1: Kill Bill ~ Destroy the List.
The first solo photo shoot I ever did was with Lee Sungeun (Firebathero.) way back in April at the COEX MBC Heroes Centre. Since then I've worked hard to establish a good relationship with the coaches of the eleven proteams (Ace are not accessible due to military issues.) so far I've shot over fifty progamers in one-on-one photo shoots. I've collected literally thousands of images of the Korean pro-scene and I have taken on board the requests of fellow esports fans regarding who they want me to shoot this season.
I'm planning to obliterate my personal list along with those requests and take as many more photo shoots as I can with an emphasis on creativity and showing the gamers' personalities through my photos.
2: My Gear ~ Upgrade to Quality.
I don't deny my lack of technical knowledge when it comes to photography. I'm self-taught and I've only got a year of practical experience photographing esports in comparison to my fellow Korean journalists. I look up to the likes of Mr.Kang, Mr.Park, Ms.Oh and Ms.Lee to provide me with the motivation to get better.
I bought my camera upon impulse and out of a desire to do something other than moping around my tiny backwater town feeling sorry for myself Monday to Friday whilst I waited for the weekend to come. Saturday and Sunday meant that familiar three hour train trip and the rush to make it to the doors of the COEX MBC Hero Centre before the korean girls took all the good seats.
Somehow it's developed into a second job that consumes up to six days out of my week. I love it - the rush of realising I've taken a good shot, the fun had with the friends I've made through esports and the heart warming comments recieved by those elsewhere.
I'm not rich, not by a long shot. However, I believe if you have a full time job then treating yourself is a necessity. Especially if you are doing it to further your own creative streak and make others happy (i'm not just refering to Scaramanga loving my Flash photos a bit too much!~)
Hence - after saving $1000 for the next four months and selling some items back home to make the remaining $1100 I will be kicking my Nikon D40X down into the back-up spot and using a Canon EOS5D MK2 from July onwards.
*Fingers crossed*
3: Team Player ~ More Projects.
The Backho card wasn't my first foray into doing an organized project to benefit the community. I love the (usually slow.) process of rallying people to a collective cause. I'm hoping to do more widespread projects to bridge the gap between the Korean and Foreign esports scenes in the future.
Even if they're not visible to a large audience or if they don't get a big response it's still worth it to communicate the messages of fans who cannot visit in person or simply to make someone feel a bit better.
I'm not sure what 2009 holds, but I'm going to do my best to maintain a high level of activity and to make sure fans from overseas can feel every bit as much of a part of the Korean esports world as those of us who live here do.
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Any other suggestions for esports goals are more than appreciated ~ along with any ideas for future projects or services you'd like from me.