Shutter Sisters

Rockin’ New Year

By

Is it just me or as we get older do holidays lose a little bit of their kick? The big events we looked forward to as children (and even young adults) tend to loose some of their magic as time goes on. I hate to even say it out loud, but I think it’s true. Even our own birthdays are often swept under the rug with minimal fanfare. What is it about growing up that causes us to grow out of our excitement for momentous occasions?

 

Perhaps it’s because we often experience more stress than enjoyment from some major holidays. Or that practicality gets in the way and leaves no room for childish enthusiasm. I mean many of us toss out making New Year’s Resolutions just to keep the disappointment (and even guilt) of our own realities at bay. Self-preservation I guess.

 

How about doing something a little different this year. No, I am not going to insist that you make a New Year’s Resolution, I promise. But, I am going to take this opportunity on the last day of 2008 to encourage you to take a look at the past year and amidst all the ups and downs that the year may have dished out that you claim your inner Rock Star. That’s right, you heard me; you are a Rock Star.

 

Maybe you dusted off your camera and tapped into your long-lost love of photography, maybe you started (or expanded) a blog, maybe you treated yourself to new equipment, maybe you got a photo published or got paid for shooting a session. Whatever creative accomplishment you choose to focus on today, celebrate it. And whether you have plans to ring in the New Year with lots of bells and whistles or in quiet reflection, do it like the Rock Star that you really are.

 

 

You didn’t think we’d forget our very last giveaway of the year, did you? We’re ending the month of giveaways with a bang as HP is offering one of their awesome All-in-One printers to a lucky reader. Leave a comment today (in true Rock Star fashion) for your chance to win. Comment by the stroke of midnight to be entered in the drawing. Best of luck and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

 

Comments

  1. Oh a printer would make me so happy! It would start 2009 perfectly! Thank you for all the great inspiration and motivation over 2008. Happy New Year!
    Kylie

  3. I discovered your blog a couple of month ago and it really is a beam of sunshine in my week when I consult it. I don’t have any creative achievement to celebrate ( apart from a dove in textile I made for our door at Xmas), but I do feel like a rock star from time to time.
    Thank you.

  4. 2008 made me feel like a rockstar because I shifted to my first love-teaching. and I am now being adored by my 5-year old fans. 🙂

    in 2009 I am looking forward to creating something with my photographs and starting a new arts and crafts hobby – letterpress and scrapbooking. 🙂

    wishing everyone here at shutter sisters a wonderful and life/love-filled 2009 ahead!

  5. wowsers trousers! what a super fabulous giveaway! I’m ready to be a rock star. I’ll give the air guitar a whirl tonight.

    Happy new year!
    xxxx

  6. happy new year, sisters!
    i’m definitely feeling quiet in my celebrations this year.
    my new year’s wish? for 2009 to go nice and slow…

  7. I love playing Rock Band and Guitar hero with my boyfriend and his kids….it truly makes me feel like a Rock Star!!! I would love, love, love a new printer.

  9. i love this!

    one of my favorite comments i got from a friend i was doing a photoshoot of was "vivienne makes me feel like a rock star"! i love that we have the ability to help people feel so sassy, beautiful and downright special! i feel like a rockstar because i followed my dreams this year, went to school for photography, made a website of my work and did so many portrait shoots this year (some i even got paid for)!

    happy new year rockstars, superheros and fellow big dreamers!

  11. I have a camera I love and I’ve been paid for a couple of sessions but I’m still working with the printer I got free with my computer 7 or so years ago. It’s terrible.

    Happy New Year!

  14. Happy New Year! This year, I decided that I was a photographer. Maybe an amateur one to be sure, but a photographer none-the-less.

  15. Yeah, I am a rock star too! Well, erm, maybe a jazz star. I took a leap into the dark this year & sang my first gig in a long time in Paris. Was super fun and the best part was that I got paid to take pictures of the other singers on the night! Whoohoo!
    Shutter Sisters brings me so much joy each day I check in – I love seeing everyone’s contributions and words of encouragement.
    So I wish you a fabulous new year girls, and I hope 09 brings much happiness your way!

  16. What an awesome, inspiring post! 2008 was my first year in business and I had so many great clients. Getting that first check was an amazing experience. Thanks for reminding me to focus on that!!

  17. I agree – holidays can lose their sizzle. For me, it’s the stress of bringing together very different kinds of families. But this year, with a two-year-old, Christmas had a little more of its old happy fun.

