 by Skip Cohen
It's Sunday when I consistently go off track, miles away from marketing topics. But as I sat down to write this morning, it became harder and harder not to rant about the state of America, especially with a 60 million dollar waste of money for a cage fight on the front lawn of the White House! However, as I scrolled through Facebook, trying to find something positive to write about, my good buddy, Terry Clark, posted a thank-you to the people who helped make his first gallery showing in many years possible. The smile on my face was so big that you'd think it was my showing! I'm so proud of Terry sharing his work! Well, I kept scrolling when I realized how valuable social media has become in my life and in keeping in touch with people I care about. As I scrolled through my notifications: Brook Todd posted a shot of him and Alissa...Michael Jordan posted a shot of Clay Blackmore with a group of photographers at CSA2026...Allison Cotton posted a shot...Facebook reminded me that 15 years ago I shared a shot of Brent Watkins trying to beat the self-timer in a portrait of the Sylvart Studio staff when Jerry and Melissa Ghionis joined us for a program in Ohio...Al Gordon and Mercury Megaloudis both posted anniversary shots... Bruce Hudson announced his new book and an educational opportunity...Rick Sammon played with A.I...Carly Sullens posted a piece about her upcoming program in Michigan...and Duncan MacNab's daughter, Dori, posted a birthday piece about her sister, Dani. (Duncan, one of my very best buds, passed away almost 4 years ago...but being in touch with his family brings back so many memories.) Here's my point... while most of us have a love-hate relationship with Facebook, it's become the mortar that holds many friendships together. I'm able to stay in touch with so many people I care about, thanks to social media. Over the years, I've been accused of being the industry's perpetual optimist and cheerleader. Well, with 56+ years in imaging, and my life being touched by so many amazing people, how could I be anything but optimistic? Wishing everybody a day ahead that gives you time to appreciate all the special people in your life. Go for those eleven-second therapeutic hugs I always write about with the people you love the most. And to my pal Terry Clark...one of these days we're going to have the cigar we've spent far too many years talking about! Happy Sunday, everybody!
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 It's not that we spend five days looking forward to just two. It's that most people do what they enjoy most on those two days. Imagine living a life where everyday are your Saturdays and Sundays. Make everyday your weekend. Make everyday a play-day... James A. Murphy by Skip Cohen
As I sat down to write my Friday post this morning, I had a hard time choosing a topic. Usually, I can find inspiration on my Facebook notifications, but today I was buried in stories about Trump and a Congress without a backbone. I hate what's happened to our country and the morons who continue to support a conman and his minions. But it's Friday, and I'm not sure I've ever looked forward to the weekend more. I'm going to step away from my computer, limit my news intake, and appreciate what we can control in our lives. No doubt the grill will be slow-cooking something, and without question, Margaritas will be involved. And in terms of the quote above...While I hate how Congress has forgotten about We the People, I'm celebrating the people we love and two pups who have enriched our lives beyond measure. Not only is Lucy asleep in my lap as I'm writing, but so are my legs! LOL So, while the circulation comes back into my legs, I'm wrapping this up with a goal to do my best to follow James Murphy's lead above - and make at least a part of every day feel like a weekend! Wishing everybody a terrific weekend ahead and time to simply appreciate everything that's going right in your life without being buried under the stress of what's wrong! Happy Friday!  "All lasting business is built on friendship." Alfred A. Montaper  by Skip Cohen
Over the last two weeks, we had the inside of our home painted -- every closet, wall, all the trim/moulding and ceiling throughout. One of the challenges to clean out before painting was the closet in my home office. Hanging from a shelf were two carabiner clips loaded with dozens of badges and lanyards. Years ago, my dad came with me to a PPA convention. Every few minutes, I was introducing Dad to a friend or associate from the industry. I remember Dad saying to me, "Walking around that trade show with you is like walking with the Mayor!" We both laughed, but the truth is, all of us who have been in the industry a long time, know a lot of people. We've all been to the same conferences, rubber chicken dinners, retirement parties, and funerals, too. The classic of the whole bunch and the oldest is WPI, 1989. It was my second conference in my role at Hasselblad, and before the association became WPPI. It was probably at the Rio or Tropicana at the time. But what is it about all the badges in the shot above that prevents me from throwing them out? It's such an easy answer...it's about memories and great friendships. While we can never go back, it's true that, whatever route our journey takes, Memory Lane is like a side access-road along a freeway. It's always there, reminding us of where we're going and, in this case, where we've been. But here's one more fun aspect this Throwback Thursday - virtually every person I've known in the industry was at one time wearing one of those badges above. From meetings to dinners to late nights in a bar at the convention center, we've all been there. Throwback Thursday is always about memories, and while we all need to stay focused on the future, it's a kick to take a look in the rearview mirror now and then! Happy Throwback Thursday!  Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. Ralph Waldo Emerson by Skip Cohen As I've shared several times in past posts, Sheila and I read something motivational each morning from one of the books we select each year. I've got Lou Mitchell to thank for the quote above, and he went on to write: ...Following well-trodden paths can lead to conformity, while blazing new trails fosters innovations and personal fulfillment. By daring to be different and create our own way, we contribute original ideas and inspire others to do the same. When was the last time you worked on something completely different from what you do every day? We get too comfortable in our routines and fail to seize the opportunities that come along to take a different path. Then, one day, we start to lose interest in whatever career path we've been on...our heart just isn't in it, yet there are people who depend on us, so we keep trudging along. If you're in a rut, then it's time to take a break - step back and think about what might be missing. Use the innermost circle of your network as a sounding board. Your most trusted friends know you the best, but so often we're afraid to ask for help. The point is, you're approaching burnout, and mixing things up a little might be just what you need most. Maybe it's just taking time off to chill and reflect on future paths. Years ago, Dean Collins, one of the industry's most innovative commercial photographers and educators, was asked, "Aren't you afraid people will copy everything you're teaching and do the same thing you're doing?" Dean's answer, "By the time they do, I'll be onto something else!" Here's my point - technology never stands still. Every day, new doors open in capture and post-production. At the same time, consumer demand to capture memories never slows down. As a photographer or videographer, you're an artist and magician - you help people capture the intangible and create tangible proof that time can really stand still. It's a big responsibility and loaded with fulfillment if you do it right. But again, as I've written in the past, you can't create images that tug at people's heartstrings if you're own heart isn't in it. Blaze your own trail in life. Make your own choices and make your own mistakes.
It's the only way you'll find your own happiness, not someone else's. M. Leighton  by Skip Cohen Today's post is about the diversity of your skill set. Out of the pandemic came the key buzzword "pivot," and while we're all tired of hearing about its importance, it doesn't change the significance of having the strongest possible backup skills. You want your skill set to be as diverse as possible to meet your clients' demands, so you can pivot when necessary. I don't know where I heard the line about growth only happening outside your comfort zone, but it's so true. Here's the cool thing about this industry: we have a history of watching each other's backs and helping each other get through all the challenges. But it starts with your willingness to expand your vision and with it your skills. Here are some suggestions:
What you show is what you want to sell. Shakespeare said it best, "To thine own self be true!" And remember - Stay true to your love for imaging and show more diversity on your website in logically connected specialties. You know where to find me if I can help!
 We all lose friends... we lose them in death, to distance, and over time. But even though they may be lost, hope is not. The key is to keep them in your heart, and when the time is right, you can pick up the friendship right where you left off. Even the lost find their way home, when you leave the light on. Amy Marie Waltz  by Skip Cohen It's Sunday morning, and for a whole lot of years, I've always made today a time to go completely off my normal topics and get a little more personal. Well, between painting the inside of our home from top to bottom, losing a good friend, and my birthday, I've been AWOL most of the week. Life just simply got in the way. Although life didn't really get in the way; it just got lived! For example, yesterday, very early in the morning, I drove over to Orlando to say goodbye to a good friend, Mike Strickland. It was an emotional day, and if you knew Mike, then it was his smile and never-ending kindness that gave him such a huge presence. But it's not really the funeral I'm writing about this morning; it's the power of a walk down Memory Lane. It's left me smiling... and that's a huge part of what Mike was all about - laughter, kindness, respect, and a level of spirituality that would turn even the most dedicated skeptic. While our conversation started with the sadness of losing Mike to a horrible car accident, Tony Corbell and I had time for a long jog down Memory Lane. We first met in 1987...giving us close to 40 years of stories that a room full of Hollywood's best writers couldn't match! As I hit the road for the trip home, I couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of pride at having known Mike and considered him a friend...but the longer I drove, the more time I had to appreciate good friends and all the stories I have from fifty-six years in this industry. Best of all, the opportunity for memory-making moments hasn't disappeared, with the potential for more sequels than Marvel could ever come up with. I might be slowing down with age, but life around me sure isn't. I still wake up excited for the day ahead, just creak for a few minutes first. And those moments I look forward to are all thanks to knuckleheads like Corbell and Strickland, just to name a few. The bottom line - Fifty-six years ago, I stumbled into the photography industry. All along the way, some amazing people have come into my life and are still coming! Each one has brought them another moment of growth and even wonder. Alfred Lord Tennyson, whom I've quoted hundreds of times before, wrote: "I am a part of all that I have met." Well, no statement could be more accurate for me this morning. I'm going to miss Mike a lot, but he's only as far away as my memories allow him to be. Memory Lane has become an 8-lane super highway, chock-full of great stories thanks to so many friendships. Wishing all of you a day ahead of memory-making. Go for those eleven-second therapeutic hugs I always write about with the people you love the most. And stop wasting time worrying about things you can't change. Instead, appreciate who you are this very second. Then think about all those friends who have contributed to your never-ending growth of love and gratitude and oh yeah, smiles and laughter! Happy Sunday...or Monday on the other side of the world. We didn't realize we were making memories, we just knew we were having fun.
