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
by successfulbob | Uncategorized
Well imagine that!
I received an award from PPA that I didn’t even know existed. (I guess it’s because they just instituted this year) Here’s the press release I’ve sent out…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Local Photographer Enters the Elite
Earns Highest Membership Level from Professional Photographers of America
Sedona, Arizona – Bob Coates of Bob Coates Photography in Sedona has been named to receive an Elite Plus membership from Professional Photographers of America (PPA).
Starting this year, PPA began offering Elite and Elite Plus memberships to its more decorated members. Coates is one of few to earn the prestigious Elite Plus membership. Out of over 26,000 members only twenty-two have earned this designation, yet another milestone in Bob’s illustrious career behind the camera.
“We are encouraging photographers to be more and grow sustainable businesses and,” said Kristen Hartman, director of member value and experience for PPA. “Mr. Coates continues to raise the bar in our industry and has certainly earned his place among the elite.”
Coates qualified for Elite Plus membership through continued education, image competition and a continued quest for excellence.
“This award has special meaning to me because it isn’t something you strive for, it’s awarded for overall performance in staying on top of the industry as well as giving back,” Said Bob. “It was quite a surprise when I was notified about the award as this is this first year it has been bestowed on members. I’m extremely proud.”
The new membership level comes with special benefits and perks, including significant savings, reserved only for the elite.
The status will be awarded on an annual basis. The only way for a member to lose their status is if they dropped their membership. To view Elite and Elite Plus membership level requirements and benefits, visit ppa.com.
About PPA
Professional Photographers of America (PPA) is the largest international non-profit association created by professional photographers, for professional photographers. Almost as long-lived as photography itself, PPA has roots that date back to 1869. It assists more than 26,000 members through protection, education and resources for their continued success. See why photographers love PPA at ppa.com.
Contact: Bob Coates
bob@bcphotography.com
www.bcphotography.com www.successful-photographer.com
by successfulbob | Lumix GH3, Lumix GX7, Lumix Lounge, photography, video
I was a virgin before this project. Videographer that is…
My partner in this production, Neal of Promo Films West has been after me to do video for a large number of years. With my move to micro 4/3rds Lumix cameras I finally aquiesed. Since getting the Lumix GH3 and Lumix GX7 I’ve been experimenting with bits of video but this project for Sedona Real Inn & Suites was the first time to go into full production. These cameras capture great video and Neal was super impressed by some of the features but one in particular got him very excited, The ability to shoot at 1080 and 60P. I had no idea what a big deal this was when we started but after seeing the motion used in the clips I get it. Neal did the editing on this project and was quite creative.
Here’s the promo… Let me know what you think.
Sedona Real Inn & Suites Promo VideoLooking to get some video for your property or project? Let’s talk. Neal and Promo Films West are ready to go to work for you. Give me a shout or drop an email.
by successfulbob | photography, photography education, photography seminar
Had an awesome 2 days teaching a class called ‘Off to the Desert Photo Shoot’ on Friday and Saturday. Showing how to get some great light in harsh daylight conditions using many different tools. I’ll be in the Panasonic booth or the Lumix Lounge for the rest ofthe convention during trade show hours. I look forward to seeing you there and talking about the 3rd generation of cameras!!
I-Phone photo by George Hawkins of Bob Coates teaching photo lighting class at Imaging USA Desert photo shoot.
Using lots of tools… Scrims, reflectors, umbrellas, gobos studio mono lights. Thanks to FJ Wescott for the use of some off the modifiers and Paul C Buff for the loan of Vagabond Mini Inverters to make sure we had plenty of power for the lights on location.
by successfulbob | Lumix GX7, Lumix Lounge, panorama, photography, photography education, photography gear
Color excites me… A smorgasbord with a new palette of color awaits me this next two weeks as I am playing in Sarasota, Florida. Such a change from the orange/red and ochre tones of the desert southwest. It’s a riot and what I’ll be concentrating on while shooting while I’m here… and of course I’ll be playing with the panorama views I can create with the Lumix GX7.
Why do I set expectations for what I am looking for during the trip? I’ve found that if you concentrate on one or two things as targets the quality of images captured goes up. Are panoramas and color the only things I will shoot? Heck no! But When a focus is defined when you go out to capture images there is a tendency to see more. Not quite sure why this works… But it does.
Color combos with greenery in the foreground from St. Armands Circle. Vertical panorama.
New Pass Grill – Orange, black and grey.
The red surrounded by the greens grabbed my attention…
not to mention she has an uncanny resemblance to one of my neighbors!
I really enjoy the portability of the GX7 for street shooting. I’ll be heading to the Farmers Market later today. Can’t wait!
