2015 My Reflection On The Year~ Tasmanian Pet Photographer

1/1/2016

In no particular order:

Family sessions
Pet sessions
Aipp 2015 Gold Award, Silver Award x 3
Aipp 2015 Tasmanian Pet/Animal Photographer of the Year
APPA Silver Distinction, Silver Award
Weddings
Dogs of Launceston coffee table book project

This has been my year and what an amazing year it has been jammed packed with all of the above. How i have managed to fit it all in is beyond me but i have and have relished every moment of it. Friends made, stunning locations visited, tears of happiness, proud moments and along the way some sadness of little fur babies who are no longer here. That is something which is hard but a sadness made easier for their humans when they look up at the images we captured together hanging on their wall. It is a reminder to all of us of just how important capturing these memories really are.
Family sessions: I have met some of the most wonderful people who not only have entrusted me to capture their family memories but who are people i can now call friends. One of the many benefits of what i do.
Pet sessions: well what can i say !!! each and everyone of the beautiful little beings i have come into contact with have touched me. There is nothing like puppy breathe, nothing better than being licked and nuzzled buy an animal. They don't make judgement, they don't discriminate they just love you and give their little hearts to you. Quirky, funny, goofy, cuddly, cute, soulful, hilarious, needy, striking, naughty, sleepy, playful and loving are just a few words to describe the many many fur babies i have encountered this year. There have been the sad moments too when i have learned of the passing of some of them and i always shed a tear as my time with them even very short has an impact. I love them all.
Aipp 2015 Gold Award, Silver Award x 3: what can i say, never be afraid to push yourself and put your self out there. I will enter these awards in the coming years again but watching my very first livestream and seeing my scores will always be a highlight. I would have just been happy with one score but was elated with more. Never be afraid to try.
Aipp 2015 Tasmanian Pet/Animal Photographer Of The Year: Wow, this still leaves me speechless. Never in a million years did i expect this honour and it seems unbelievable. It gave me a sense of self worth of what i do, it gave me inspiration, it gave me a sense of believing i am actually a great photographer, finally. And this is the belief i will take into 2016 in my quest to be considered one of Australia's best animal photographers.
APPA Awards Silver Distinction and Silver Award: Again a sense of achievement, my first time to enter so very proud of picking up 2 awards.
Weddings: Hectic, hardwork, crazy, in the hands of the weather gods but exquisitely beautiful to watch unfold. This year i have travelled all around the state from Coles Bay to nearby Exeter. Have flown and road tripped to St Arnaud, Victoria and have photographed weddings with fur babies in them. Each and everyone has been different, unique and beautiful and i feel privileged to have been a part of them all and wish all those couples all the happiness in the world.
Dogs of Launceston Coffee Table Book: what a roller coaster this has been but what an amazing experience. The past six months have been an absolute labour of love putting this coffee table book together. What I have captured is only a small snippet of our beautiful City of Launceston and who knows, down the track there may be a Dogs of Launceston #2. One thing I do know is, without the help of some amazing people and their Fur Babies I would never have been able to make this book everything I wanted it to be when I set out on this journey. A huge huge thank you to all the Fur Babies and their owners involved. For your patience, for your ideas, for your help and for the hilarious moments along the way into making this book a reality. I have had such fun on this epic adventure; have been literally lying on the pavement in fits of laughter at the antics had. I have climbed over rocks, scaled objects, been soaked from head to toe, ripped my jeans, and the best part, been licked and smooched by some of the cutest Fur Babies ever. Nothing was too much trouble for you, the owners of these kids. You went along with all I suggested and helped in every way possible to make "the shot" happen. I now have some very good friends not only of the four legged kind, but also of the human kind and am so thankful to you for entrusting me with your babies.

2016: 2015 is not quite over yet and already i am planning 2016. I have a vision of where i want to be as a photographer, not just any photographer but as a leading animal photographer so i am making a few changes next year to focus on that. There will be more details about these changes early in the new year but i can say i am very excited and determined to be considered one of the best.
I am very much looking forward to 2016. More fur babies to meet, more people to meet, some more overseas travel, much fun and laughter, happiness and good times with family and friends and trying to make a difference in the world no matter how small it seems.
To everyone who has supported me this year one way or another, from my new clients, to those who have given me much need advice when i have needed it, to my many followers who support me on social media, to my friends who have always encouraged and had belief in me and lastly to my family for putting up with my craziness and who love me despite it.

Happy New Year everyone, go into 2016 with enthusiasm, love, happiness and most of all be the person you know you are. A friend once said "Life is not a spectator sport" go out and PLAY !

Deb Sulzberger
2015 Aipp Tasmanian Pet Photographer Of The Year.