Winnie the Pooh  You've got two ears and one mouth. So listen twice as much as you talk! Epictetus  by Skip Cohen This might be one of our shortest and easiest suggestions for your business. And it's perfect for Marketing Monday and drilling down on how to be more effective and build a stronger brand. It's also not exclusive to professional photographers; it's for every business owner. However, since most of you are in the imaging world, we're going to focus on photographic customers. One of the top complaints of new couples after the wedding is that the photographer didn't meet their expectations with the finished photographs, video, and album. And the reason most often relates to listening skills. So, here are a few suggestions:
Your strongest marketing tool, which I've written about before, is building relationships and trust. It applies to every specialty within photography, including commercial, boudoir, family, children, maternity, and more! Do not listen with the intent to reply, but with the intent to understand.
Anonymous  The year is 1990 at the PMDA annual special event, which took place at the United Nations in the delegate's dining room. Casper Weinberger was the guest speaker and surrounding him are the members of the PMDA Board at the time.  by Skip Cohen
For me, the fun of Throwback Thursday is in the hunt for images. Lately, it's been tough to find anything new, but thanks to an old buddy, here's a shot I haven't shared. Every year, PMDA (Photographic Manufacturers and Distributors Association) held at least two significant events. The group shot above is from the annual dinner. But that same year, or a year or two after, the shot on the right, was from the PMDA holiday party. It's a grab shot that my pal, Bob Nunn, sent me recently. Bob was president of the association that year, and Jackie Augustine and I were vice-presidents. In the evening, we held a raffle for door prizes, which explains why I'm holding what appears to be an empty punch bowl. But the best part of the backstory concerns formal attire. A bunch of us wanted to make the evening truly special. We got rid of the rubber-chicken dinner theme - it was rare to get a good meal for 250 people. We went with passed hors d'oeuvres and black tie. However, a few months before, in the Board meeting, we brought up the black tie idea, and I'll never forget Sam Fisher being furious - "I have a black tie, but I'm not wearing a tux!" he screamed. He just didn't get the concept. We made it "black-tie optional" and the problem was solved! If you haven't been on your hunt for throwbacks today, take the time. Old photographs have a way of reminding us of the incredible career path we all chose in imaging. And it doesn't matter what part of the business you're in - what a kick to know our industry helps the world capture memories! Happy Throwback Thursday!  When you're up to your ass in alligators, it's easy to forget your initial objective was to drain the swamp! Unknown Author  ...and this was just the battery! The phone itself snapped into the top but was lost over the years. by Skip Cohen
It's an expression we've all heard and are reminded of whenever we take on a challenge that turns out to be far more difficult than anticipated. That pretty much describes our days right now. Here's the short backstory: After ten years in this house, we decided it was time to paint the interior...but not a little at a time. Walls, trim, ceiling, closets -- all in the same project. And while there have been some funny moments, like me finally giving up my warmest winter parka to Goodwill...or deciding which of my alternative sizes of clothing should finally be discarded...it's been exhausting. We moved to Florida fifteen years ago, and it's hard to believe how much junk we've accumulated. But sorting out the contents of various closets is only the smallest challenge. We never really thought through our daily routines - now interrupted by the addition of the painters, rooms temporarily emptied into other rooms, the smell of the paint, and trying to find virtually anything that's been moved! Even the pups are confused - since their bed is normally in the room where everything started. What I did find interesting, though, was the AI explanation of the 70s quote about alligators: This classic, pragmatic business idiom perfectly describes being so overwhelmed by day-to-day crises that you lose sight of your original goals. If you are dealing with a flood of pressing issues right now, here is a quick approach to help regain control:
