13 New Year's Resolutions for Photographers

Have you started thinking about your New Year’s resolutions for next year? With a New Year comes new opportunities, and whether yours is to push yourself to try out new hobbies or to perfect your existing skills, there are tons of upcoming opportunities for you to do so. In true festive spirit, our team has decided to compile a list of New Year’s resolutions — perfectly tailored to photographers just like you. 

No matter if you’re a student, a novice photographer, or a professional photographer who dedicates their whole life to the craft, we’re sure you’ll find a New Year’s resolution that you can try out for yourself. Step out of your comfort zone, explore new perspectives, and take your craft of photography to a level unlike ever before.

1. Sign up for a photography course

Ideal for both beginners and intermediate photographers, a photography course can introduce you to new techniques and concepts, all in a collaborative and supportive environment. 

With the help of our excellent photography course leaders, you can track your progress by setting mini-goals for the session, and then you can share your learnings with other like-minded photographers.

2. Enter a photography competition 

You’ll never know unless you try. Photography competitions can motivate you to produce your best work — and some judges even respond with feedback which is great for creative growth and development. Of course, make sure you keep track of submissions and any feedback you receive to help you grow and develop as a photographer.

3. Start a photography blog 

Sharing your photography journey can be inspiring for others — especially if they’re looking for a reason to get into the industry. Set a schedule for regular posts and track your engagement to see what your community wants to see and learn from you.

4. Go on a photo holiday

Travel and photography go hand-in-hand. If you’ve never tried travel photography before — now’s your chance. Plan a trip with the help of our Photowalks and photographic holidays. 

With product specialists on hand to provide technical support and advice, you can try out a new genre of photography and the latest FUJIFILM loan equipment — all while visiting somewhere new and spectacular. How about the stunning vistas of Glencoe, Scotland, to brush up on landscape photography?

5. Master a new technique

Whether it's long exposure, macro, or portrait photography, mastering a new technique can be extremely fulfilling. It’s also a great opportunity to expand your creative portfolio. Don’t forget to document your learning process through before-and-after shots — showcase your progress, and be proud of it.

6. Buy a new camera

Upgrading your gear can open up new possibilities for your photography journey. Research, compare, and set a budget — then experiment with different features and settings. Feel free to pop down to our FUJIFILM store in Covent Garden, where you can speak to our product experts. They’ll be more than happy to help you find your next camera!

7. Follow a picture-a-day challenge

Here’s an example of a photo challenge that myFUJIFILM hosted back in November. Photography challenges like these encourage consistency and creativity, and you can easily find them with a quick search on social media. 

You can either share your daily photos to reflect on your growth weekly, or just keep them to yourself — whichever works best for you. Not all celebrations of growth have to be shared, after all.

8. Apply for 1-2-1 photography tuition

Are you ready to level up your skills? If so, personalised photography tuition can help accelerate your learning. 

With the undivided attention of one of our Fujifilm experts, you can set specific objectives with your tutor, get the most out of their industry knowledge, and learn everything you need to know about a technique or camera model.

9. Collaborate with other photographers

When photographers collaborate, this often leads to fresh ideas and new techniques. Document your collaborative projects and share your experiences online by signing up to a photography community group on social media. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.

10. Volunteer for photography projects

Looking to build up your photography portfolio? Offering your skills for a good cause can be rewarding, and it will get your name out into different communities. Try reaching out to schools, charities, and other public sector businesses, and track the number of projects you participate in. Remember to note down the impact of your work — no matter how seemingly small.

11. Take time for organisation

If you haven’t updated your photography portfolio in a while, take this as a sign that it’s time. Perhaps you’d like to refresh the layout and design or include a few of your recent projects? Either way, your portfolio is only as good as you make it — so make sure that it’s everything you want it to be and more.

12. Learn about a photography genre that scares you

Challenge yourself by diving head-first into a new photography genre, such as wildlife or sports photography. Monitor your progress by comparing early attempts with later works and take a look at how far you’ve come by the end of the year.

13. Start a 365-day photography project

Commit to taking one photo every day for a year. Try and focus on a new skill or technique each time, and push your creative limits. This can be a transformative experience, improving your skills and creative vision. Use a calendar to track your daily submissions, or make a social media account to share with like-minded photographers.

Start the New Year off right with FUJIFILM House of Photography

Incorporating these unique and interesting New Year's resolutions into next year’s plan can provide you with a structured path for creative growth and innovation. Remember — a resolution should be something that helps you grow, not something that adds extra pressure.

So, with a New Year, new gear, new experiences, and new knowledge — these photography resolutions can help you rekindle your love for photography in a way that suits you. Which resolution will you be starting with?