I probably devoted more time and effort to my 2014 Photo-A-Day than my other PAD efforts during 2012 and 2013.  I wanted to make sure that I had at least one photo-a-day and reveled when there were a whole host of photos that I wanted to keep and share.

PAD Sept 3 Reflection

When I reviewed the year, here are some of my findings:

• Even though it was my third year of being engaged in PAD, I looked forward to each day and wondered what photo or photos would capture the day in some way
• I probably experimented more with photo plug-ins than in previous years, especially from Topaz Labs, and using the filters caused me to spend more time pre-visualizing what I might be able to do with post processing
• At the same time, I didn't want to forget about composition and trying to get the best image that I could take right out of the camera
• As in the past few years, I concentrated on nature and landscapes, with lots of photos taken on hikes with my husband
• I had the good fortune of lots of travel during 2014 and I tried to maximize the types of images that I took in any of the locations that I was, whether it was work or vacation.
• I enjoyed traveling light, which means a 28 to 300mm lens and a camera bag that looks more like a purse.  I find that it allows quick access to my gear and is great for hiking trails.  I also carry a tripod with me.
• I really, really, really like my Canon 5DM3.  I appreciate it's 65 focusing points, its capability to do HDR and multi-exposure.  And I just like the way it feels in my hand.  It's become a trusted friend of sort.
• I also like my little Canon S120.  There are times when I was traveling for work projects that it was the only camera that I was bringing along. Lately, however, the battery poops out, which is a known problem, and I am considering an alternative....although I like the pocket aspect of it
• I occasionally use my iPhone and iPad, but it's more of in a pinch

My surprises:

• For me, its often hard to shed photos of the past.  During 2014, I was able to re-visit a couple of grand places and I was disappointed with my shots.  My earlier shots were more impressive, fresher, and with better composition.  It's almost like I was going through the motions the second time around.
• Some of my best shots were with my P&S because it was readily available and less obvious...or perhaps less obvious that I knew what i was doing with a camera with something small rather than something much bigger.
• I enjoyed the weddings that I photographed immensely.  They were all casual affairs and I could enjoy myself instead of feeling like a paid photographer

Well, now onto 2015 and many interesting photos during this year!