Happy new year! 2012 is officially upon us – and before your new year’s resolution steam runs out, check out these early photo projects for some great inspiration. One photographer’s work was picked up by CNN, while another completed a year-long project to expose the Toronto night skyline. Finally, we offer another opportunity to check out Allen’s 2012 Photo Business Plan Workbook videos, which are only about 3-minutes each but filled with useful tips to build an even better photography business this year.

Gary S. Chapman’s Emotional CNN Photo Feature

PhotoShelter member Gary S. Chapman was featured in CNN Photos for his work documenting the persecution of Christians minority enclaves in Pakistan. His photos have already received over 825 Facebook shares and 80+ comments! Not only was this a great placement, but Gary had a ton of nice things to say about PhotoShelter and how we helped along the way. (We’re blushing.) Says Gary:

“Not only did Photoshelter make it easy for the editors at CNN to view, select, and download the images they wanted, but it also provided a fast and efficient process for a buyer who chose several large prints from the collection.

“Photoshelter made this experience cost-effective, and labor-saving, allowing me to pass along a portion of the print sales to the nonprofit for this project. I’m glad to be a part of the Photoshelter community.”

Thanks and congrats on the recognition, Gary!

American-Journal Magazine’s crowdfunding campaign

American-Journal Magazine has launched a new crowdfunding campaign on IndieGoGo to secure funding for its mission – to create a venue for great photography and stories from the U.S., while also providing a revenue stream for freelance photojournalists. Their goal is to raise $21,000 over the next 120 days. Not familiar with crowdfunding campaigns? Check out PhotoShelter’s Free Guide, Crowdfunding Your Photography Project.

Gerd Ludwig’s Chernobyl project in Digital Photo Pro

Speaking of crowdfunding, PhotoShelter member Gerd Ludwig was included in the January/February issue of Digital Photo Pro magazine for his work at the Chernobyl nuclear reactor and resulting iPad app (now available for download). Gerd helped raise funds for his photo project using Kickstarter - find out more in our blog post, “Success In Crowdfunding”.

Year-long exposure of Toronto skyline by Michael Chrisman

Photographer Michael Chrisman used a pinhole camera fitted with photosensitive paper to make a 365-day exposure of the Toronto skyline, from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011. “Time is always a major component in photography, but is usually dealt with in fractions of a second,” said Michael, as quoted by The Toronto Star. “Exploring the limits of the medium is part of what drew me to attempting this photograph.” Click here to see the result.

Feast Your Eyes exhibition by New York Photo Festival

The New York Photo Festival presents Feast Your Eyes, a photo collection of American food culture opening at The PowerHouse Arena in DUMBO on January 6th. Photographers were invited to submit their best food photo, and winners will be presented in the gallery space this weekend. Learn more at The PowerHouse Arena in Boorklyn.

2012 will be your photo business’s best year ever

If you haven’t seen them yet, Allen recently released a short but comprehensive 9-video series to go alongside PhotoShelter’s 2012 Photo Business Plan Workbook. The workbook and videos are free resources to help you start the year off with a bang. Don’t wait to get your business plan in order! Go take a look, and happy Friday!