So, I chose not to post for the last couple of days - at least until we were more organized. I'm chasing things down one closet at a time, and as paint in one room dries, I'm preparing the next. I've even got a mini-plan in my head for putting things back. It sounds like we're organized, but only in my writing. The bottom line is the "swamp" was simply the idea of a much-needed fresh coat of paint. So, there's nothing to do but take things one step at a time. However, there's still a fair amount of "gut-wrenching" decisions when it comes to one last closet -- my camera/business storage in my office! It's more like a museum, home not only to multiple pieces of camera gear I no longer use, dozens of cables, but also to staplers and even a fax machine. I'm not a hoarder, but finding the power pack for my first cell phone is pretty outrageous. It's close to 40 years old and weighs at least 5 lbs. I've used it over the years to make a comparison to the way some small business owners still try and market themselves without ever expanding in all the new ways to extend your reach! I'm whining about all the challenges, and we're only on day 2! Wishing everybody a Happy Hump Day! Whatever the challenges in your life today, be grateful that you're here to take them on. Keep the alligators in the swamp by staying focused on the original intent before you started. Most important of all - don't lose your sense of humor, which tends to evaporate the minute you stop taking care of yourself. Happy Hump Day!   by Rick Ferro by Skip Cohen
At 9:35 this morning, Mike Strickland passed away after injuries sustained in a serious car accident. He had been on life support for the past few days. As I share this post, all I can think about is that infectious smile of his. Lots of people smile, but very few have the kindness and love for life that matches. Although we hadn't seen each other in a few years, that didn't stop the phone conversations every few months. It was as if each conversation ended with a comma and simply started up wherever we left off on the last call. Alfred Lord Tennyson wrote, "I am a part of all that I have met." All you had to do was meet Mike one time, and he became a part of you. I'm thinking back to so many of his stories from being a wedding photographer at Disney. There was the plus-size bride whose dress was too big and got stuck in the gate of the carriage trying to get out for the wedding. And the mother of the bride with macular degeneration who screamed in pain each time the flash went off. Mike had to shoot the wedding on available light, and spent hours cleaning them up in post-processing. Those stories and others came out when a bunch of us were hanging out together at a convention. I asked all the photographers around the table to share stories from past wedding challenges. With each story, you couldn't miss how much Mike loved photography and his clients. He never did anything halfway! There will be lots written over the next few days about Mike, his love for his family, photography, and his accomplishments. For now, all I wanted to do was share his passing with people who knew him. I will miss his smile, laughter, and never-ending sense of giving. I've never known a kinder man. And to his wife, Janalyn, children and grand-children, thank you for sharing Mike with us. There wasn't a time when we talked that somewhere in the conversation you guys were a topic. He loved all of you so very much. Grief comes in waves. And if you knew Mike well, this is just the first wave. We're faced with a difficult journey down Memory Lane. The one thing that makes me smile is thinking about Mike at the gates of heaven, catching up with people like Don Blair and Monte. As Rick Ferro said to me recently and wrote in the attached, the first thing Mike will do is look for great locations to photograph!  Riverside Cemetery in my home town, Painesville, Ohio "If you can read this, thank a teacher. If you can read this in English, thank a veteran." From Honor Flight  My Dad with me and our son Brian at the WWII Memorial by Skip Cohen I never know where I'm going with Sunday Morning Reflections until I sit down and start writing. Tomorrow is Memorial Day, and this morning Sheila got me thinking about the holiday. She commented about how strange it seems to wish people a Happy Memorial Day, a day honoring Americans who have died. From Wikipedia about Memorial Day: Formerly known as Decoration Day, it originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in the Civil War. By the 20th century, Memorial Day had been extended to honor all Americans who have died while in the military service. When I was a kid, I never really understood the importance of the day. I'd have to march in the band in the parade, and we'd finish at the park in town. At some point, there would be speeches, and a few guys in uniform who looked older than dirt would be honored. I had no idea what they had sacrificed, who they were, or what they had fought for. As I got older, my appreciation grew, especially when I lost a friend or two in Viet Nam. I remember a trip to Washington with my own kids and visiting the Viet Nam Memorial and afterward, just sitting in the park in silence. Had it not been for that first lottery, I would have been drafted and likely known many of those names. Maybe my name would have been on that wall. My silence and the tears as my eyes welled up were for so many lost lives. Today, more people recognize the contributions of the men and women in our armed forces. For us, Memorial Day isn’t about politics; it's about solemn respect and deep gratitude for the men and women who serve our country every day. And, I'd like to sneak in another group on this Memorial Day. Since we’re photographers and part of an amazing industry, it’s