Serendipity “Just Float With It”: Guest Post by Dave Ashby

I've written this a few dozen times over the last few years, "The best part of this industry has little to do with photography, but the friendships that come out of everyone's love for the craft!" Well, meet a good buddy, Dave Ashby.

Two weeks ago we caught up to each other at PPE in New York and while talking about the more focused direction Dave is taking in fine art photography he shared some images he'd just captured the day before. There are few things more fun than talking to somebody who's excited about something in photography. As Dave clicked through and shared each image, it was impossible to decide which were our favorites. After all, it's just a guy blowing bubbles in the park!  LOL

I'm not sure there's anything Dave can't shoot, but with serious steps towards putting all his energy into fine art, check out his galleries.   Skip Cohen

More oftentimes than not we wake up with the predisposed notion that we must check things off a list.  We are so focused on what we think we must do that we don’t allow ourselves to just let the World lead us to an artistic source.  Whether you are a portrait, commercial or fine art photographer, you need to let yourself have fun and just go with the flow.  

Recently, while in NYC for PPE, I came in a day early so I could explore and photograph.  I was struggling with the sheer overwhelmingness one can get when deciding where and what to do in such an inspiring city.  So I simply grabbed a couple lenses, left the flash and tripod and just went out carrying a light bag with only my 5D MIII, 50 1.4, 24-70 and my 17-40.  I grabbed a cab up to Central Park and just let it all go.  Totally left behind thoughts of what I should be doing back at the studio or what I should accomplish for the day.  Why set goals or constraints?  Why not just let “IT” happen.  

To make a really long and fun day shorter, I will share with you what the best part of the day was.  I made a new friend named Steve Duncan.  Steve blows bubbles for a living.  That’s right.  He blows bubbles on a grand scale.  With his bamboo sticks and a self fashioned net specially designed for making bubbles he sets up, most frequently, in Central Park.  I have seen Steve before, but was always in a rush.  But this time seeing these huge bubbles inspired me to chat with him,  After a few minutes of asking him about his artform and his passion, Steve allowed me to get close.  Really close to him and his bubbles.  I was working within inches of him at points and magic ensued.  I created some images that honestly blew both of our minds.  (No pun intended!)  

The lesson is simple.  It’s taking the time to simply allow yourself to have a little fun that can pay off in dividends.  So grab your camera and go have some fun!