What do Eva Longoria, Tony Parker, Eddie Murphy, and ME-Brian McGuckin- have in common?

No!  It doesn't have to do with Eddie Murphy's marriage lasting two weeks, but it does have to do with his photographer!  We've all had our pictures taken by Bob Davis!  Yep!  That's me in the picture below.  (I wish I knew to smile.)  

I've been blessed in this business to have the opportunity to get off to an amazing start.  Starting my business by spending a week with David Jay and being a second shooter for him at a wedding.  Then being hooked up with an amazing group of photographers in the Indy Pug with Kevin Swan.  So, the natural flow of things would be to have my first workshop I attend be presented by Mike Colon and Bob Davis!  What an amazing opportunity!  

The mug shot above was taken by Bob to talk about lighting and angles.  I had a great seat, so I was a natural target being in the first row.  These two have been on the "Master Your Craft" tour sharing everything from their gear to their workflow.  It was impossible not to be inspired and learn something new and challenging.  These guys definitely care about what they do, as well as other photographers.  Below, Bob Davis went and bought a few Starbucks to raffle off.

AND...I'M A LUCKY WINNER!

Kenny Kim was there shooting the whole thing.  I stole these images below from his site and Bob Davis' that shows me in the group shot up front and again as I grabbed my drink from Bob.

YUMMY!  ADDICTION!

This time was an extremely valuable step in my business.  Investing both time and money pays off in the long run.  Even when you don't have much of either these days, it's important to invest in the things that matter to you.  To me that's God, Family, and People.  Photography allows me to express my love for all three of those facets of my life.    

What Difference Do You Make?

I'm fortunate enough to have the best job in the world!  I get to be me!  I get to do whatever I want to do... because I choose to.  The decisions I make in life are not based on "finances" - rather "fine chances."  Chances to make a difference in someone's life- because I can.  Chances to make a difference in my own life- because I can.  Chances to do what I'm called to do- because I can.  

I'm a true believer that whatever you do - do it with passion.  As a teacher, I get to touch the lives of children EVERY DAY!  (Either with my students or my own children.)  I'm passionate about what I do - be it teaching or photography - because I care about the lives of others.  I care enough to know what's really important in life NOT what life thinks is important.  I came across this YouTube clip about "What Teachers Make" and had to share it with everyone.  

It makes me think about the difference I make as a teacher - as a photographer - as a husband - as a friend - as a person?  Check it out:

Hanging with the BIG shots!

I'm totally stoked about this opportunity I have coming up to go to Chicago for a workshop presented by two of wedding photography's best - Mike Colon and Bob Davis! Check out their sites and you'll know why. Bob Davis has done celebrity weddings like Eva Longoria & Tony Parker and Eddie Murphy & Tracey Edmonds.

As I have stated before, having the opportunity to learn from the best (such as my week with David Jay) gives me an opportunity that other photographers long for. I am a firm believer that we become the people that we surround ourselves with.

Who are the people you choose to hang out with? How do they help you to become a better person?