When I did a big website overhaul two years ago, I didn’t want to do a portfolio by subject. I feel like I’m doing the same thing wether I document my family, shoot portraits or do a commercial assignment. I imagined a virtual wall for each year on which I can stick pictures.

These are not necessary the best or most spectacular images, just the pictures that I think I will like to look back onto in a couple of years. And for my clients I feel like it’s the most honest and authentic representation of who I am.

Here’s my 2021 wall, click on the image to see my 120 wall pictures of last year.

What did I learn from this wall?

Looking back at my 2021 archive there are things that stood out although some of the work may still be too fresh to look at with a “neutral” eye. Here’s a short list of things that I want to work with/on in the future:

The first half of the year, I shot much less than usual. I attribute that to covid-burnout. And I’m fine with that, it’s good to take a (semi) break every now and then.
I didn’t shoot enough portrait work but I do like the direction in which it’s going. I definitely want to do a ton more portrait shoots.
I’ve had it with my own backyard. I know you can make great work in your own environment but I’ve spent too much time at home to still see it. I can clearly see how the few changes of scenery inspired me to shoot. Therefor, I should aim to get away a bit more often.
Photographers who can shoot less “literal” pictures always made me jealous. But I can see that I’m slowly getting the hang of making more abstract and artistic images.
There aren’t that many images on my wall from paid assignments. I had less assignments due to virus things and a lot of my bread and butter has been video work last year. I don’t mind video work and the less creative photo work at all. But at this point it’s clear to me that I have to focus more on making “my” work (and see how I can make it work in my business).
Many of my favourite pictures have at least an element of unpredictability in them. More and more I’m learning to accept that a degree of luck is what makes an image great and that I have to be ready and open to let luck occur.
Most of my images have only been seen by myself. I shared only a fraction of it and not necessarily based on what I consider worth sharing. I’m going to make an effort to share more with the goal of creating more conversations between you and me.
I’m honestly a bit dissapointed with what I’ve produced last year but that’s not a new feeling. Generally I need a bit more time and distance to appreciate my own work. And not being perfectly happy with my work, drives me to get better.

That’s it for now. Let me know what you think of my 2021 wall.