12 months

365 days that flew by faster than the last. Each day was a journey, through moments, people, and the seemingly endless facets of light, time, and emotions. As a photographer, I observe not only the passage of time but also the deeper traces that encounters with people leave in photography. Some resonate for months afterward, like a gentle echo of bygone moments.

I usually take a few days to reflect on the past year. Month by month, week by week, I go through my calendar, making notes about what was important to me. "What did I want to do?" "Who did I want to see?" "What and who did I no longer want to see?" Towards the end of the year, a feeling creeps in—but what kind of feeling is it? Have I achieved enough? Where have I improved, and why does it feel like I even need to?

This year, the thoughts that were in the minds of the people in my workshops and classes reached a particular depth. In Intense x Unplugged and Unplugged Classes, the biggest themes weren't technique or skill, but rather identifying the "problem." A lack of inspiration and the resulting uncertainty were discussed extensively.

The coming year will be a continuation of this process, as many projects are waiting to be realized. This brings another element into focus: the effort, the action, the confrontation with what otherwise holds us back. Sometimes we have to go beyond the "feel-good" package and boldly show how much work still lies ahead of us to achieve our goals.

The year ends with an old passion – writing. A first blog post marks the beginning of a new chapter. I put it off for too long, but a newsletter will follow soon. Planning for the new year is almost complete, with some deliberately unspecified dates in the calendar to leave room for the unexpected. A newsletter will be particularly useful in this regard.

Think of that vague feeling at the end of the year that comes over you. Seek it out and follow it. It will lead you to the beginning of something truly special – a journey that extends far beyond the past and takes you into a future full of creative growth.