Reaching Seventeen

A year ago when I turned sixteen I decided to set 17 goals for myself to accomplish before I turned seventeen (you can read more about what motivated me to do this challenge through this link). They were difficult to accomplish and I must admit that I had to replace a few of the goals with something else when I realized how impossible they had become. But nonetheless I accomplished 17 things within a year and now on my birthday I want to share with you exactly what they were and how I managed to accomplished them.Here are the 17 goals I set out to accomplish.

1. Buy a new camera and lens

2. Write fifty letters to strangers

3. Shoot at 7 new locations

4. Read seventeen classics

5. Figure out the “why” in my photography

6. Set up my store

7. Jump into seven different bodies of water

8. Use a male model in an image

9. Shoot my first client shoot

10. Have my work in a gallery

11. Wake up at 6:00 every day for a week

12. Complete a photo series

13. Sell my first fine art print

14. Redo my website

15. Create and successfully run a teen photography group

16. Cook seven different recipes

17. Create an elaborate photoshoot

Sony AR7IISigma Art 50mm

Recently, I was contacted by Seth Russell, a friend who is a talented musician. He asked if I would be willing to create an album cover for his next single, "Forgive You". Fortunately I was already traveling to Oklahoma near where he lives in July and we were able to arrange a photoshoot. With this image I was able to complete both of these goals and I couldn't be happier with the end result. Click here to listen to "Forgive you" as well as all of Seth's other work.   10. Have my work in a galleryThis was by far one of my favorite goals to accomplish on my list. I learned an incredible amount from being in a gallery in Orlando, Florida. Three pieces of my work were featured at the event and if you would be interested in reading more about the exhibition I've written two blog posts about it. Part 1 and Part 2. Since my first exhibition I have had the pleasure of my work being in two others, one was in my hometown and the other was in Paris France. Below are some photos taken from all of the shows.   

   This year has been one whirlwind of activity but it has been an incredibly enjoyable one. I look forward to all the adventures my next year will bring and I am excited to set my 18 Before 18 goals. Thank you so much for sticking with me to the end of this blog post, I know it is long, but I feel incredibly overjoyed by looking at all the things I've accomplished.I hope that this post will inspire you to set goals for the coming year. It could be one it could be a hundred, either way I encourage you to dedicate yourself to a task and see it through to completion. When you reach the end you will be grateful that you did.Have a wonderful day!