LEARNING FROM A LEGEND

Like a lot of people, I attend seminars to get better at what I do. They're very helpful. But, there are seminars we can attend without having to pay or register for anything - just by paying attention to what's around us.
Saturday night I went to The Jazz Kitchen to hear a legend perform: saxophonist Benny Golson. Golson, who is 83, played a lot of great music, but between numbers, he also did a lot of great talking. He remembered when he was a kid just starting with the saxophone, thinking how he knew how happy he'd be if he could just get to "this" level. But, when he got there, it wasn't enough. So, he dreamed again of "just being able to get to this level." Of course, when he got there, it still wasn't enough.

I can remember a lot of goals and moments in my photography career that felt the same way. Even though I wasn't there with a notebook, and I thought I was going to hear great music - which I did - I was actually given an important reminder about how essential it is to strive for more.

OPPORTUNITIES IN THE BIG CITY

Just when gasoline prices rocket, I find myself doing an increasing number of jobs in the Indianapolis area. I'm photographing the Barbara Belt Cotillion tonight in Indianapolis. I like this because it's essentially charm school for 12 and 13 year olds. Manners can be difficult to learn and apply at any age, but this phase of life is already as clumsy as a just-born foal, so the classes and the culminating dance is great to see.
Next week, it's photography for some Girl Scouts troops in Carmel. The week after, the Lil' Kickers at Off The Wall Sports.

OFF THE WALL

Nothing crazy about this post - just a reference to my just completed week-long photo session at Off The Wall Sports in Carmel.
One reason I like working with the kids (ages 2 - 5) is because it's an acceptable way for me to show the craz part of my personality.

More Off The Wall stuff next month.

RE-CHARGED AND INSPIRED

Some people take vacations, some people go on retreats - there are lots of ways to change your frame of mind. I'm renewed because of a photography seminar I attended over the weekend. I came away with some great ideas on photography and some new equipment that will make it easier for me to do certain things I already do, and allow me to do other things I hadn't been able to.
Look out, world - I'm unleashing myself!

MARCH TO THE BEAT OF A BSU DRUMMER

I just got the confirmation that I'll get to do the Ball State Marching Band pictures again this summer. I'm very thankful for the opportunity.

Curt (photocurt.com)
(765) 437-8048

INSPIRATION

One thing this so-called slow season does for me is give me a chance to focus a little more broadly on the world around me. I see so many opportunities for photography. For example, hardly anyone around here - if anyone at all - does really intimate, meaningful photography: a baby napping in dad's arms, a little child nosing around curiously and cutely in a guitar case. Now that you have the idea, you can come up with better ideas than I can. In fact, that's a good point. Please send me your ideas; if I like them, I'll photograph them for free! Just so I can post them on my web site.

Curt (photocurt.com)
(765) 437-8048

HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR MODELS

I'm probably like most people in that I'm looking toward spring and summer, but probably for different reasons. Sure, I welcome the warm weather, but I'm anticipating what I call high school senior season. So, during January and February I don't hibernate - I'm hunting to find high school senior representatives. The response has been pretty encouraging since I first put out the call a few days ago.
Anyway, though, I'd still like to find more. So, if you're a high school junior who likes being in front of the camera, and you can share your enthusiasm for what you believe in, please contact Spectrum Photography. Your photo session can be FREE! My e-mail address is spectrumphotography@photocurt.com; my phone number is (765) 437-8048.