Happy New Year | Changes

"Standing from the windshield opening of his 1973 Chevy Impala, Cody Swenson salutes the flag prior to the first heat of the third annual 2010 Utah County Fair demolition derby, Saturday, Aug. 21, 2010, in Spanish Fork, Utah. Swenson finished in sixth-place overall."

Let me preface by saying - Happy New Year!

I've endured a lot of heartache at the end of 2010. In case you aren't aware, I went from healthy to injured and having spinal surgery. In addition, I also went from being a happy staff photojournalist in Utah to unexpectedly laid off and back in Baltimore, Md. This all happen in a matter of about two weeks during the holidays in December.

It's all disappointing. As I fully-recover in Baltimore this first quarter of 2011, it will be frustrating to watch all my friends and others in the business succeed, while my cameras and I are on the shelf.

This year will force me to return to my roots of being a freelancer in Maryland, rather than a staffer. It will be fun, exciting, but also a challenge as I go back to working as my own identity and seek new employment.

I know this will push me beyond my boundaries as I try to show people what needs help and addressing in the city, state and I hope to also find a place where initiative and creativity is appreciated and supported.

In the meantime, you will notice this blog drop in daily posts. It will return to full-strength, much like myself, when I am back on my feet and healthy.

You can follow my lighthearted, wordy back surgery blog, called "Back Focusing" by clicking here. Also, you can scroll through my iPhone blog, called "Modern Cliche" by clicking here.

In addition, my website will also be getting some updates.

Before I close this opening blog post of 2011, I want to thank everyone in the photojournalism community for all the support - whether it was a Tweet, Facebook post, e-mail, text message, or phone call. This is an amazing industry and I cannot wait to be back on my feet and overcome all this. And as always, feel free to contact me by e-mail or phone.

Here is to health, happiness and a new photographic beginning in 2011.