I love Trash the Dress sessions. They have become a big part of our after sales and a chance to think outside the box. Although we have offered them for sometime, they have really caught fire over the last year or two. It is a great experience for the couple that creates, fun, passion and excitement that is tough to accomplish on a wedding day due to all the other variables. Most TTD sessions wind up at the beach. I would love for that to expand, but it is what it is. While the concept of Trash the Dress was originally meant for the bride alone, I found it is more of a sales opportunity with groom involved. Here a few from a recent class.

 

Details:

Camera: Nikon D3S

Lens 70-200 2.8

Exposure: 1/200 sec F8. That's right F8

Lighting: Nikon SB910 , Pocket Wizard TT1 w/ AC3 attachement transmitting to TT5

Actions Used: Daily Multi, Deep Forest 72% Lab Sharp, Radiant People 23%

Keys to the Art: This is one of the times I use flash. Because I want the background to go deeper. I achieve this result by exposing for the background and matching the flash to it. So I meter the blue sky and adjust my aperture so that my shutter speed does not exceed 1/200 sec and not sync with flash. I then set my off camera flash to match existing ambient light. The light is off camera and brought from above on camera left. It is aiming into the face of the bride. I love the wet hair look and the sensuality exuded between them.

Details:

Camera: Nikon D3S

Lens 70-200 2.8

Exposure: 1/500 sec AP 2.8

Lighting: Torch light day light filter set for full power

Camera Tilt to camera left

Actions Used:Daily Mutli Vitamin, Anime Soft 61% Lab Sharp

Keys to the art:  Always a great seller. This pose works especially well with plus size subjects. This pose is all about the subject being comfortable and camera height. I am way above the subject. This creates the depth and compression of the water with long focal length lens. Also if the subject is plus sized the camera height will help to minimize their size. I use the Anime Bold action to create the softness. The last key is the lighting I am bringing the torch light from camera left above and again hard at full power. I like the shadows. I am lighting into the face through the body.

 

Details:

Camera: 1ds Mark III

Lens 70-200 2.8

Exposure: 1/200 sec F16. 

Lighting: Nikon SB910 , Pocket Wizard TT1 w/ AC3 attachement transmitting to TT5

Actions Used: Daily Multi, Power Soft, Lab Sharp, Radiant Landscape 86% 

Keys to the Art: Again I have deepened this image by  exposing for the background and matching the flash to it. So I meter the blue sky and adjust my aperture so that my shutter speed does not exceed 1/200 sec and not sync with flash. I then set my off camera flash to match existing ambient light. The light is off camera and brought from camera left. It is aiming into the face of the bride. I love the wet hair look and the sensuality exuded between them. My favorite touch is her foot though. This makes the image. It has to be quick and a little jump.

 

I figured today was great  day to talk about intimate couple portraits. As you can tell from the recent posts on boudoir, there is great need for this type of art. My passion is creating intimate  portraits which possess a high level of sensuality and emotion. I feel anybody can see an image, it's something else entirely feel it. I want it to convey romance and softness. I want it to be the most intimate of moments one could ever imagine.. I want to create images that invite people into their love. I firmly believe in creating that intimacy that we all long for. It is a dream about passion, Is there anything better then believing it.

 

 This couple reminded me of Angelina Jolie' and the way she exudes sexuality. There was such a chemistry between them, I knew I could do really push the boundaries and create some intense art. This is the PG rated version. You can imagine what the other pieces of this story looked like. They created a beautiful album.

Details:

Camera: Nikon D3X

Lens: 70-200mm AP 2.8

Iso: 800

Exposure 1/15 sec AP 2.8 Exposure compensate +1

Lighting: 1 - Profoto 400Daylight Air unit in a beauty dish into the face from camera right set at roughly 1/2 power..

Camera Height: Eye Level

Actions Used: Daily Multi Vitamin, Lab Sharp. Lighten Screen 1 stop 55%, Deep Forest 38%

Keys to Creation: The bodies together are must. They are almost thrusting towards each other. I have the raised camera height to reduce the size of the subject lower bodies and let the story start from top to the bottom. Another key is the Exposure Compensation. By EC +1 I have allowed the Background to glow and almost flare the subjects. This creates the dreamy look.

