Sarah Carper Photography

In the past two year, I have attempted the 101 Goals in 1001 Days Challenge.  Needless to say, it failed miserably.  I thought it was a good idea to make a list of 101 things to do in a timeframe of 1001 days.  It was a mix of personal and business goals, serious and fun goals.  I also thought that with 1001 days, I had plenty of time to get some longer term goals completed.  Well, that’s not the case.  So, this year, I’m doing something different.  I’m completing the 12 Goals in the Year 2012.  12 goals that are extremely reachable goals to complete within the year.  Easy, right?  I hope so!  Below are my goals.  I’m hoping you can hold me accountable for keeping up with my goals and I’m going to post here on the blog about the goals once I’ve completed each of them!

1. Get more organized.

This is by big New Year’s Resolution.  There are multiple aspects of my life that need more organization – and this year, I’m gonna    do it!  A year of organization! 

2. Blog more!

This blog is one of the best marketing tools that I have, however, I’ve never really used it to it’s full potential.  I’ve really only blogged my sessions and weddings, but that’s not all that there is to SCP.  I’m going to share more about who I am on this blog.  I hope you welcome the change!

3. Take a road trip…anywhere.

I’ve been wanting to do this for a while.  I want to take one of those “get in the car and just go somewhere” trips.  Whether alone or with friends, it doesn’t matter.  I just want to go!

4. Read an average of 2 books a month.

Notice I didn’t say to READ 2 books a month, but an AVERAGE of 2 books a month.  Totally doable, right?  I mean, I’ve got the whole summer to make up for the months that I don’t read that much!  I love reading and I’ve got a huge list of books that I definitely want to read soon!

5. Upgrade my camera equipment with at least one really nice piece.

This goal goes without much explanation.  I’ve got good equipment, yes, but it’s lacking some really nice pieces.  My goal is to get at least one new piece this year and start to really build up my arsenal.  

6. Photograph at least six weddings.

I already have three weddings booked for this year, possibly another two that haven’t yet booked, so that leaves just one more wedding!  Of course, I’d love to photograph more than six this year, but that is my goal!  I think it’s better to set goals you can reach than to get depressed when you don’t reach your far-reaching goals.

7. Finish marketing materials and wedding packaging products.

I’ve got some new marketing pieces that I’m designing to match my new brand and I’m also working on my wedding packaging materials.  After your wedding, when I deliver images, my goal is to give you your images in a memorable way.  But to see how this plays out, well, you’ll have to book a wedding with me!

8. Develop new workflow process.

I’ve been toying around with multiple workflows for my pictures lately, and I want to develop a more streamlined workflow to get my photos done in a timely manner!  I’m excited about working on this goal!

9. Learn how to successfully use my new sewing machine!

I received a new sewing machine for Christmas and I have some things I really want to learn how to sew!  If you’ve got some cool patterns or ideas for sewing machines, please send them my way!

10. Make one of the many crafty items that I’ve pinned on Pinterest.

If you are not on Pinterest, you should be.  It sucks up way to much of my time!  In a good way, of course!  I have found some of the most creative crafts and ideas on this site and I’m excited to find the time to make some of these items!

11. Complete the 365 Challenge.

I tried this last year on Facebook and also failed.  I was taking a picture everyday and posting it to Facebook.  The adding photos everyday got me and I was easily frustrated when I got behind with the posting, even though I was taking the photos.  So, I’m going to change it up this year.  I’m probably going to take pictures every day, but post them once a week on Facebook and here on the blog in a collage form.  A much more manageable way to accomplish this goal!

12. Shoot more…think less.

I just want to get out and shoot.  I want to photograph things and not think to much about what and how I’m photographing.  My hope is that this makes me look at things a new way.  I’m hoping that my creativity comes through a lot more

Do you have any goals for the year?  If so, feel free to post a comment below and share your goals!  We can all reach our goals together!!

And because no post is complete without a picture (or two!), here are two photographs from a session last year.  Love these two photos!