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Thursday, March 22, 2012

THE SURROUNDINGS

I sure do like my work as a photographer, but one other thing I like about it is the places it takes me. I haven't gone anywhere exotic recently, but I still enjoy the short trips. For instance, this week I've been stationed in Carmel doing soccer pictures at Off The Wall Sports. I enjoy the chance to see different surroundings and eat at different restaurants. Yesterday, it was Indian. Today, I'm not sure.
The restaurants and the changes of scenery are a lot like photography itself: one day a wedding, the next day, head shots, and still another working with a playful puppy. It's a broad SPECTRUM of subjects, and I love it!

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

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.

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

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.