    I did get my SLR this year (yippee!) and I really got back into my love of photography thanks to my friend Maya and because of you, Shutter Sisters! I also started a photo blog. (http://www.mamaofletters.com/Site/The_Focal_Point/The_Focal_Point.html)
    I bought a used 50mm f/1.8 lens, though unfortunately it’s not auto-focus on my camera….I still get some great pictures from it though. I participated in NaNoWriMo and finished! Not bad. Thanks for reminding me that I can accomplish some things! Happy New Year!

  18. Well, I’m not a rock star, but this year I did really learn to use my DSLR. I think the counter is at about 14,000 photos… throw out the 13,800 learning opportunities, and I got a couple hundred great shots! Next year’s rock star goal: learn to finish and print my photos!

  20. I feel like I did alot this year. I got a DSLR and started taking more pictures. I went back to school for graphic design. and I started my blog this year. I kinda do feel like a rockstar. I’d love to have a new printer especially since the old one hasn’t had ink since last year.

  21. I dusted off my camera and its manual and started a blog this year. I love visiting this site for inspiration and tools to give me the courage I need to just keep on using my camera. Here’s to 2009!

  23. Had my first paid photography gig this year and yes, it did make me feel awesome!

    Would love to win this. I’d put it to good use.

    Happy New Year and good luck all!

  24. no rock star fashion comment from me. Just a thank you for all the thought provoking and inspiring posts you all post here at Shutter Sisters. I have done some contemplating the New Year during this in between space after Christmas. I have been challenged and encouraged in many aspects of my life, not just photography, by reading this blog and I can see those reflected in some of the thoughts I have for the new year.

    Happy New Year to you all!

  27. I know what you mean about the holidays losing their kick. They also seem to just fly by.
    Thank you for this chance to win, and Happy New Year!

  32. I joined a local camera club in Sept, and it’s been wonderful. So nice to have other people who want to chatter endlessly about photography and who inspire me to wake up at dawn on cold winter mornings.

    Here’s to a rollicking 2009.

  33. Heck yah, I’m a rock star! I’ve started displaying my art in my home and to others. I’ve fallin in love with my little boy and husband again. I’ve run in quite a few races and made personal best times. I’ve gotten over some junk that has been keeping me prisoner for years. It has been a rockin’ good year and I’m excited for 2009!

  35. I hope everyone there has a wonderful New Year as well!!!!!!
    What a FUN December!!!!!
    This is my last shot at winning!? ahhhh!! 🙂

  38. Ups and downs included, this has been one hell of a year. I can not say I would exchange any of my experiences, for that would change who I am right at this moment. And, right now, I think I am pretty Super!

  42. The Shutter Sisters community has given me the belief that I can do this photography thing. That what I can do now is good enough and that I can reach out and learn and push myself as much as I am able. You have given me the courage to come out of my head and try, try, try.

    Thank you so much!

  46. Thank you Shutter Sisters for the daily inspiration this past year.
    Ending the year with my finger on the publish button of my first blurb photo book!

  51. You are right, holidays do sort of become more hassle than fun as we get older. You know how I can tell, I didn’t take one Christmas photo this year. That is something I am going to change next year. Would love to have that printer to print out all the pictures I’m going to take next year.

  52. thank you for this month of giveaways. although i’ve never won a giveaway, your words have empowered my heart & boosted my creativity. thank you deeply for that…

  55. Well, now, I know exactly the feeling- I find myself dreading the holidays more each year because there is so much to do, family to juggle- so much preparation going on in the background of boisterous, excited kids who get maybe a little crazy.

    I fully intend on reflecting on the past year and making New Year’s resolutions this time around- I haven’t for years, but it’s about time I do my best to try to better myself.

    Onward ho!

  58. Shutter Sisters is a daily necessity–love the photography and the writing. Thanks for all the inspiration.

  61. Giving birth to my first child after journeying through infertility treatments for more than two years makes me a rock star. Now I can celebrate daily with documenting my long awaited miracle with photographs. Now if only I could print said pictures…hmmmm…

  65. what a sweet post… really. we women rarely take time to celebrate ourselves, so today is the perfect occasion. Thank you for the reminder.

  66. Sisters ROCK! I’m an only child, and never really knew what it was like to have sisters until I started blogging and met such terrific and supportive women. Sharing your days and daily inspiration has been my joy this past year. I actually wrote a little about my small accomplishments here:

    http://inasoftlight.blogspot.com/2008/11/road.html

    Wishing you all joy this new year!

  67. 2008 has been very challenging and I have made it through. Looking forward to a brand new year and a brand new adventure. I discovered a little quote a couple of weeks ago that is my new motto for 2009 "Consume Less..Create More".