time to thank all the photojournalists around the world who help us understand the risks and the effort these men and women take. So, to my Dad who served in WWII, our son Brian who spent his life in the military, to all my friends who served in Viet Nam, to my brother-in-law Randy who rarely took off his Marine baseball hat, and to every mother and father who have ever stood behind their military-bound sons and daughters, thank you. It seems like such a trite, inadequate way to show appreciation, but we're here enjoying a quiet Memorial Day weekend, along with millions of Americans who will also enjoy the day, thanks to what all of you have given our country. Make it a great weekend. Don’t waste a minute of time…enjoy your family, your friends, and think about what Memorial Day really means. Always go for those eleven-second therapeutic hugs I always write about, especially with the people you love the most. "We can't all be heroes because somebody has to sit on the curb and clap as they go by!"
Will Rogers  The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts. Marcus Aurelius by Skip Cohen It's Friday, and if you're in the US, it's Memorial Day weekend. In the "old" days, living up north, this was the weekend the grill came out and the first barbecue to kick off the summer. However, living in California and now in Florida, there's something to be said for a grill that's always ready... without putting on a parka! I ran across the quote above this morning, and I love its simplicity. It was shared by Lou Mitchell, who went on to write: By nurturing positive, constructive thoughts, we create a foundation for a fulfilling life. Conversely, negative thinking can trap us in a cycle of dissatisfaction. It's a holiday weekend, at least for those of you in the US. So, continuing Lou Mitchell's comments on a fulfilling life, I'm just starting with this upcoming weekend. Do your best to clear your head of everything negative and take the time to appreciate family and friends, and whatever you're putting on the grill! Years ago, Colbie Caillat released a song titled "Think Good Thoughts." The chorus says it all: Think good thoughts Think good thoughts Imagine what the world would be if we'd just Think good thoughts Starve the bad from feeding... Wishing everybody a terrific weekend ahead and plenty of time to think good thoughts!
 Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment, until it becomes a memory. Dr. Seuss by Skip Cohen
It's Throwback Thursday, and as I wandered through my archives, it hit me that some shows and trips stand out more than others. And like a fine wine, the memories get better with age! WPPI 2007 was one of those shows that really stood out. From the print competition to the speakers and judges to the programs on the trade show floor to the annual day-in-the-life book that Graphi Studio was putting together, it was a phenomenal event. I pulled a few of my favorites above, especially anything with good buddy Bill Hurter, one of the very best editors in the business. Bill passed away in 2015, but his influence lives on. His legacy and reputation for quality and passion for imaging is legendary. It's hard to believe it's been almost 20 years since these images were captured. Time definitely flies when you're having a good time! Meanwhile, have you done your own hunt of old photographs today? Take that trip down Memory Lane -- It'll help remind you of the value of photography and the magic of stopping time! Happy Throwback Thursday!  The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision. Helen Keller by Skip Cohen I came into the professional side of imaging in 1987. For almost 40 years, I've met and worked with hundreds, if not thousands, of artists and business owners. Those who have been most successful have always had a vision of how they wanted their business to look and perform. What makes me sad is the number of artists who either had minimal vision or treated their vision as if it were embedded in concrete, unchangeable. So, they stuck to the same path, forgetting the expression, "If you do what you've always done, you'll never get more than you've ever gotten!" Success is more than just the financial side of a business - it's also about waking up with a smile on your face, excited about the day ahead. It's about being able to pivot when necessary, keeping up with technology and maintaining momentum. If you're not happy with what you're doing, or how your business is running, then step back, analyze the issue, and make the changes you need. It's no good running a pig farm badly for thirty years while saying, 'Really, I was meant to be a ballet dancer.' By then, pigs will be your style. Quentin Crisp Here's the bottom line - stay true to your passion. If your original vision needs to change, then don't be afraid to follow another path, just don't abandon your dreams completely. When I was a kid, people used to ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up. The truth is, I still don't know, but I know I'm happy and life is anything but dull. And as long as I'm still waking up smiling and charged up for the day ahead, then I'm on the right path!
