by successfulbob | photography, photography - art quote, success education
Anonymous strikes again with this quote that tells you to get up off your butt and study, and practice, and be ready for the time when it all comes together. 
“Success is what happens when 10,000 hours of preparation meet with one moment of opportunity.” – Anonymous
I think that in today’s society there is a tendency to want or think you can get to success without putting in the time to make it happen. I’ll throw a quote attributed to Thomas Jefferson again because it is appropriate. “I am a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it.”
Raise your glass in a toast to working hard, working smart and enjoying the journey!
Yours in Photography, Bob
by successfulbob | photography education, success education
I enjoy seeking inspiration from other art disciplines and Robert Genn and the Painters keys is one that often gives me great ideas… Here’s the start of this week’s post from Robert. If you like what you see go check out the Painters Keys.
Blessed are the curious
March 25, 2014
Dear Artist,
At the risk of once more dividing the world into two main kinds of people, there are two main kinds of people: those who amuse themselves, and those who require amusement from others.
While working late into the night can also produce excellent results, widespread
research shows that success often favours those who start early. (photo by Robin Loznak Photography)
Artists seem to be pretty much of the former kind. Self-amusement prompts creativity.
Mornings are special times for the self-amusing. Curious as to what the day may bring, they often step directly into the amusement area–the studio. What I call “Curious Morning Syndrome” (CMS) is often the simple catalyst for productivity, invention, creativity and success. The blessing, of course, is not always evident to the young. Sleeping-in has ruined many an early career. And some folks must wait until middle or old age for CMS to kick in. Some think it’s a gene. It’s more likely a learned habit.
One way to activate CMS is to simply set yourself up to be curious about the outcome and potential of yesterday’s efforts. A good system is to leave something unfinished when you shut down the studio at night. Better still, leave several things unfinished. The easier, the more enjoyable the task you leave behind, the more the likelihood of an early morning kick-off. At the same time, challenges are often best attacked when you are well rested and fresh. It’s amazing what time and a good sleep can do for problematicals. The cold grey light of dawn automatically presents opportunities to the… continue reading here
by successfulbob | photography - art quote, success education
This is an awesome quote!
“No man becomes a fool until he stops asking questions.” Charles Proteus Steinmetz
Often I see tentativeness in people about asking questions because they might be thought the less of because they don’t already have that information. When I am giving seminars and presenting programs I will often get questions from attendees that are couched with this phrase, “This is probably a stupid question…” Please remember there are NO stupid questions. Only uninformed people who are afraid to ask.
What kind of questions help you in your photography business?
Obviously talking with other photographers asking about techniques can be helpful in adding to your bag of tricks and can be of help. But dig a little deeper.
Asking questions of your photographic subjects can unearth information that can help you tell their story better. With the proper question you can get an expression and inner light not usually apparent. Or better yet you might uncover a story you didn’t even know was there that could lead to a photo essay!
Asking questions of people when you are traveling can uncover some really cool photographic opportunities. Most people are proud of their town and happy to share interesting areas in their neighborhood.
Ask questions about business.
Be like a child. Stay curious. Don’t be embarrassed. Ask questions. You’ll be rewarded for it…
Your in Photography, Bob
PS The originator of today’s quote was Charles Proteus Steinmetz. He was a mathematician and electrical engineer. He fostered the development of alternating current that made possible the expansion of the electric power industry in the United States. Wikipedia
by successfulbob | Lumix GX7, Lumix Lounge, photography, photography - art quote, photography education, photography gear, success education
I love this guy (or is it gal?) Anonymous. Seems to come up with all kinds of great ideas…
Here’s the thought starter for today’s post. “When you use a camera, not as a machine but as an extension of your heart, You become ONE with your subject.”