    Happy New Year!

  68. In 2008 – I finally made some time for myself again – it’s been a little tricky at times with two toddlers at home, but – I’m so excited that I made the effort. I just have one day left in my 365 Project with only one missed day. I enjoyed it so much that I plan on continuing the project in 2009. Thank you so much Shuttersisters for encouraging us all to express ourselves – it feels so wonderful!!

  74. I bought my first "big girl " camera and jumped into the field of photography. I still have a lot to learn but am having a blast

  77. I played the rock star wild card in 2008 by quitting my career for a low paying entry level job in my new field, for which I am entering school in 2009; moved my kids to a new city to start life over after divorce.

  80. I am so glad that I have discovered this site and have used so many tips, tricks and ideas to help with my photography. I feel like a rockstar when I get "the" shot, there is no better feeling!

  83. how funny that we went looking at printers yesterday~ i love the idea of acknowledging my inner rock star – especially as most of your examples applied to me this year! i have listed my new years aspirations on my site this year as there are things i want to achieve but don’t don’t want to set myself up for disappointment if life doesn’t go exactly as planned…
    have a wonderful new year sisters – you truly are the best!
    xo

  84. So glad I found this site! HERE’S to continued growth for shutter sisters !! (clink clink) I am honored to be part of this group of incredible women!!!!
    I have a camera I love…..would love to love a printer!!!

  88. Happy New Year! It’s time to pick up my camera more and shoot more freely. That printer would be a very, very nice part of the process . . . . Thanks for sharing.

  89. My inner rock star huh? My inner rock star wants to find a stage somewhere and act my little heart out, but my practical self says I don’t have time.

  94. I agree Tracy–well said.
    Self confidence that springs
    from within is very empowering.

    Thank you Shutter Sisters for all you give here!!

  96. My rock star plan is to really test my chops and regularly shoot some good old fashioned film. On a really old fashioned camera (a canon AE-1). If I can rock exposures without the safety net of digital, I will be convinced that I know my stuff. 🙂

    Happy New Year!

  97. I focus more on painting than photography (which I fell into in order to have my own ref shots), so my "rock star" moments have to deal with paintings. I sold 2 paintings from obscure settings. Yeah! I received 2 invitations to show solo exhibits in 2009. That really keeps me going.
    Happy new year!

  102. so true, even at twenty, the holidays become a bit stressful : )

    however you celebrate, I hope you’ve had a fantastic holiday season

  105. I’ll be channeling my inner rock star tonight – might even play some Rock Band to round out the evening!

    Happy New Years!

  106. I would feel like a rock star if I could get my 2008 photos printed. I recently took a bunch of photos with the intention of making them into cards for friends, but I never made it to the developers. Having a printer at home would rock my world.

  107. Of course I’m a rock star, and you know what? 2008 was a pretty darned good year for me so 2009 can only be better! And bring on that printer! Mine stopped working last week. 🙁 Happy New Year everyone!

  108. i’m currently out of rock star mojo, but am feeling lucky on the printer!
    and btw…i make my birthday a national holiday no matter how OLD i get!! 🙂

  110. I agree the holidays and even birthdays don’t quite hold the excitement that they did when we were kids. Though this year I tapped into the kids excitement for Christmas and it was lots of fun. I tried to not stress over the little details that only really matter to me and it worked.

    I have always preferred a quite at home New Year’s Eve. Going out to a movie in the afternoon and then coming home to munchy food and tv with the family has been a tradition since I was very young. That’s what we will do with our kids tonight. Ring in the new year with what is most important!

    It is fun to reflect on the past year – I photographed more, started a blog and so much more – and get excited about the new possibilities in the new year.

    thanks Shutter Sisters for a great 2008!!!

  112. Yeah I don’t feel the same tingle. But it’s always nice to look back and see all the things I’ve accomplished. I’m happy. It’s going to be a great year.

  113. my current plan is to BOYCOTT new year’s eve, because as a rock star, i am far too cool. 😉 or something.

  115. Yay to me for taking more photos and experimenting with my camera more – and I started writing again, if only for myself! 2008 was a good year now, wasn’t it? Can’t wait for 2009…

  118. I found your blog through Kelly Rae’s. So glad I did. A couple of years ago I started a tradition for my self where each New Years day I spend a few hours writing – reflecting on the past year and setting goals for the new. Your article is great inspiration for this – thank you:-)

  120. Great post!

    It has been fun to look back….at first it seemed to have gone by so fast but going down memory lane just made me realize how full of wonderful moments it was. I am ready for a new year that’s full of some more~

    Happy New Year Shutter Sisters!!
    🙂

  121. PLEASE, PLEASE pick me! My printer broke {thank goodness it was after I finished my Christmas Cards}.. Thank you for all of your giveaways 😉
    ~Deanna

  124. yeah, I’m a rock star!!! I started a blog for my students… learned how to rock at guitar hero… and got some killer silver sparkly 2009 glasses for tonight!! Watch out world… I’m rockin’ and rollin’ this new year! Thanks for always being such an inspiration!!