 by Skip Cohen
It's Marketing Monday, and here's one of your easiest (and most fun) tools for marketing your business in imaging...Throwback Thursday. I've written about #TBT many times in past posts, but it's time to drill down on more detail. One of your biggest challenges is planting seeds of ideas with your clients. It's not easy setting yourself apart from the competition these days, but not because it's difficult. The challenge comes with so many opportunities, and many of you fall into "analysis paralysis." You're not sure where to start, and procrastination takes over, and you wind up doing very little. These days we're all tuned into Throwback Thursday and sharing old images. You've seen me share industry stories and photographs we can all relate to. You're my readers, and most of you are seriously invested in imaging, but what about your readership and "Mom?" For most of you, "Mom" is your target audience. Remember, 98% of the purchase decisions to hire a professional photographer in the portrait/social categories are made by women, and Mom is almost always involved. Throwback images can prompt Mom to consider an updated family portrait. We're into Spring seasonality, and then into the importance of capturing summer memories. It's the perfect time to remind your audience that it's time for an updated family portrait.
What I love most about a Throwback Thursday approach is that it's so soft-sell, it's hard-sell without being in anybody's face. Plus, it works on just about any image, even a headshot campaign. Have fun with the old photos you share. Use them to show your sense of humor and how much fun you are to work with. When you can make fun of yourself, you become that much more approachable and a stronger relationship builder. Plus, you're reminding "Mom" that the kids are growing up and that her family is changing. While we can't stop time, as a professional photographer, you can take time and turn it into a tangible memory and a perfect gift for any time of year!  The very basic core of a man's living spirit is his passion for adventure. Jon Krakauer by Skip Cohen I've gotten into the habit of keeping it short and simple on Fridays. Like my Sunday Morning Reflections posts, I rarely know what I want to write about in advance. Looking for inspiration, I was wandering through Lou Mitchell's book on positive thinking, and the quote above came up. He went on to write: ...It's in our nature to seek out new experiences and push the boundaries of our comfort zones. This passion for adventure fuels personal growth, creativity, and a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world. While most of my days are pretty terrific, every now and then, as I've gotten older, I miss the adventures. I define "adventures" as anything I've ever done that was out of my comfort zone; time with friends who I hadn't seen in a long time; virtually any conference or convention; or even starting or finishing a new project, just to name a few. Yes, I now officially qualify as an "old fart," but aside from creaking for 10 minutes when I get up in the morning, I don't feel any different than I did 20-30 years ago. Here's my point - it's the absence of adventure that ages us. And when we get that attitude of "been-there-done-that," we're doomed to boredom setting in! Wishing everybody a day and weekend ahead that's an adventure. Growth doesn't just happen outside your comfort zone. It happens when you let your creativity run wild, spend time with friends who make you laugh, and when you take notice and appreciate the people who love you most. Okay, so I'm getting sappy, but it's really just about appreciating everything in our lives and avoiding wasting energy on things outside our control. You can't help getting older, but you don't have to get old.
