The Best Posts of 2013 From The Beyond the Lens Blog

As 2013 draws to a close, it’s that time again where I like to look back at all of my posts for 2013 and highlight those which seemed to resonate with you the most. Perhaps you missed it the first time around, or want to refresh your memory, or need some inspiration. Whatever the case, I hope it helps for the simple reason that it makes me feel good to share.

I realize not everything I write here is going to be useful for everyone, but that doesn’t stop me from giving it my best effort. I certainly subscribe to the idea that if I’m not inspired to write anything, then I don’t. I prefer you read something that I think would actually be helpful, instead of just blogging to meet some kind of quota.

So with that said, here are the 10 most popular posts on the Beyond the Lens Blog for 2013, based on visitor statistics, comments, and feedback.

• Eight Principles of Nature Photography – soon to be expanded into a book!
• Lightroom Creative Workflow Video Tutorial – Highlands Dawn
• Lightroom Creative Workflow Video Turorial – Tress at Cades Cove
• How I Make and Sell My Yearly Photo Calendar
• Fall Photo Guide to the Hudson Valley-UPDATED
• How Important is the WOW Factor in Landscape Photography?
• The Art of Choosing the Right Settings in the Field
• Q+A About Landscape Photography
• A Look at the Hardware in my Photo Studio
• Expose the the Right Revisited
• BONUS How I Beat Lower Back Pain

Overall I felt is was a good year in terms of my commitment and dedication to blogging. It helps me clarify my thoughts, improve my communication and teaching skills, and continue to learn about photography. Best of all however, I want to inspire you to think about and practice photography in ways you may not have before. I think that’s my main goal overall, and while I enjoy the gear and practical elements, it’s the “why” question that intrigues me the most.

I plan on continuing that exploration in 2014 and share what I learn with you in as meaningful a way as I can. Thanks for reading and for the support, it’s very much appreciated.

“A good photograph is one that communicate a fact, touches the heart, leaves the viewer a changed person for having seen it. It is, in a word, effective.” – Irving Penn