 

 

 As part of every session I love the bare skin look on a black background. The key here is lighting and being precise. Great lighting creates shadows and illusin and intimacy

Details:

Camera: Nikon D3X

Lens: 70-200mm AP 2.8

Iso: 400

Exposure 1/120 sec AP 2.8 

Lighting: A Profoto D1 Monolight kit The main light is roughly 45 degrees behind the females face camera left in a Profoto 2x3 softbox and The fill Light is behind camera in a 60 inch umbrella 2 stops under main light 

Camera Height: Slight above Eye Level

Camera Tilt: Camera left (direction She Is Looking)

Actions Used: Mocha, Lab Sharp. Power Soft

Keys to Creation: In this image it is  about lighting precise posing and great control of  expression. The female is in a perfect profile to the camera. The male is in a 2/3 view of the face. By bring the light from behind, it creates a beautiful wrap around light on the female face while creating a split lighting of the male. This lighting helps to create mood and curiosity.

 

I think a key to these sessions is sensuality, not sexuality. I want softness for the most part. I don't want it to be so far gone, that it is no longer considered intimate or art. I love this pose. His hand and his caress on her front shoulder, play a major factor in the way this image is perceived. We know she is topless, however bring their bare bodies together hides personal areas, yet accomplishing the same effect, if not better.

Details:

Camera: Nikon D3X

Lens: 70-200mm AP 2.8

Iso: 400

Exposure 1/60 sec AP 2.8 

Lighting: A Profoto D1 Monolight kit The main light is roughly 45 degrees to camera left in a Profoto 2x3 softbox lighting thru the body of the woman into the face of the man and the fill Light is behind camera in a 60 inch umbrella 2 stops under main light 

Camera Height: Slight above Eye Level

Camera Tilt: Camera right (direction She Is Looking)

Actions Used: Mocha, Lab Sharp. Power Soft, Digital fill 63% under her chin.

Keys to Creation: I think what makes the image is the softness of his kiss. Allowing him to press his lips rather then push or actually kiss helps a lot. Also notice how he has stretch his chin out. This eliminates 2nd chins and is easily achieved by rolling his front shoulder back.

Do you like these type of images, should we continue with these? Or would you like something else.

Let me know.

 

 

Brand New Day, Making the Magic Happen

 

As you can tell I wanted to start posting more substance on my blog. I wanted to post things you can use in your business. So hear is another lesson.In my life, it has never been about maintaining the status quo, it will never be enough. I know that is sad. I believe it keeps me going and striving for more. We have all heard the saying if it’s not broken, don’t fix it. Unfortunately that concept has never worked for me. I get bored way too easily. My dad always says, 'if you don’t change you die'. I honestly believe I can always do it better, more efficient, less expensive and in a more effective way. I truly believe with no risk comes no reward. In the words of Wayne Gretzky, "In life, you miss 100% of the shots you do not take." I think what separates me is the fact that I never worry about being the best; I worry about being better then I was yesterday and changing so I do not burn out. The one thing I say at every programme I give is, I am businessman first, photographer second. In other words, wedding photography is not just about taking the picture. If I can give any newbie advice, it would be, to be passionate about every part of their business. Not just the art. It has been 19 years since I photographed my first wedding at the young age of 16 and I have seen so many changes. I can only imagine what the next chapter will bring.

I am so excited about the upcoming Seminars I have coming up, because for the first time I really get to talk about my truest passion  – the business side of photography. I want to be able to share with you the tools and secrets that turned my studio into the 1000-wedding , 5,000-portrait machine studio it is. In today’s economy and work environment with every Tom, Dick and Harry having a digital camera, we're all about the relationships. When you look at my images, it’s obvious, celebrating relationships is paramount. Family and relationships are most important to my studio. In everything we do, that’s what we focus on. That family atmosphere extends to my employees. I feel it is important to make every effort to keep the group together, setting goals for the entire studio and allowing all to share in the successes. One of the things I pride my self on is that in the 25-year history of my studio I have never had an employee leave. I want to keep my employees and treat them right. I know that more then ever my team is a crucial part of our success. So we have an incentives throughout the year for them . Our employees all receive five weeks paid holiday, health and dental insurance, retirement plans, annual and semi-annual raises. Holiday bonus and, of course, several employee retreats which you could see and read about a few from this summer on this blog . It makes everyone want to come to work and feel like they’re really part of the business. The atmosphere around the office is great. When it’s sincere, a focus on relationships