If I may make a recommendation based on today’s thought for you as a photographer – it’s to really learn your equipment. Today’s cameras are awesome machines with lots of possibilities and settings. Read your manual. Try all the different settings. Practice. When you are watching TV have your camera with you and practice finding the settings you need by feel. When you are on the bus or the plane practice setting the camera for different situations without looking at the camera. The better and faster you can set your camera for different situations the less you need to think about it the more in touch you’ll be with your chosen subject. Practice every time you get a spare moment and try to keep your camera with you all the time so when you see a new or interesting lighting situation you can capture it and see if your eye matches what you thought you were capturing with your camera.
And that my friend will make a huge difference in the images you bring home.
By the way did I mention that you should practice??
Your in Photography, Bob
PS – I’ve been finding that with the micro 4/3rds mirrrorless camera system it is much easier to have a camera with me all the time. My preferred model for everyday use is the Lumix GX7 accompanied by a very small ThinkTank Photo pouch of lenses.
by successfulbob | Lumix GX7, photography, photography education, photography gear, success education
Headline star Stefanie Powers was featured at the Sedona International Film Festival including a meeting with the press in the media room and audience Question and Answer session ‘An Evening with Stefanie Powers’ at the Sedona Performing Arts Center.
When working with capturing expressions when people are telling stories you almost have to pretend you are shooting sports or wildlife. Study how the person moves, when they pause, what happens when they laugh. Do they throw back their heads or gently smile? When people are sharing stories they will often look up or down when trying to find the story inside their brain. Eyes don’t stay open as long etc. When photographing anyone but especially celebrities you want to make sure you are getting the optimum moment so they look their best. The Lumix GX7 was a great help in capturing expressions from this interview. NO lag time on focus and when necessary you can turn on the fast capture and get 10 fps. Even then you need to fire at the right moment to get a pleasing expression.
Timing was extremely important in getting good expressions during this interview.
View of Stefanie Powers from behind the streaming video cameras in the media interview room at SIFF.
To see more of Stefanie Powers photos fro the Film Festival go to my commercial web site bcphotography.com
Yours in Photography, Bob
by successfulbob | photography, photography - art quote, photography education, success education
I wish I had a name to attach to today’s quote… That Anonymous person sure had a lot of attributions!
It is so indicative of people who become successful… When I talk to people about the success that I have had in my career, and my life in general, they often despair at the possibility of having that success for themselves. They only see the somewhat finished movie that I present to the world and compare that to their everyday life. The secret is to work hard and put in some time.
Success is what happens when 10,000 hours of prereation meet with one moment of opportunity.” Anonymous
“Picture this…” (in your best Rod Serling voice playback) “… a simple duck upon the water, sitting placidly and quietly. What we don’t see is that the seemingly restful fowl has webbed feet churning madly beneath the surface to keep him in place.” (end Roddo’s voice)
It takes work to be successful. Time of course. But, the work is not actually hard. It is ongoing with each piece layered on top of the one before. When you first start the journey seems insurmountable because there is so many steps to take. The cool thing is when you put a plan in place and start moving those webbed feet one push at a time not only do you stop being pushed downstream you find equalibrium followed by steady progress upstream.
“WHAT THE HELL DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH PHOTOGRAPHY BOB??”
Ah, so glad you asked… Better imaging, better business and a better life all come from going one step at a time with the end journey in mind. You have to put in the time. What you’ll find is that the end goal keeps changing as you move closer and realize it wasn’t as far away as you thought. Want to be a better photographer tomorrow? Start learning and practicing new techniques today. Want a better business? Learn new sales techniques. practice them until they become second nature. Set a path. Work toward the end goal. If you find as you get closer it’s not where you thought it was going take a detour…
Sometimes having another set of eyes watching and helping you plan can be a huge help. When we are too close to a problem we often can’t see the forest for the trees. Need some help finding a path? Check out my coaching. Let’s talk for an hour… If you don’t feel it’s a help there’s no charge and no hard feelings. Get in touch and see if I can’t be of help on your journey. Yours in photography, Bob
