Another Year
Well, another year has come and gone, and with it, quite a few changes happened. I changed jobs, I started getting my architectural license, and I started to branch out my photographic services. The question is, did I meet the goals I set for myself back in 2024? No, I didn't, but at the same time, I actually came across opportunities that I wasn't planning on. Let's go back and see what those goals were...
#1 | Scanning my Negatives
At least I can say that I fully accomplished at least ONE of my goals. I set out to scan all of my negatives with my DSLR so I could have a higher resolution image, as well as have color control of my shots.
When I started out on developing my workflow, I originally was using a Canon Rebel t3i given to me by a coworker at my previous job. Unfortunately, I left before I could get that camera back, so I had to figure out if any of my Nikon cameras were capable of scanning the negatives. Minor setback, but nothing that couldn't be worked out. After some time working through it, I found a working system using my D3200 with a Sigma 17-55 mm lens. Step 1 of the process was done! Now to the color processing...
Scanning my own negatives has been a really fun and very time-consuming journey, learning the means and methods of the scanning process. Fortunately for me, Cinestill had released their Lightroom Negative Developing Presets for free, so I snatched that up in a heartbeat. However, learning how to use the multiple steps took quite a bit of time to nail down and put into a workflow. Finally, I was all set.
#2 | Collaboration Projects
Okay, so this was not quite a successful accomplishment, but at the same time, it wasn't a failure either. I did not get to do a lot of collab shoots this year, I was able to get one really good shoot with Bella Harvey, which you've seen in my Hidden Oasis post earlier this year. That was an incredibly fun shoot, getting to try working with my flash, but I was also able to try a few shots on film as well. Getting to try new things is half of the fun with these collaboration shoots. Not only do you get to add new portfolio shots, but you get to try new things as well.
Unexpected blessings
2025 did happen to provide me a few unexpected opportunities. My church has actually been my biggest client this year, asking for my services for several projects. The first one being documenting the construction of our new education building. Another being to photograph all of the members for the church's directory, which had not been updated in a few years. Those projects alone have kept me busy, outside of my regular 9-5 job most of the year. I just need to wait and see what little happy accidents happen next year, maybe I can land another big project or two to scratch my photographer itch.
Lone Star Roads
#3 | Bringing Back Brands
This ended up being a total bust. Clearly I bit off more than I could chew trying to accomplish this as well. Cybernaut Apparel will just have to stay in the closet a little while longer. For now, I think I will keep my focus on two creative outlets, my architecture and my photography. Maybe one day I will be able to dedicate more time to growing and selling the brand. That being said, I have plans to at least do a little bit of promotional work this coming year for it, and maybe, just maybe, I'll post it.
What does 2026 look like?
Like I was saying, I think I am going to keep my focus right now to my 2 biggest creative outlets: Architecture and Photography. I think the goals I am going to set for myself in 2026 will be simple. Trying to do too much always ends up with burnout, so its time to scale back and pace myself. It's not a race, it's a marathon.
In 2026, I am going to:
- Focus on Family
- Focus on Architecture
- Focus on Photography
Focus on Family
Now that my kids are starting to reach an age where travel becomes easier, I want to start taking my kids to see places. My wife and I are still big on experiences and a sense of adventure, and we want to pass that passion on to our kids. I would say that I want to take the kids somewhere they've never been. Nowhere exotic or halfway around the world, but something as simple as Galveston or San Antonio would be good options.
It's recently come up that my oldest son is starting to show interest in photography as well, a lot of it may be that he sees me doing it so much, but I love knowing that he wants to do something that his dad loves to do.
Focus on architecture
My primary passion and means of income. Architecture has continued to be the means of my family's lifestyle, and I continue to grow in this realm, primarily by pursuing my licensure, so I can finally close the chapter that I started back in college almost two decades ago. For most of 2026, that is going to be my focus, so content is likely going to be few and far between. However, once that is complete, we shall see what I am able to create, like photo books...
Focus on photography
Finally, the reason the four of you are reading this BLOG. I am continuing to create new ideas and photography projects that one day, I will follow through on. As I've mentioned earlier in this post, between client jobs, collaborative projects, diving more into film, and conceiving new creative ideas, I definitely have a very full workload.
That being said, I cannot wait to see what 2026 has to offer. I had no idea that 2025 would happen the way it did, so the sky's the limit, pending something cataclysmic. *knocking on wood*
print gallery
For those that reach this point
Congratulations, you made it to the end, an accomplishment that few can claim. If you did make it to this point, and you or someone you know, wants to work with me or use my services, fill out the form below, and reach out. I want to get to know you, and work with you to create some amazing work. Thank you again for reading this blog, and here's to 2026.
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