Kicking Off My Year-Long Photography Journey: Rediscovering Connecticut and Beyond Through the Lens
Photography has been my constant companion—a way to explore and capture the world around me from new perspectives. My journey began over a decade ago in the UK, where business travel took me across Europe and to the US. On a trip to New York City, I took a leap and bought my first DSLR, a Nikon D90. With that camera, I immersed myself in capturing cityscapes and the vibrant rhythm of people going about their lives. From there, I expanded to landscapes and nature photography, eventually moving to the US in 2019 and making Connecticut my home.
Now, after years of shooting, I’m ready to push myself further. Inspired by new AI tools, I’ve designed a year-long photography program that aligns with seasonal shifts and incorporates weekly work trips to New York City and a December visit to the UK. This program will allow me to revisit old skills and discover new ones, capturing Connecticut’s landscapes, NYC’s urban energy, and the winter scenes of England in a structured, immersive way.
How AI Helped Shape This Journey
In creating this program, I wanted more than just a list of technical exercises. AI played an essential role in developing a program that aligns each month’s challenges with seasonal and location-specific elements. With AI’s support, I built a plan that integrates Connecticut’s natural landscapes, New York’s vibrant urban environment, and even my travel schedule, ensuring that each week’s challenge is relevant and enriching. AI has been a valuable partner, helping me organize my goals, map locations, and structure exercises that encourage growth in both technical skill and creative exploration.
How This Program Came Together
In designing this journey, I focused on two main goals:
Seasonal and Locational Exploration: Each month’s challenges are shaped by the natural beauty of Connecticut and the unique atmosphere of New York City, along with my December trip to Bookham, UK. This structure allows me to capture the seasons with intentionality, each week building on what makes that particular time and place special.
Weekly Blog Cataloging: Each week, I’ll write a blog post documenting my progress and reflections. This practice will not only keep me accountable but will also serve as a visual journal of my journey. I’ll share photos, techniques, and insights into what I’m learning, creating a narrative that captures this year-long experience from beginning to end.
Weekly Progress Blog: Documenting the Journey
Every week’s blog post will be a record of that week’s assignment and insights. I’ll share some of my best shots, challenges I faced, and what I learned along the way. Through these updates, I’ll also analyze areas where I can improve and highlight what I want to focus on in the coming weeks. This process will allow me to build a cohesive portfolio while sharing my journey in real-time.
Where This Journey Starts: Highlights from My Current Portfolio
To kick off, here are a few highlights from my current portfolio that have inspired this project:
Cityscapes and Street Photography: Inspired by my early New York days, I still find myself drawn to Connecticut’s historic districts and NYC’s urban streets. These photos remind me of where I started, and I’ll be carrying that energy through in my work.
Nature and Wildlife: Since moving to Connecticut, wildlife photography has become a central theme. With my 200-500mm lens, I’ve captured some incredible birds and other wildlife, which has taught me patience, timing, and respect for my subjects.
New England Landscapes: From Silver Sands to the coastal charm of Southport Beach, these landscapes capture Connecticut’s beauty. They’ll serve as a foundation as I work on deepening my understanding of light, composition, and mood.
The Path Ahead
With AI tools assisting in planning and structuring, this program has been designed to keep me creatively inspired and technically challenged. I hope that documenting this journey will be not only a personal narrative but also a guide for other photographers looking to elevate their work. From Connecticut’s shores to the city streets of New York, and even to the English countryside, this year will be a journey through familiar places with fresh eyes.
Here’s to a year of discovery, challenge, and, I hope, some of my best work yet. Follow along for updates, tips, and stories each month as I embark on this year-long journey to rediscover photography through the lens.
