DECEMBER MAN

December Man is a fictional character for whom time - simultaneously - moves at a highly accelerated pace and very slowly.

I find myself acting this part every year at this time, as I see the large cluster of days - made up of rapidly-moving hours - evaporate steadily toward the crucial and unchanging deadline known as Christmas.

December Man swooped down in November this year because of how busy things have been at Spectrum Photography since September. It started with school photography early that month and seems like it will end with a big night out shoved right at the end of the calendar: New Year's Eve at Union Station.

I'm grateful for all the opportunities I've been given and hope to continue to work with the folks involved next year too.

Here are a couple of photographic highlights.

Kokomo is often maligned for what people say is a lack of the cool and the cultured. But, that's not entirely true. Last Saturday night was an example: a good band in a very distinctive, family-friendly outdoor venue. Local favourite Joe Cameron was performing on the outdoor stage at The Quarry. The setting is an ample, raised, concrete stage backed by a wall of random stones viewed from a courtyard with tables, well manicured grass and a small pond. Kokomo does have other cool settings, but it has also lost some because of lack of support. This gem needs to be kept.

TIDBITS

In the all-too-long time since my last post, a lot has happened. Business has gotten better: I've been brought in to work with the band at Kokomo High School; I'm on the verge of an opportunity to provide photography for a futbol league; my youngest son, Hudson Koufax, has begun providing entertainment value; my oldest son broke his wrist; I had the chance to provide photography for the kids going through Communion at St. Patrick's Church.

Also, just as the senior season for 2009 high school graduates has "officially" ended, I've got some nice brochures to distribute among the 2010 graduates.

Katy, pictured here, represents my last stand for the 2009 seniors. She carries herself well, which means Spectrum Photography comes off well. Thanks, Katy.

WEDDING SEASON

Even though March isn't thought of as wedding season, it did get the ball rolling for me with an engagement session for a couple whose wedding I'm photographing this year.

Andy and Lindsay were eager to have the photo session outside, but the forecast apparently didn't share in their plans. Maybe they're a charmed couple because despite a bleak outlook, rain held off long enough for us to get some great pictures, all showing the love that will be on display on their wedding day.

What I really like about them is the like their look to be spontaneous, which is important considering all the important, unplanned moments that unfold at a wedding.

A GLIMMER OF HOPE

With March here, the natural thought is to look toward better things from the coming of Spring.

But, as the Western High School Winter Guard can attest, good things happen in winter too.

The girls turned in a sterling performance to win their class competition recently. Congratulations to them.

Congratulations also to my oldest son Cortlandt for doing so well in his karate tournament. Even though the kids pour out a lot of effort during their performances,they - and the parents - must be commended for the hours-long wait they/we endure waiting their turn. It was worth it, though. The kid picked up a second place medal for chambara (jousting with long styrofoam sticks), and a first place trophy for kumite (sparring). A purple belt, he had to beat a brown belt with a rugged reptutation to get to the championship round.

THE DRAGON LADY AND ME

I'm in a networking group with a woman named Terri who creates fine jewelry pieces in her business called The Silver Dragonfly. I call her the Dragon Lady.

Spectrum Photography and the Dragon Lady collaborated on a photo shoot today so she could have some good images for herself, although I didn't know it would benefit me too, but it did. I got some great shots she's letting me use for my web site.

When you help others, you often help yourself.

Thanks, Dragon Lady.

NETWORKING FUN

The saying "it's who you know, not what you know", is overly simplified. I think it's more a case of who you know helping you to learn what you know. The case in point was just this very evening when Spectrum Photography (photocurt.com) was at a networking shindig at the Junior Achievement center in Indianapolis. It was hosted by B.N.I., Rainmakers and Confluence. Not only did Spectrum get the chance to display portraits at a vendor's booth, but the organizers had three very good presenters who addressed very different, but essential elements of business growth. I was particularly impressed by a consultant named Kyle Lacy, who focused on how to make better use of internet networking sites. That's one reason I'm blogging, because Kyle emphasized the importance of regular blog submissions.

Earlier in the day, I had a chance to put my camera to use at another networking event, The Samaritan Caregivers annual Chocolate Celebration at the Kokomo Mall. I'm simultaneously regretful and proud of myself for not having indulged. Next year, I'll partake, especially if something like this offering by The Windmill Grill is available.

ECONOMIC OPTIMISM

It's easy to find depressing news about the economy. I'm more interested in creating favourable situations to manufacture my own healthy economy.

January has started well for Spectrum Photography: finishing a photo session at a nursing home (commercial work), picking up additional orders from Christmas business (family portraits), winning a modest little job at a local school for its marching members (classic school photography), forging a relationship with Howard County's newest event hall (aptly named Celebrations) and getting ready for a photo session at a music academy (supporting and being supported by the arts - who'd have thought?!).

Every photographer knows that these jobs are the foundation for good things: the money from the session itself can be good, but the residuals can be career-sustaining.