As 2010 draws to a close, it only seems fitting–albeit a cliché–to look back and reflect on the past twelve months. To say this has been a year of growth for me would be a bit of an understatement. Whether we realize it or not, we all have defining moments. Moments where something changed our way of being as a photographer, imagemaker, and storyteller. Sometimes we don’t recognize when we’ve experienced a life-changing event until some time has past but one of the great aspects of keeping a journal like this blog, is that I can look back and clearly see them. I believe it’s important to recognize and to understand these pivotal experiences because they inform how we learn and give hints as to how we can continue along on our journey.
I’ve trawled through my blog and found several posts that mark my milestones over the past year. I’d like to share them with you and hope that you will share the defining moments of your own journey with me.
On Safari in Kenya
One of the biggest turning points of the year was my trip to Kenya with my friend David duChemin. Those 10 days were filled with all the lows and highs of this passion and at the end of it, I came away a better photographer and with some of the best friends I’ve made along this journey so far. My photography did a 180 degree turn as I realized how much I enjoyed photographing people when before I made every effort to stay away. Looking back now, the experience revealed to me how who I am as a photographer cannot be separate from who I am as a person. And in fact, when I am true to myself, I can create authentic images that speak for me in ways I cannot express in words. If you have a chance to join David next year on this safari, I highly recommend it.
An Invitation of a Lifetime
Then there are moments in our life so big we can’t help but recognize them like the invitation to join the Craft and Vision team in April. Without a doubt becoming the social media voice of Craft and Vision changed my journey but maybe not in the way you might think. Sure it’s wonderful to be a part of a truly innovative idea and to work with talented photographers and I love it. However when David and I first discussed the idea, he knew that the research I’d be doing to fulfill this role would help my learning and he was right. I’ve continued to learn something about the art and craft of photography through the tweets and posts we’ve shared. I hope you have too.
Hitting the Wall
In May I hit the wall. I felt like I wasn’t moving ahead, that I was just moving in circles and frankly I was fed-up. I was tired of feeling stuck making images I was dissatisfied with; it was a plateau and I was at the edge. I would either start the ugly slide down or I could stop and figure out how to move forward. I learnt the obstacles we face are there for a reason. Don’t ignore them. Don’t fight them, work with them. Work through the barriers rather than around them. My approach to making images changed and instead of making images for others, I began to make images for myself. Sure I had heard this advice many times but I think lessons like this are best learnt through your own experience.
My Secret Weapon
Shortly after I hit the wall, I began to look at ways to improve myself. Instead of seeking ways to make better photographs, I took Alan Briot’s advice and began to question why I wasn’t making better images. To help me with this, I asked my friend Ray to become my mentor. Without a doubt, it was the best question I asked in 2010. It’s like when the genie grants you one wish and you wish for a thousand more. That one question opened the door for me to ask unlimited questions and to uncover the answers that would shine a light on the path ahead. I know it might not be easy for everyone to find a mentor but be open to it, and it will happen. As Ray’s son, Ryan said: “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.”
The Windy City
My whole experience visiting Chicago was memorable. It has to do with spending time with some of my favourite photographers and friends Sue Ables, Marco Ryan, Stuart Sipahigal and Mark Olwick. If you have an opportunity to meet up with people you only know through social media or in an online way, go for it. I would even go so far as to say, make those opportunities happen. For me, learning photography is not a solo endeavour. My learning and even my personal growth is enhanced through the people I meet and who’ve become my friends. When there is a meeting of minds–and hearts–you’ll be surprised how much you’ll benefit.
I also love Chicago because I made one of my favourite images while I was there. Ansel Adams said: “Twelve significant photographs in any one year is a good crop” and while I don’t believe I have 12 really great images from this year, I think this photograph will be one that will stand the test of time in terms of how I feel about it. I also believe the way I make images in the future will be rooted in the things that I learnt while making this image.
Well there you have them. Six moments of the past year that have propelled my learning on this journey in ways I could have only imagined. I am very grateful for the opportunities I’ve had and even more for the people who’ve been with me along the way. Learning and growing as a photographer is only be possible for me because I have generous, thoughtful, talented friends who are willing to share their knowledge, experiences and wisdom with me. Thank you so much and Happy New Year to you all!
