Kitchen Magnet Wisdom for Photographers

1/10/2014

Michele Celentano and her family. Image thanks to Angela Carson.

One of the mini-benefits of traveling and spending time with friends, especially from a blogger's point of view, is a whole new crop of kitchen magnet wisdom. Sheila and I headed to Phoenix a few days before IUSA to catch up to Michele Celentano and her family. I had something in the pipeline for a post this morning, but then I walked by the refrigerator.

"Don't be pushed by your problems, be led by your dreams."
Proverb

That quote just hit me hard, because I see so many of you struggling with your problems. Struggle long enough and those problems become baggage that starts to bury your dreams.

Look, I'm older than most of you and according to my good buddy, Scott Bourne, I'm older than everybody. But, I've made it a point, with a lot of help from Sheila, Scott and a whole bunch of good friends, to never let go of my dreams. No matter how big the challenges are, your dreams are who you are and as essential to your growth and survival as your heart pumping away, all day every day.

Don't let anybody crush your dreams! While that's stupid and too simplistic for me to even say, when you start to feel the pressure then it's time to bring in those people closest to you in your network. It's time to find that one best friend who listens more than talks, doesn't pass judgement and simply appreciates you because you're you.

There's one more quote from Michele's fridge that deserves its own moment this morning...

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams..."
Eleanor Roosevelt

Next month I'll be celebrating 44 years in the photographic industry. I've seen fads come and go, managers, companies and concepts change, but the one consistent common denominator has always been being inspired by good friends who help me stay focused and keep me energized to chase my dreams.

Welcome to Michele's kitchen!

2 Comments

"Why?"

Check out "Why?" one of the most popular features on the SCU Blog. It's a very simple concept - one image, one artist and one short sound byte. Each artist shares what makes the image one of their most favorite. There were fifty different artists featured in 2016 and we anticipate doubling that in 2017. Click on the link above and you can scroll through all of the episodes to date.

Authors

Skip Cohen is President of SCU, founder of Marketing Essentials International and past president of Rangefinder Publishing and WPPI. He's been an active participant in the photographic industry since joining Hasselblad USA in 1987 as president. He has co-authored six books on photography and actively supports dozens of projects each year involving photographic education.

Brian mcmillen

1/10/2014 04:11:17 am

Great advice, I have gotten where I am by staying focused even though I loose it every now and then. I find that is the time to reevaluate my plan and refocus. everyone gets off track sometimes its a good thing but you always gotta be moving forward to something.

Ray Urner link

1/10/2014 07:27:25 am

Good simple advice, my man. Thanks for the read!

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.