is a marketable entity. We have built our business on that foundation We are very much marketing a style, and that makes it so much easier to do our work. Clients come in very open minded. They are looking for our artistic direction. Even when I ask them what they want, they say, 'You’re the artist. Tell us what do you want us to do'. Everything we do is based on branding. Much like Coke, Pepsi or Disney. Patken Photographer is a brand that implies a certain style and guaranteed quality. One critical area for promoting the studio is to promote from within. I am a firm believer that the best place to advertise is with people you already have. We are fortunate that our business derives from 90% client and caterer recommendations. We have not done any form of print advertising in over 10 years. Our website is crucial to our success which is in the last phase of a new, exciting overhaul and should be ready by the Convention. Because of our constant changes to the site with fresh images and site changes through ImageQuix Web sites, it keeps the site moving. In the last year our site has been hit roughly 500,000 times. This gives you good idea about how the traffic works to showcase both sides of the business, weddings and portraits. One way we draw attention to our site is through our extensive online sales. In order to view photos from an event you must go through the site which will show you a short slide show of not just weddings, but all the forms of photography we do. It will show babies, families, seniors, boudoir, pregnancy and so on. The most important thing it does is it keep flashing the name Patken. Branding it into the client's head. Reminding them whatever they need, we can do. The opening of the website sparked a lot of interest into our style of work. As part of the personal relationship process, I think it is crucial to develop a relationship with venues you attend. We commonly provide images gratis for a venue's website and promotional materials.

As a preview to our upcoming business class I thought I would list five Key Marketing Tips.

1 The Best Place to advertise is with the people you already have.
2 Remember you studio name is a brand. If you build it, they will come.
3 Remember every impression you make is your first impression. They all count!
4 Maximise relationships with people who can help you. caterers, bands, bridal shops, industry leaders, etc.
5 Show your images whenever you can, set up screens at affairs for guests to see, it is free
advertising

 

What a great show, great moments. Thanks everybody for all the nice words and great feedback on my programs. What a great experience it was. We have decided to extend our sale. I am sorry we ran out of everything in Vegas, so we are giving free shipping as well as our 30% discount of everything except classes using the code WPPI30. This is only good through 3/8. So don't wait. go to www.douggordonworkshops.myshopify.com. I know a lot of you have asked about our new products, so here is a quick peek at new DVD's 

Bride Alone Glamourous Flow Posing 2012

Fashionable Flow Posing 2012 Bride and Groom Fashionista DVD

The Bride and Groom Sensual Ground Posing 2012

Stylisting Glowing Maternity Portraits

Trash the Dress, The Coolest DVD Ever

 

The truth is, there's no better time to be happy than right now.

If not now ... when?
Your life will always be filled with challenges.
It's best to admit this to yourself and decide to be happy anyway.

One of my favorite quotes comes from Alfred D Souza ...

"For a long time it had seemed to me that life was about to begin.
But there was always some obstacle in the way, 
something to be gotten through first,
some unfinished business, time still to be served, a debt to be paid.
Then life would begin. 
At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life."

This perspective has helped me to see 
that there is no way to happiness. Happiness is the way.

So, treasure every moment that you have.
And treasure it more because you shared it with someone special, 
special enough to spend your time ...
and remember that time waits for no one ...

You can't do today's job with yesterday's methods
and be in business tomorrow.

So stop waiting until you finish school 
until you go back to school 
until you lose ten pounds 
until you gain ten pounds 
until you have kids 
until your kids leave the house 
until you start work 
until you retire 
until you get married
until you get divorced 
until Friday night
until Sunday morning
until you get a new car or home
until your car or home is paid off 
until spring, until summer
until fall ... until winter 
until you are off welfare 
until the first or fifteenth
until your song comes on 
until you've had a drink 
until you've sobered up 
until you die 
until you are born again
to decide that there is no better time than right now to be happy

Happiness is a journey ... not a destination!!

