Looking ahead at 2012 – with a nod to 2011 accomplishments

Ciociaria by Douglas Stockdale copyright 2011 Edizioni Punctum

Looking ahead at 2012 is of course like attempting to read tea leaves or stare into a crystal ball, or perhaps in my case, peer into the dense fog while yet still hurling forward (okay, I am attempting to find a way to tie in a photograph from my book with what I hope is a fitting metaphor).

To drive forward into 2012, I do have a set of planned goals, which I will check from time to time. Meanwhile, while driving ahead, I think it is always a good idea to check the mirror. So here is what I see in the mirror for 2011, that in part sets the stage for 2012.

First most, I continue to work on my personal relationships, building on the existing friendships, while making new acquaintances. As you might imagine, also continues to be first most in 2012.

My big accomplishment for 2011 is the publication of my book Ciociaria in conjunction with Marco Delogu and his team at Edizioni Punctum, so a big thanks to Marco for seeing the possibilities and helping to make this project a reality.

The publication of Ciociaria (now available for purchae at photo-eye) lead to my interview by Susan Burstine on Underexposure, a series of wonderful reviews and shout-outs by Karen Jenkins, Tomas de Tersa, Aline Smithson, Harvey Benge and Andrew Phelps, and an amazing YouTube video of the book by Libros de Fotografia. Looking ahead for 2012 is the US book lauch and the availability of a limited edition book and print set, and perhaps a print exhibition.

Another is the insights gained into my earlier project In Passing, which has morphed into a concept that I have tentatively titled “Lest I Forget”, dealing with memory and its preservation. Now this project is on my 2012 to-do list for submitting for photobook publication at the beginning of 2012.

My interest in photobooks is still unabated, thus I continued to acquire more, and subsequently provided my thoughts on about 40 of them at my photo-book-blog, The PhotoBook. With a big thanks to those who submitted their books for consideration. FYI, I am on the cusp of posting 200 book reviews on this blog. I waver as to these reviews, pretty sure that I do not provide enough criticism, bordering on commentary, but hopefully I provide some additional insights on the book’s subject.

For 2011, I was juggling a demanding day job that entails extensive travel, which I attempt to use to my photographic advantage, development and move forward a number of photographic concepts, while keep posting photobook reviews. I think juggling is an understatement.

Looking forward into 2012, I see that I have many wonderful opportunities to improve my juggling skills, adding a new diversion, learning to play the acoustic guitar.

So likewise, I wish you the very best for the New Year, as we venture into a foggy and unknown future while still attempting to keep all of the balls in the air.

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