New Year, New Intentions.
There’s something about the start of a new year that makes people pause.
Not in a dramatic, life-overhaul way – more like a quiet inhale.
New calendars. Clean inboxes. The subtle feeling that intention is possible again.
We reset goals. We talk about doing things differently. We promise ourselves we’ll finally follow through on the ideas that sat half-formed last year. And every January, we mean it. But if there’s one thing most of us have learned, it’s this: intentions are easy to make — follow-through is harder.
Motivation shows up loud at the start of the year.
Structure is what stays when it fades.
I see it all the time with photography, branding, documenting life moments.
“I’ll book something later.”
“I just want to wait until things settle.”
“I’ll do it when I feel more ready.”
And then time moves on.
Not in a dramatic way – just quietly, steadily, until another year has passed and those moments were never captured.
January Isn’t About Pressure. It’s About Clarity.
January gets a bad reputation for being all hustle and high expectations. But I don’t see it that way. January isn’t about rushing or reinventing yourself overnight.
It’s about clarity.
This is one of the only times of year where most of us aren’t reacting yet. We’re choosing. Choosing how we want to show up. Choosing what we want to prioritise. Choosing what actually deserves to be documented.
Planning a photoshoot early in the year changes everything. It gives you time to align visuals with your goals. Space to think beyond trends. Flexibility with dates, locations, light. And most importantly, a plan that carries you through the year – instead of scrambling when you suddenly “need content.”
Whether it’s personal branding sessions, new family photos, or high-impact sport sessions, January turns a someday idea into something grounded.
Why Most New Year Intentions Don’t Stick
We don’t struggle with intention. We struggle with structure.
“New year, new us” sounds good — but without direction, it fades fast. The difference between something you talk about and something you actually follow through on is simple: purpose.
Instead of thinking I should do a photoshoot this year, ask:
– What am I creating this for?
– Where will these images live?
– How do I want them to feel six months from now?
When intention has a reason, it stops floating. It anchors.
At This Is Art, we never shoot just to tick a box. Every project starts with why. That’s how work stays relevant long after the new-year energy wears off. If you’re curious about the experience itself, you can read more about what happens during a shoot.
Intentional Photography Lasts. Reactive Content Fades.
One of the biggest mistakes I see is waiting until photos are urgently needed.
By then, timelines are tight. Decisions are rushed. The process becomes reactive instead of intentional. And while the images might still be beautiful, they rarely feel grounded.
Planning early allows photography to support:
– Brand direction
– Storytelling consistency
– Personal milestones
– Creative momentum
Instead of chasing content, you’re building something with purpose.
When you work from why, projects don’t just serve the moment — they carry meaning months later. If you want to see how that looks in practice, you can explore our past collaborations.
A New Year Isn’t About Becoming Someone Else
It’s about refining what already matters.
Photography isn’t about pretending. It’s not about performing a version of yourself you think you should be. It’s about capturing where you are now – honestly, intentionally, without pressure to reinvent.
When done with care, those images become reference points. Anchors. Reminders of what you committed to when the year was still open and full of possibility.
New year energy hits differently when it’s rooted in intention.
Not rushed resolutions.
Not pressure to do more.
Just clarity around what actually matters – and how you want to show up.
If this year is about making things stick, you can book an intentional session or enquire here and start there.