Remember if you are not happy with your work, it is very hard to be happy with rest of you life. We do this to make our living

 

 

I know you have waited patiently for our 2012 Opening Video from WPPI. It is always a huge hit at the show and this year was no different. The Opening started the convention right and created a buzz that followed us home. This Video and all of my videos would not be possible without the extremely hard work of three of my key Video team members. It is led by our Video manager, Kevin Ramsaroop, Head Videographer and Director Tim Ruymen and Writer, Producer Jarred Slawitsky. Thanks guys from the heart on doing it once again. Great job> I hope you enjoy , my love story.

WPPI 2012 Doug Gordon Opening from Doug Gordon Workshops on Vimeo.

I am sorry for being away the last week. It has been hectic during and since WPPI. I have so many great things happening and I cannot wait to share. Just need time to breathe and write. I will start by announcing what you have all been waiting for. We are going on the road and have 6 cities already setup. We are coming to the following places so far. If your not on there yet, keep checking in and asking for us to come. We need to know where we are loved of course.

March 6 Boston Mass

March 8 Charlotte, NC

March 12 Washington,DC

March 20 Orlando Fl

June 27th San Francisco, Ca

June 28th Los Angeles , Ca

All classes thanks to the great folks at Bay Photo and Adorama are $49 except for LA and San Fran which are $59

Here is a short little preview of what I am thinking

 

Go to www.douggordonworkshops.myshopify.com

 

As I have toured lecturing over the past few years, i have learned that there are a lot of people that are photographers for the wrong reasons. They do it for the money, they do it because of the need for it. People in general don't realize how important a job it is. People remember their lives through our eyes, our feelings, our emotions everything we are as people. This is not only a job, it is a legacy we leave.

If you could do one thing to transform your career, I would highly recommend it be to find the passion in it. I am commonly asked, " Why do you teach all your secrets to others?" The answer is simple, I can give you all the know how, however I can not give you my heart. I have passion, I have fire to be the best. Nothing makes me happier then the faces of my clients after they see they're images.

Now,finding passion, isn’t as easy as it sounds, but it’s well worth the effort. If you dread going to your job, or find yourself constantly lacking motivation, or find what you’re doing dull and repetitive, you need to start looking for a new job. Staying in your current situation will not only continue to make you unhappy, but you are not realizing your full potential in life. You have to love what you are doing to be exceptional at it.

Imagine this instead: you get up early, jumping out of bed, excited to go to work. You might put in more hours than the average person, but it doesn’t seem difficult to you, because your work hours just zoom right by. You are often in that state of mind often referred to as “flow,” where you can lose track of the world and time, losing yourself in the task at hand. Work is not work as many people refer to it, but something that is fun and interesting and exciting. It’s not a “job” but a passion.

If you’ve got a job you dislike, or even hate, this will sound like a pipe dream to you. And if you never put in the effort to find what you’re passionate about, you’re right: such a thing will never be possible. But dare to dream, dare to imagine the possibilities, and dare to actually search for what you love, and it is not only a possibility, but a probability.

How can you find what you’re passionate about? Is it being a photographer. If not here are some suggestions to help you find it:

• Is there something you already love doing? Do you have a hobby, or something you loved doing as a child, but never considered it as a possibility? Whether it’s reading, collecting something, making something, creating or building, there is probably a way you could do it for a living. If there’s already something you love doing, you’re ahead of the game. Now you just need to research the possibilities of making money from it. Hopefully it's being a photographer
• Brainstorm. Nothing comes to mind right away? Well, get out a sheet of paper, and start writing down ideas. Anything that comes to mind, write it down. Look around your house, on your computer, on your bookshelf, for inspirations, and just write them down. There are no bad ideas at this stage. Write everything down, and evaluate them later.I make at least a half hour a day to just let my mind flow , think or do something I have never done before.
• Ask around, and surf for possibilities. Ask other people for ideas. See what others have discovered as their passions. Look anywhere you can for ideas. The more possibilities you find, the more likely your chances of finding your true passion. Whether it is being a photographer and being motivated by others work or something else look for something to get the juices going. Search other photographers web sites. Join PPA, WPPI, DWF. There is a ton of motivation in their magazines and websites
• Practice, and practice, and practice some more. Don’t continue with an amateur skill level. If you want to make money — to be a professional — you need to have professional skills. Get very good at your  career and you will make money at it. Practice for hours on end. If it’s something you love, the practice should be something you want to do. Experiment. Change the way you think and it will change your world forever!
• Never quit trying. Can’t find your passion at first? Give up after a few days and you’re sure to fail.  Found your passion but haven’t been successful making a living at it? Don’t give up. Keep trying, and try again, until you succeed. Success doesn’t come easy, so giving up early is a sure way to fail. Keep trying, and you’ll get there. Remember a dream doesn't have to have an expiration date