  126. Rock star moments of 2008? I didn’t think of them as such until reading this post. My husband always jokes about how excited little kids get when they see me coming with the camera. When we arrived for the birthday celebration of my 7 year old Great Niece in July we could hear her from the driveway…
    *insert little girl squeal* My Aunt Betty is here… and she’s got her camera! It’s Hannah Montana time!"
    That statement was met with a symphony of squeals and screams. By the time I put my gear bag down I was mauled by a dozen Hannah Montana wannabes chanting "Take my picture… take MY picture.. PLEASE?!" I figure on that day I reached rock status… or at least I can be likened to a Teletubbie.

    Happy New Year sisters! You’ve brought so much into my life this year. I wish you all joy, prosperity and inspiration for 2009!

  127. Breaking out the camera this year has brought out so much fun and creative energy in me. I have planned fun girly events for girlfriends, surprised my hubby by dressing up in a blonde wig and sexy outfit when he walked in the door from work, took tons of pictures and made so many memories. But, my inner rockstar couldn’t have come out as it did without the inspiration I found from women through shutter sisters. There so many other Rock Stars out there who I’d love to thank for an incredible "tour" this year!

    Rock on, ladies!

    http://stephwiese.squarespace.com/shutter-sister-pictures/wild-shots/

  131. Happy New Year! and a new printer is exactly what santa forgot to bring 😉 Thanks for such an inspiring month and year….and for the steady encouragement from so many! I look forward to a great 2009!

  137. Happy New Year! I’ll be spending my evening quietly with my husband and a few friends. We want to start the new year well, with open hearts.

  138. I love that shot.

    What to say other than thanks for providing such a wonderful virtual space to venture to for inspiration and wonderful posts. I only discovered you a few months ago but since then I always look forward to stopping by and seeing what the sisters are up to.

    I really appreciate you making the holidays even more fun with all your wonderful giveaways. Thanks to all of those who made it possible with their generosity.

    Goodbye to 2008 and all the interesting adventures it brought about and here is to a New Year filled with ALL kinds of wonderful!!

    Thanks again!!

  139. I got my camera at Christmas time last year and it started me on this creative road of photography. This year I got a new lens – a Lensbaby. I had to buy it since I didn’t win. 😉 I would love a new printer!!

  142. Love your website and have been following it very closely the last few months. I rocked out this year and decided to start my professional photography dream….it’s going slow but I have had some great experiences so far.

    Happy New Year!!!

  143. 2008 was the year that I gave myself permission to trust my instincts. I took a chance and it paid off. I’m expecting even greater things in 2009. Thanks for your daily dose of inspiration!

  144. I discovered Shutter Sisters via Diane of Alberta Photography. As I’m totally new, I don’t think my name should be added to your generous drawing. However, I do want to let you know I’ve signed up and am placing your Shutter Sisters widget on my blog.

    Thank you–I look forward to learning and growing with my photography in 2009.

  147. Just wanted to let you know how much this blog means to me and how much I enjoy all of you. Happy New Year. Wow…..a printer!!!
    Julie

  149. Hey, good idea!
    Not that I am a rock star, exactly. But I am a rock-soul singer. And I feel like a star each time I go on stage, that’s for sure. Because I have the courage to do something that I love, and that fills my soul.
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/juliealvarez/2708028747/in/photostream/
    I acknowledge myself many things this year. The shows I made, the photos I took and put up on my shop, my kids clothing shop, my daughter’s home education, my opening to all things creative-ecological-soulful, and many more.
    So, thank you for giving me the push to think about all this today.
    Happy new year, sisters!

  151. the ever present optimist in me will reveal that although the year was not ROCK STAR quality, I behaved like a STAR ROCK – solid to the core. 😉 2009 is already shaping up to be so very colorful …. and a new ALL IN ONE printer would show that design ever so loverly!

    HAPPY NEW YEAR! Here’s to FRESH STARTS, and NEW IDEAS, and ENERGY to make it all colorful!

