am in front the lens.

What tricks do you have up your sleeve when you are getting your picture taken? Leave a comment below with any suggestions!