 

Welcome to WPPI 2012, I am so excited for my opening program today. It is by far one of my favorite moments of the year. I feel beyond fortunate to be kicking off the convention for the 5th straight year. It is 4 more times than anyone else have ever done. I am in my usual 3-5 time slot at MGM Grand and even better I get to give out close to $30k in free prizes from some the leaing companies in the photo industry. EVen better I get to shoot the un released Nikon D4 live on stage. If you're hungry for something, and don't want to settle for less. You need to be there today.  In order to change our circumstances, the only solution is for us to get better. I will show you how with inspiration, great light and tons of posing.

You will learn how to become stronger, more resourceful and more powerful than you ever thought possible.You will learn how to win. Go home with the drive to overcome any obstacle. Whatever you call it, winners find a way.

 Don't miss it today if your in Las Vegas at WPPI, I promise this will be the show everybody is talking about. 
WPPI 2012

Room 313-316 Limited seating Come early

3-5 pm

Let's Rock

 

This is a question, I have been asked a thousand times by people. The truth for the longest time has been no. But today of all days, I have butterflies. I have done it a million times. But today to me is like a new beginning. Today is a special day. It is my 5th straight Opening Day lecture at WPPI. I am the only person to ever do that. So many thoughts, So many great new things to share and oh yea $30 k in free prizes to give.

Everyone gets a little nervous before a big event. It is only natural and easy to forget that in the heat of a moment. However, for those who experience it severely,  the quality of their performance will often suffer. This will include forgetting things, mood swings,  etc, Fortunately, you can use a number of strategies to help overcome nerves and manage anxiety before it gets out of hand.

Visualization

Many elite performers use this  to improve performance, develop confidence, and manage nerves. Visualization, also known as imagery or mental rehearsal, involves imagining yourself successfully competing at an athletic event.

In order to make visualization work, close your eyes and imagine what it is you are trying to accomplish and how you are going to do it, step by step.. Try to imagine yourself moving at the same speed as you would in real life. Also, make sure that you are imagining from your own perspective -- not from that of an observer. You should be viewing the subjects, the location, the lighting, the situation as you would if you were really there. Some tips for making visualization work? Do whatever you can to make the imagined experience seem as real as possible.  Whatever you can do to make the imagined experience feel real will help in translating what you imagine into what you achieve.

Goal Setting and Planning As with anything in life, you have to have a goal and plan. Clearly defined goals and plans help to measure success -- but goals that are too lofty can leave you overwhelmed and unsure of your abilities. Choose goals that are achievable but challenging, and when possible, break tasks down into smaller parts with a series of short-term goals.

Relaxation Techniques

Be Self-Confident

It can be hard to imagine being confident in a situation. if you usually crumble under pressure.  Focus on what has worked, instead of what hasn't. Make practice and preparation a priority and continue until you have no doubt left about your ability to succeed.

Still having trouble with self-confidence? Remember to visualize. Imagine yourself confidently doing it over and over again until that becomes your new reality.

Distract Yourself

Of course you don’t want to be distracted during a wedding or shoot, but immediately before -- why not? Surf the net for ideas,  read a book, listen to music -- whatever helps keep your mind from generating negative thoughts.

Focus on That Which You Can Control

If you find yourself worrying about what people around you are saying or doing, you will never be able to accomplish what you goals are or you visualized. It's just you ant the camera creating a story.

I hope this helps, but as I sit here an hour before I leave I can't believe I am saying this I am nervous. I want so badly to be great today. they deserve it. I want change. I want to be wowed. Can I do it. I think I can, I think I can.

