Notes on Images #003 - A look back on 2022 and setting goals for 2023
A letter about reflection and goals for 2023
Dear Friend,
To be honest… I didn’t intend to write this letter. I skipped last month's letter, because I just didn’t feel inspired to write something. I felt a bit bad about it, but when I started these letters, I made one rule for myself: Never force yourself to write. If I don’t feel it, it's okay. I make these for fun, nothing more or less.
In January I will re-think where I want to go with these letters, because I like writing them. But since I am not a writer it's quite hard writing these ones. I will come up with subjects (around photography and film) to write about and then will be back in February.
Okay enough excuses, I will end the last letter of 2022 (a bit late, but hey… better then nothing) with reflecting on my year and setting some goals for 2023
So thank you for being back and enjoy the read!
In 2022 some things changed for me. First of all the biggest one was deciding to leave school. This decision was really scary at the beginning. I just didn’t feel it anymore working on school projects and wanted to do more of my own thing. I got a part time job, focussed more on freelance work and started working more on personal projects. Even though it was definitely scary in the beginning, it turned out to be great. I feel less stressed and I am able to focus more on the projects and stories I want to work on. Those are the stories that give me joy in photography and film!
The great thing about working more on my own projects and photos is that I'm quite happy with a few photos that I took this year. They gave me more perspective on how I want to shoot and where I want to go with my storytelling.
Here are a couple of the photographs I took during 2022!
2022 really was an adventure. Definitely had some ups and down, but hey that’s a part of life. But if I look back am quite happy overall how it went and can’t wait to continue this in 2023.
So for 2023 I have set the following goals to continue this adventure and to learn more and new things:
Personal projects
In 2023 I want to work on more stories I come across, get inspired by or I find interesting. Both portrait and documentary. I recently started working on a portrait project which (I hope) will be released in the beginning of March. So keep an eye out for that!Commercial work
I will be more open to commercial work. So you want to have portraits, photos for your company or you have an interesting story? I’m happy to work together!Video work
Last year I didn’t focus much on video. Even though I really love making films. So in 2023 I will also be focusing more on working on video projects like: portrait video’s, commercial work, documentaries and so on. So you need video work for marketing? You have an interesting or inspiring story and want it to be translated into film? Let’s grab a coffee!
Personal goal
Last but not least! A personal goal. I really want to run a half marathon. It is something I always dreamt of doing and never thought I was able to do it. This year I started training for it and I want to prove myself that if I want something I’m able to do it! So hopefully at the end of January this goal can be crossed off the list. I will keep you updated on that!
That’s it for today! I hope you enjoyed my little recap of 2022 and the goals I am setting for 2023. January I will take off again and then will be back in February regularly every month (hopefully, I really wil do my best! promised).
I wish you all a very happy new year! And let me know what are your goals? How are you going to achieve them?
Have a good day, evening or night and remember to always let yourself be inspired!
Much love!
Goitzen van der Veen
Takeaway from writing this letter:
Setting goals gives me a good perspective on what I really like to make and what makes me happy. It also gives me more motivation to achieve the goal, because I threw it out into the world. So now I have to do it!
You have a question, a comment or you want me to talk about a subject? Let me know!
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