January – Enjoyed taking my Camera (Canon 350D) on a 3-day motorcycle tour of Northland. Rode some amazing roads and had great fun snapping away at each and every rest stop.

February – Due to some “bad stuff” going down at the beginning of the year, I ended up working on average 60 hours a week over this period, so didn’t get to take many photos. Managed to get down to Paeroa one weekend though to catch the action at Battle of the Streets.

March – Indulged in a much needed break from work, holidaying in Raratonga. We hooned around the island on a 135cc scooter, snorkelled and had the most relaxing time ever. Just what the doctor ordered!

April – Took my camera (Canon 7D) to a friends wedding, being invited as a guest. When I walked in to where the ceremony was being held, the ushers told me to go sit at the front to get a good view and help take some pictures for the couple. My first taste of wedding photography!

May – Tried my hand at photojournalism while parking my bike in Queen St…. and accidentally finding out it was being sealed off for a huge Mining protest!

June – Attended another protest with my camera, this time relating to the large sudden increase in rego fees that hit all New Zealand Bikers hard in the pocket this year.

(read more about this in The Resistance – Part Two)

July – Invested in my first professional quality zoom lens (the Canon 70-200mm) and took it to the zoo to test out. This is a spider monkey grabbing a quick drink.

August – Bought my first full-frame or 35mm equivalent camera (the 5d mark I) and was amazed with the first test shots I got. This is my wife standing in the kitchen immediately after we got home from picking up the camera.

September – Loud shirt day was for a great cause (helping deaf children), and made for some interesting office photos.

October – This month I traded in my 7D for the fantastic 5D mark II, and experienced an extremely full-on month with many exciting photo projects. Up and coming cruiser weight Robbie “The Butcher” Berridge was one of my portait subjects.

November – Using a professional studio was of course a great highlight, but I also enjoyed shooting Andy and Tatiana at their family BBQ (a week before they went off alone to Raratonga for a romantic beach wedding).

December – “Drown the gown” has definitely been the highlight of this month. Shooting five lovely brides on the same day has never been so much fun!

(Note: as of this moment I am still processing photos from this shoot, but they are being added gradually on Facebook click here to view)

James Yang Photography wishes you all the best for the holidays, and hope you have a happy new year too!