 

We all have something to offer the world that no one else can. strange, but true. If we’re all completely different people, and there’s no one else in the world exactly like you — well, then, you have something that no one else does.

Defining that can be tough. Figuring out what you have to offer isn’t always easy. There are those who just know what they want to be and what they have to give the world, and then there’s, well… the other 99 percent.

As I muddle through our marketing strategies and competitive analyses, we’re forcing ourselves to define our who we are. What does our product have that truly sets it apart from everything else in the market?

It turns out that this isn't just for new businesses. Figuring out what you have to offer the world is part of life; finding out why you’re here and what you’re meant to do is human nature. Some of us drift through life hoping our uniqueness will one day appear, and our purpose will be clear. Others seek their purpose, and constantly ask themselves, “What do I have that truly sets me apart from everyone else?”

It's simple you are you. Your personality. This business is more personality based than just about any other business out there. Maybe you have a lot of passion, or patience, intelligence or even wit. Regardless of what qualities you have, the combination is truly unique to you.

And once you figure out what only you can offer your clients, you can start working towards changing your career. Cheesy, again, but still true.

It starts for you by asking yourself these important questions.

What can I do that’s different from what every other photographer is doing?

What makes my combination of personality and shooting skills superior to others?

Do I fit into an existing standard of what photographer are, or do I break the mold?

How could clients benefit from my combination of qualities?

No matter where you are in your business or your life, it’s always important to take a step back and ensure that you’re doing the things that fully utilize your personality and skills

 

 

What is the main characteristic of successful people? It certainly isn't age or experience (Walt Disney had neither when he started). It comes down to  their masterful ability to make smart, swift decisions day in and day out. This is one of my favorite quotes by him."When you believe in a thing, believe in it all the way, implicitly and unquestionable." 

I am a firm believer that it's in your moments of decisions that your destiny is shaped forever.  Every time we make a decision, our life is either tweaked in a positive or negative direction. When it is positive we enjoy the rewards. When it is is negative we are supposed to learn a lesson

Our fast-paced, technological society demands us to decide now and decide fast or we're history. As I have toured and lectured this year, it has become quite apparent to me that Studios,both big and small, need to understand how decision-making affects their future.

So, why can't we just adjust to our changing society? Well, just like many of our habitual daily routines, the process of how we decide is also a habit.People habits because they comfort us and make life easier to deal with.

Therefore, we usually make sudden habitual decisions either to gain some immediate pleasurable state or to avoid an impending painful one. It is almost like a child fudging the truth about something simple to avoid a punishment. We will look to protect ourselves. Unfortunately, this way of thinking also relies too much on quick emotional reactions. This can be great if you need to make speedy decisions like avoiding an oncoming car but potentially dangerous for making traditionally slower decisions such as making a large purchase or deciding on the overall fate of your company.

"Educated Decision-Making" has long been thought of as the rational method to strive for in making smart decisions. This process includes identifying objectives, gathering facts, analyzing the alternatives and planning for the most efficient course of action.  Unfortunately it doesn't always work.

I listened to top executives like Steve Jobs continually talk about relying on their "gut instinct" when it comes to making the really big decisions. Think about it; when have you actually made a decision without taking any of your emotions into account? Decision-making tends to start out as a logical process and then ends up as an emotional choice. In most cases, people have really made their decision after about two seconds without really thinking it through. Now, this may not hold true for every type of decision we make but it does hold some truth.

So, what's the best method for making a decision? On the one hand we don't want to get stuck over thinking a situation based on our knowledge of it. On the other hand, we don't want to completely disregard what we know to be truth and rely solely on our instincts and make an irrational decision. The secrets of effective decision-making lie in the balance between rational and creative thoughts.

In order to make an educated decision, these are some things, you should think about.

1. Determine the problem and think about what you want to accomplish with your decision.
2. Accept your first thought on the situation and make note of it. I am a believer that your first instinct is usually the correct one.
3. Don't be obsessed with researching every piece of available information.
4. Understand what it will take to accomplish your goals.
5. Think about the pros and cons of each decision (you must weigh them both equally). 
6. Don't be afraid to ask others outside the situation. My wife is very helpful to me because she is away from the situation in most cases.