Hmmmn, weird, somehow my name and you having dinner with me in Ottawa is missing from this list.
FORGIVEN!
(for now)
LOL…I think Justin, our meeting will be reserved for the memoirs; the delicious bits always are
You’ve had a remarkable year Sabrina, congrats! It’s been a pleasure to connect with you in 2010. All the best for 2011.
Thank you Jacob; you’ve had an amazing year yourself! I’m excited to see what 2011 will bring for you
You certainly have had an enriching year, full of people and photography… great combination. May 2011 show you many more meaningful moments…
Thanks Mario. Best wishes for the New Year!
*sniff sniff* Getting featured on the JSP Sunday Focus didn’t make the cut.
Damn you, safari in Africa! Damn you, Chicago!
Ah well, glad you had a good year of growth, Sabrina!
So sorry Mark! I have a sneaky feeling though that the JSP Sunday Focus interview with you will be one of those moments that I will look back on in the future and recognize for something much bigger!
Nice reflections, Sabrina. Also, that image is AWESOME!
Thanks Chris! That D300 from the genie is magic
Thanks for being part of my journey too! What a year.
Mark
You’re welcome Mark! Hang on for the ride…I’m hoping 2011 will bring even more valleys and mountains for us both.
Nice retrospective, you had quite a year. Thanks for sharing your growth with us too, hopefully you’re aware that you are helping others’ grow through your efforts. Happy New Year, Sabrina.
Matt, thank you. I’m touched by your comment and very humbled. I know 2011 has many good things in store for you and I am really going to enjoy watching them come to be. Hugs to the kids!
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Phil McDermott, Beate Dalbec and others. Beate Dalbec said: RT @SabrinaHenry: Last blog post of the year http://tinyurl.com/35ttycx – glad to have traveled part of it with you! [...]
Congratulations on such a successful year Sabrina. I found it very interesting to read about your journey and the memorable moments.
Anne.
Happy New Year Anne and thank you! I hope you hang around for 2011.
You bring a smile to my face in all that you have accomplished and worked through this past year. Can’t wait to see what you do with 2011. Happy New Year, Sabrina!
Happy New Year Monte! I’m sure 2011 will be fabulous for both of us and like you, I’m excited to see what it brings.
Happy New Year Sabrina! I’m excited to what opportunities would be given you on your journey this 2011. Cheers!
Happy New Year, Sabrina! Great to “meet” you in 2010!
In Oslo it is morning already, sun is up, with a clear blue sky just like a blank notepad for the year to come.
- Eli
I am happy to be a witness and sometime participant on your journey Sabrina. Can’t believe Kenya was almost a year ago!
Maureen
I suspect you realise all too little how your honesty, openness, ability to listen, your ability to convey in words and to be share has so positively impacted so many others.
Your journey, your success, your passion for life and photography is what makes you such stimulating company and why so many of us are grateful that 2010 was the year we got to know Sabrina properly!
Well said Marco! I agree totally with you. I am looking forward to seeing 2011 through the eyes of Sabrina and all of the others who appear on this blog too.
Maureen
Marco speaks for me too. Meeting you through your blog and then actually spending time with you were two very special parts of 2010 for me. Thank you for being “just you.”
I’ve enjoyed reading your reflections. Sounds like it’s been a huge year for you. May ’11 keep that rhythm going
That’s a lovely summary of what has clearly been an amazing year for you. Keep it flowing, it’s lovely to read your thoughts and follow your journey.
Wow what a year it has been for you! I so enjoy following your photographic adventures, and have been lucky to be a part of them as well, just as you are a big part of mine. One thing that I have learned this year is that you are right – it is the friends and connections that not only make the journey more enjoyable, but also expand the breadth and depth of opportunities. As our friend David says, “all opportunities begin with conversation”, and he wrote a couple of books, so he must know what he is talking about:) I’m sure 2011 will have us shooting together again, and I SO look forward to it!
Krista – you are so right. I have been so fortunate this year starting in Kenya with you and Sabrina and Beate (oh yes and David too) – so more conversations will be in order in 2011, and visits and shoots….
Sabrina – following your blog, I have ‘met’ many others who also have inspired me and furthered my knowledge along with your philosophy – keep it up!