by successfulbob | photography education, salute, Uncategorized
Here’s a quote from the Dali Lama that captured my attention this AM…
“True peace with ourselves and with the world around us can only be achieved through the development of mental peace.”
It caught my attention because as I was putting together my morning meal I was suddenly overwhelmed at how fortunate I am.
Having a spouse and partner that complements and completes me.
To be a photographer pursing the career that keeps me challenged.
To live in a land where I can make choices to speak the way I wish.
To have a forum like this in which to share ideas about photography and life.
To be able to have a meal like this…
I’m not normally one to take pictures of my food and share it on social media… (OK maybe sometimes) But this was the spark that got me thinking about how truly fortunate I am and have been throughout my life. I think a large part of my good fortune comes from recognizing and noting gratitude on a regular basis.
What are you grateful for???
Yours in Creative Photography, Bob
by successfulbob | kudos, salute, Uncategorized
Photographer Kevin Ames and I were having a conversation about making people’s days better. I shared with him that when I travel I always wish the flight attendants a great flight before they have a chance to greet me. This really lights up their facial muscles, especially when they’ve had a day full of weather delays or been hassled by harried passengers who are delayed on their flights.
“Hey! Thanks for help keeping us safe.”
Kevin shared that he addresses all the TSA personnel with a hearty, “Hey! Thanks for help keeping us safe.” I added this to my travel routine and noticed a huge shift in attitude whenever I have shared this thought with TSA.
We all appreciate being appreciated and I would like to turn Kevin’s thought into a movement. Whenever you travel any people you come into contact with try to make their day a little better.
If someone is wearing a good looking outfit or any thing that you notice that’s interesting let them know. I know I’m on the outgoing side and you might not be but at the very least let’s try it on the TSA people. Make everyone feel a little better and it spreads… Believe me. Any time you can make someone feel a bit better it like dropping a pebble in a pond. It doesn’t look like much until you see the rings spread out from that one little splash. When there are lots of small compliments shared and the concentric rings start to intersect that before you know it someone will be sharing a compliment with you…
Yours in Creative Photography, Bob
by successfulbob | people photography, photography education, salute, salute to business
How often do you meet truly happy people?
Truly happy?
I’ve been staying at and attending events at the Hilton Phoenix Airport Hilton Hotel for the last 16 years so I get to know most of the people who work at the property. There are lots of standout, long term employees there. (AFAIK unusual in the service industry)
I was having a conversation with shuttle driver Nat about being happy. He shared that he was in the corporate world making good bucks, switched some stuff, got down-and-out sized and then decided to do something that made him happy rather than making him huge dollars. He’s been picking up and dropping off guests between the Phoenix Airport Hilton the Sky Harbor Airport for the last seven and a half years. I’ve seen him a lot in that time and never seen him without a big smile and a huge hello for me and everyone he comes in contact with.
Hilton Phoenix Airport Hotel Bell Captain/shuttle-driver/ambassador Nat
“What’s your point, Bob?”
Point is there are lots of ways to make money with your camera.
Do YOU still enjoy what you do?
Or are you just workin’ for the dollar. Life is short. Make sure you enjoy the ride. And, if you need a smile come on down to the Hotel and say ‘Hey!’ to Nat.
Yours in Creative Photography, Bob
by successfulbob | salute
This one might get a little sappy…
Hope you don’t mind but I want to take a few minutes here to introduce you to and do a salute to my best friend, girl friend, business partner and wife.
Her name is Holly and she makes it possible for me to accomplish the things I do.
You may have noticed in some of the last few weeks posts on my blog, Facebook and twitter that I have been fortunate enough to win some awards for my photography from Professional Photographers of America, American Society of Photographers and our state group Arizona Professional Photographers Association.
Holly is my sponsor at the Ceremony at PPA convention in Nashville receiving the Master Artist Degree.
(Thanks for the image sequence from Robin Swanson Photography)
Holly is the bookkeeper for the business and our personal finances. She makes sure all the bills are paid on time.
Holly is the maintenance engineer for the house. If there’s a dripping faucet she’ll grab a wrench and know which washer to get from the hardware store.
In her life before we met she was a landscape designer and so the area around our home is always looking manicured because she doesn’t mind getting her hands dirty and making sure all is in order. (including cleaning up after the Javalina that have decided our yard is their lavatory)
Holly feeds the hummingbirds and sets out water for the other birds and wildlife that frequent our yard. (Often getting up early to make sure the bowls are thawed from overnight freezing)
She’s takes care that I look spiff and professional taking care of the laundry and not letting me wear the comfy shirts out in public that are, shall we say, ‘Past Their Prime”? (you know we guys don’t notice that stuff)
When I travel for business all is packed and proper because of her attention to detail.
Meals are wonderful. Sometimes she’ll even let me help clean up.
She has been my biggest supporter and cheerleader over the years and should I let any of the accolades go to my head she’ll be the first to make sure my ego is held firmly in check. (think of the ‘head smack’ Agent Gibbs gives to his team on CBS’s NCIS)
They say that behind every successful man there’s a great woman. My great woman is Holly. (look good in red doesn’t she?)
Holly does even more but I think you get the idea… My creativity in making images, service to the photography profession and service to our community is possible because of her.
I can’t tell you how fortunate I am to have someone like Holly in my life and I give thanks every day.
Yours in Creative Photography, Bob
PS – I’d love to hear about who has helped you and supported you in your endeavors…