 Don't rush to make a decision. Nothing says you need to answer now. Being able to step back and evaluate a situation is a sign of being in control. You obviously want to make decision sooner then later, but don't over do it. In order to make effective decisions, it is a matter of finding that perfect balance between efficient use of time, collecting just enough data, and listening to your intuition.

Remember your decisions affect your future

 

Too often in life we give up our dreams to please other people. We allow other people's fears and concerns to direct our life. They ask us to live smaller so they can be more comfortable. I have done this and I am sure you have too.

I've learned the greatest way to live is by living life to the fullest. It's up to us to decide what that means and how to play it out. Each person will have a different way of living life to their fullest. It is never my intention to upset or hurt you, but I must do what I believe is right for me and my family.

If we reach for "greatness" we may fail and get hurt along the way, but the real victory is in the reaching itself. So stretch out and open yourself up to the excitement and joy that is waiting for you. As Rocky Balboa says, "It is not a matter how hard you hit, it is a matter of how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward, that's how winning is done."

Life is not a journey separate from ourselves; we actually are the journey. So make the most of it, drink it up, and enjoy each delicious bite. Your soul speaks to you through your dreams, guiding you to your most joyful life experiences.

So what does this have to do with photography, it is simple. It means learn to enjoy the shoot, not think through it. Learn to feel it, You will be much happier in every way.

Everyone who knows me knows that I’m a big proponent of doing cool things, working hard for something you love, and living a non-traditional life.

But I have to admit, there are days when I question all of it.

I am firm believer that being your own boss is infinitely harder than having a boss… it means that the work is never done.”

I have no doubt the grass being greener is BS. I don’t wish for a 9 to 5 job. But as more and more work piles up in my to-do list. I start wondering about that whole work-life balance I preach so much about.

If I’m not working, then I’m thinking about work. If I’m hanging out with friends, then I’m usually feeling like I should be working. I’m giving all the time I can muster, while hustling in a photography business and workshop career. And sometimes I think, “Is this really what I signed up for? Is it really what I want?”

Corporate America sounds bad. But innumerable hours in front of a laptop doesn’t sound so hot either.

Being an entrepreneur means being overwhelmed most of the time. I worry more than I ever have. What if we’re going about this the wrong way? What if the IRS doesn’t get those taxes I sent in? What did I forget to do today?

You’ve gotta be head-over-heels in love with your idea to make this kind of work worthwhile. It never ends, it never slows down, and you either have to love a majority of it, or be done with it.

We’re powering through, and hoping to get to the next phase soon: doing the fun work that I love ( photo shoots, tutorials on my blog, and sharing my crazy life story). Some days are more intense than others, but it all comes back to this one thought,

People can live with less, and we can help make that possible.

So, no, my life balance isn’t great right now. And I have iffy days when I question what I’m doing. But knowing that what I do makes a difference, can make something important happen is just about as much as I could ever can ask for. 

 

 

You heard it right , FREE. I am getting ready to fly to Las Vegas Later today for WPPI and I was compiling all the free giveaways I have to give out and when totaled there is about $30 k in free prizes.

Here is some of the great stuff I will be giving away at my program this Sunday from 3-5 at the MGM Grand. 

A free registration to spring class this upcoming May 14-17

A Free Nikon Camera. 

A ton of Adorama Gift Cards 

Bay Photo is off the charts with a $1000 free lab credit and a whole bunch of other goodies

Asukabucks is giving Asukabucks to get you the albums you need and want. 

ImageQuix is giving free uploads and other great money making items

Song Freedom is giving away music that doesn't suck. Real main stream artists

I have lots of Kubota bucks and free actions to give away

Want some really expensive bags. Tamrac said I can give a few away for free

Nude Photos of me. (just want to make sure you were still reading)

Big Folio is giving a brand new free website and even better 6 months of free hosting

Hoodman is giving all sorts of awesome toys to play with as well.

These are just some of the great stuff I am giving and there is a few more big surprises. So don't miss it out. i promise it is the ultimate way to start WPPPI. You will see a new rejuvenated and reinvented me.

Hope to see you