  154. This post struck a chord with me. My inner rock star peeks out sometimes, but not nearly as often as I’d like.

    I’m gonna work on that this next year. 🙂

  156. For Christmas my middle boy got me the "Bad Company" CD, so I could remember rockin’ out. I think my music taste is no longer the same…for I am A LOT older now. However, that printer is the kinda rockin’ my world needs!

  157. For Christmas my middle boy got me the "Bad Company" CD, so I could remember rockin’ out. I think my music taste is no longer the same…for I am A LOT older now. However, that printer is the kinda rockin’ my world needs!

  158. I’ve only recently come across this blog. And OH how I wish I would’ve found you sooner…I love it! Thought provoking, encouraging, inspirational AND beautiful photos…you’ve got it all! Look’n forward to all you have to share with us in 2009! Rock Out! and Happy New Year!

  162. I have been wanting a camera for so long and my husband got me one for Christmas. I have been inspired by so many of the photoblogs attached to Shutter Sisters over the past couple of years. I can’t wait to learn to use my camera. I only hope that someday I will be able to capture some of the visual poetry that you all have brought into my world. Thank you!

  166. awwwww yeah!!!!! Happy rockin new year!!! Let’s ring in the 09 with a bang of our own. Awesome giveaway!!!! Thanks for the month of giving. You are too sweet. Best of luck in the new year!!

  168. I started dolcepics.com, discovered shutter sisters, started my photography business and taught my first full-fledged photography course! Wow… Does that give me rockstar status? Never really thought about it until now. Thanks, as always for the chance to reflect and celebrate. Happy new year!!!

  173. I love looking back at all the good and bad of 2008. And I definitely can not wait to see what 2009 holds for me. Happy New Year!

  175. Can I just say this: "Maybe you dusted off your camera and tapped into your long-lost love of photography, maybe you started (or expanded) a blog, maybe you treated yourself to new equipment, maybe you got a photo published or got paid for shooting a session." is so true for me. I did ALL OF THESE THINGS this year! I didn’t even realize I had this many accomplishments! 🙂 Yay!
    Happy New Year to all my sisters. May 2009 be better than 2008 in every way you wish.
    Dana

  177. Celebrating the end of 2008 in the mountains with my family — and sneaking a final look at shutter sisters! I’ve enjoyed this blog over the year…. cheers!

  182. Learned of SS while supporting the Discussion Board of a Creativity course (online) at the University of Georgia. One of the students was making a goal of getting one of her shots up on SS. I LOVE this site! Very inspiring to me. Rock on, all you SS Stars!!!! in 2009.

  184. The month flew by..it really did…it has been great fun coming and reading all the posts and comments..a true society of sisters who are artistic, creative, down to earth, and inspirational. Thank you for the added bonus of the give-aways…and it has been fun to cheer on the recipients of all this goodness! Peace, love and laughter to the Shutter Sisters!

  185. I love your photos, thanks for the inspiration. I love photography. I broke my favorite camera when it dropped on the cement. I bought a new one and I’m still trying to figure out how to use it (it has more switches and buttons than my last one and some manual settings – that scares me a little, to be honest).

    Happy New Year!

  191. Happy New Year!
    Thanks for creating and maintaining such a great website! I’ve learned so much here this year and look forward to a great 2009. I’ll be working on promoting my photography and selling prints and products.

  193. I felt like a rock star this year when I began volunteering with young woman and with blind children. I felt like a rock star this year when I began blogging regularly, putting my words and ideas into the world. I felt like a rock star this year when I began going to therapy and confronting things from the past that were holding me back in the present.

    I am so glad I found you all at Shutter Sisters. You are all rock stars and being surrounded by rock stars can make a girl feel like/find her inner rock star, too. Thank you for that.

    Happy New Year! Rock On!

  196. Rock Stars are masters at portraying a fabulous type of CONFIDENCE. This is a nice focus (pardon the unintentional pun) for photographers or any artist really. This reminds me to channel a rock star’s confidence in my work and to unabashadly lay it out there for all the world to see. Thanks and Rock On!

  197. I’m late. It’s now 2009!! But I still wanted to add my 2 cents =)
    This has been quite a year. Good and bad. And one of the good things is my renewed interest in becoming a better photographer. Of fullfilling my talents. And I started a blog this year too. I now; because of ShutterSisters look at things differantly. Totally! I see beauty in places I never did before. For this; I thank you. =)

    Happy New Year my sisters!

  199. I just wanted to comment here to say that this post totally rocks! I love how your writing has taken off this year, Tracey. I look fwd to every one of your posts. I can’t wait to see what amazing things you will create in 2009. You’re a total visionary rock star!!! Happy New year! Love & Hugs ~