The start of a new year traditionally brings high hopes for self-improvement in the form of the ever-popular New Years’ resolution.  Exercising more.  Drinking less.  Saving more.  Eating better.  All the aspirational changes we can make for a healthier, happier year ahead.

But, what about resolving to improve your artistic talent or bolster your photography business instead?

Rather than vowing to go to the gym more (which, let’s be honest, will lose its luster around the same time Valentine’s Day candies start hitting grocery store shelves), focus on becoming a better photographer.  Not only will it be a resolution that’s actually fun to do, but it’ll set you up for success for years to come as well.  Here are five New Years’ resolutions for photographers that you can accomplish over the next 12 months.

1. Create or Improve Your Portfolio

One of the most obvious New Year’s resolutions for photographers is to share your work with more people.  And, when it comes to getting your photography out there in the world, the most valuable thing to do is to have an impressive digital portfolio.

Equally important to your stunning photos, is displaying them on an online platform that’s professional and user friendly.  I, personally, recommend SmugMug for a number of reasons.  First, they offer unlimited storage (the dream!)  So, you can backup and display as many photos as you like.  Another reason why I love their platform is that there are tons of website templates to choose from, so it’s easy to find one that dovetails well with the tone and style of your photos.  And finally, SmugMug offers advanced security so you never have to worry about your work or personal information ending up in the wrong hands.

Try SmugMug FREE for 14 days, and save 15% on a new account!

2. Photograph A Bucket List Destination

I don’t know about you, but I have an extensive list of bucket list destinations I want to photograph.  The soaring peaks of Machu Picchu, Russia’s colorful Red Square, the lush rainforests of Olympia National Park, hot air balloons over Cappadocia, the northern lights in Sweden.  The list goes on and on.

So, a great New Year’s resolution for photographers is to look at your own list and pick a few places you’ll capture over the next year.  Not only will it help you check a few destinations off your bucket list, but it’ll also help you sharpen your talent by researching the best ways to shoot that particular location.

3.  Get Hired For Photography Jobs

They say if you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.  So, why not start the year off with a new photography job to both hone your skills and line your wallet?  There are all kinds of platforms that can help you find people wanting to hire someone with photography skills.

For those in Canada, you may check for a photographer career in Ontario on Jooble!

4. Sell More Of Your Work

More interested in selling your existing photos than working to shoot new ones?  Then, your resolution could be to simply sell more of your work!

When it comes to selling photos, I (again) recommend SmugMug.  The reason is that SmugMug allows you to set your own margins, which gives you greater control over your earning potential.  And, you always earn 85% of the profits!  Plus, the platform allows for special touches like a thank you note to purchasers (making it a pleasant buying experience and increasing the chance for repeat business).

5. Get New Equipment

One of my guilty pleasures is new photography equipment.  The latest and greatest travel tripod, a fresh lens to shoot with, and the newest gadgets with bells and whistles to make photography more fun.

So, at the start of each year take a look at your own equipment and see where you might have gaps.  What could you get that would make your photos even better?  Set you apart from your competition?  Or improve your technique?  Then, invest in the tools you need to help move your photography forward in the new year!

6. Learn New Techniques

Another fantastic way to improve your talent is to learn new techniques.  So, one of my personal favorite New Year’s resolutions for photographers is to practice different types of photography.  If you primarily focus on landscape photography, dip your toe in some portraiture.  If you usually shoot macro subjects, try your hand at some night photography.

By testing other artistic forms, it will help you learn more about photography techniques, the capabilities of your equipment, and ways you can improve in your primary niche.  Not sure how to get started?  Sign up for a photography course!  That way you’re sharing the journey with an instructor and other photographers who can help you along the way.

And, there you have it!  Five New Year’s resolutions for photographers that will help you hone your skills, earn more money, and step up your game in the year to come.  What are some of your New Year’s resolutions this year?  Comment below, I’d love to hear about them!

You May Also Like:

» Iconic Photo Locations Around The World
» Awesome Strategies To Sell Your Photos
» Fun Ways To Boost Your Creativity