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?

What Are You Capable Of?

I was fortunate to have a life-coaching session with Paige Kearin, who is a successful coach that lives her own dreams each day and continues to work on a book that collects stories and advice from others to help inspire the rest of us.  Some of the leaders she has sat down with to interview include: Bill Clinton, Gloria Estefan, Lance Armstrong, and many more!

Even with the vitality and focus she offered me, I have realized a more consistent coach that I would not have first known to label as such... my wife!  I challenge you to look at who you already have in your life that inspires you, and if you do not have someone that is insightful enough to recognize your talents, bring them to your attention, help you focus your goals, and will hold you accountable, then you do need to seek out a life coach like Paige.  There is nothing that has changed and benefited my life more than having constant input like this.  Go out there and find your life coach, and if you are lucky enough—marry them ; ) 

Fight the good fight!

      Spending time on weddings and constantly working to be a better husband keeps me thinking about what makes our marriage work.  One of the best pieces of advice we were given that has been carried from engagement to present day is a simple and profound practice.  Each time there is a splash of tension or the outbreak of a fight, we simply hold hands.  I can promise you that no matter how irritating it might be to try to reach out and hang on, it diffuses so much tension and makes you slow down and think before speaking.  No matter how obvious this seems—try it.  It will surprise you how challenging it is yet the simplicity will transform your choice of words and level of patience.  Touching someone affectionately alters your internal frustration.  

INDY PUG

So, a bunch of photographers that are part of the Indy PUG (Pictage User Group) got together tonight with a handful of models to do a night shoot around the circle.  What a blast!  It helps having beautiful models that know what to do before saying a word.  Here are a few shots I got.

My Assistant/Artists

My five year old assistant drew this picture of us at a shoot.  Although it looks like I have something hanging on my beard, I believe that's my 70-200 lens.  She is standing behind me with her own digital camera.  What a creative genius!  That's my daughter!

New Year & New Beginnings!

One thing I love about the new year is that with it- comes new beginnings.  A fresh start to either retry the failed resolutions from the previous year OR -better yet- the start of a new step in life. 

Over the holidays, I was fortunate enough to be present at the engagement of my friends Scott Kiovsky and Alicia Alexander.  I just happened to have my camera with me, so we grabbed a few shots for fun.  I'm stoked about their wedding coming up this summer, so keep an eye on my site for their wedding pictures!

Over the next year, whether you accomplish your New Year's goals or not, don't give up and take risks!