George Burns  by Skip Cohen
Although I shared this over eight years ago, I wanted to bring it back again. Why? Because there's so much we take for granted in education today. I'm pretty sure this was the very first program of its kind in imaging. It was thanks to the brilliance of Ed Pierce (front row, second from the end) and the trailblazers in the photograph with him. Here's what so many of you don't know:
This is where it all started! There wasn't ANY online programming at the time. There were no webinars; even YouTube wouldn't be founded for almost close to ten more years! But this is another fun aspect of Throwback Thursday. While in one respect I can't believe how old I am to have been around for this stuff, on the other hand, I couldn't be more proud to have been a very small part of it. Hasselblad was one of the sponsors, and Tony Corbell and I flew to Washington, D.C. and were in the audience all day at the live event. It's hard to imagine a more fun trip down Memory Lane when it comes to photography. To Royce Chenore for sharing so many years ago - thank you again! And to my old buddy Ed Pierce, you're the one who blazed this trail into video education and helped change so many lives in photography! Happy Throwback Thursday! About the photograph above: Here's a fun quality of Facebook. The image above was shared on Royce Chenore's page back around 2017. I shared it once before, but it was so long ago, and significant, that I wanted to share it again. Royce originally wrote: This is Circa 1995... it was a publicity photo for the "PORTRAIT 2000" teleconference.... this was in the VERY early days of "electric imaging" now called digital retouch... the photographers submitted "selfies" on FILM of all formats brands and speeds....(selfie...another term that didn't exist) and ACI composited them into one image.... this was EXTREMELY INNOVATIVE AT THE TIME!! Feel free to share and tag others if you wish....  Seriousness is overrated. If you want to achieve more without ruining your life, the first step is to approach your work with a sense of play! A. Abdall  by Skip Cohen This short post has a message many of us often overlook: life gets too serious, and that heaviness leads to more stress. The bottom line is the way so many of us have done our best growing and surviving in business over the years - work hard, play hard. Some of the most successful projects I've ever worked on involved a team of people who simply refused not to have fun - no matter how hard the task. These days, that quote above is the perfect reminder that we've all become too serious, mostly about things outside our control. And, if you're one of those people who think playing it safe requires a level of seriousness, here's one more quote: The death rate for people who play it safe and for people who live boldly is the same: 100% Patty Digh Happy Hump Day!
 by Skip Cohen It's Marketing Monday, and to date, I've shared seven different posts about areas you need to examine in your marketing efforts. The whole idea is to help make 2026 one of your very best years in business. And while the politics and economy around us certainly don't make things easy, people still have memories to capture, and they need your skills as a storyteller and your technique as a "magician." Remember, you're the one who can literally capture time and make it stand still! "The aim of marketing is to get customers to know, like and trust you." Unknown I'm working on more in the series, but in the meantime, if you missed any, here are the links to all of them. Remember, you've got one primary goal with every customer you contact - to exceed their expectations and make yourself habit-forming.
 Your "About" Page   by Skip Cohen Unlike most Sunday morning posts, I knew exactly what I wanted to write about this morning. It's Mother's Day, and especially with both my parents having passed, I tend to think beyond not only "Mom" but my folks. As I've gotten older, my most cherished memories come with old photographs. For my mom, and dad too, their story was captured in a day-in-the-life album thanks to Cantrell Portrait Design and Graphi Studio. The album contains only 14 photographs, printed full-page and often without a border. The book is proof that less is more! It captures the love they shared. The cover shot is simply a full-page bleed black and white and is proof that a picture really is worth a thousand words. But today's post isn't just about my folks; it's about the mistake we all make in thinking we have unlimited time with the people we love the most. Looking back, especially on Mother's Day, I regret not getting closer to my Mom before Alzheimer's robbed us of so many years and better memories. She fought the battle for eight years, and Dad never left her side. “Call your mother. Tell her you love her. Remember, you’re the only person who knows what her heart sounds like from the inside.” Rachel Wolchin  I might be an old fart, but that doesn't change the fact that I'm missing my folks and Mom this Mother's Day. But thanks to photographs, there are no tears, just deep smiles and memories of the good times, the crazy times, and even the sad moments of letting go. When Mom passed, we were all around her bed. My Dad whispered in her ear, "What a great run we had!" Sheila said, "Mom, it's okay to let go and be with God." One tear rolled down Mom's cheek, she let out a sigh, and let go. It had been raining, and at the same time a rainbow appeared. Seriously, no embellishment- It was a Hollywood moment. So for those of you who, like me, and have lost your mother, I'm a fan of Marianne Williamson, who talks a lot about death. I've never been particularly spiritual, but that's where Sheila comes in. I know the only thing that's changed is that Mom's left her physical being, but her spirit is alive and well and all around us. Hang on to only the good memories you have of your mother and cherish every smile they give you. To all of you celebrating with your mothers today... enjoy each minute with the same focus you'd have when when savoring a fine wine. Don't waste a minute on anything that doesn't matter. Take those walks down Memory Lane and get a few grab-shots and video to cherish years from now. And to all of you Moms out there, thank you for the path you chose. We're all here thanks to your journey and the sacrifices you make every day as a mother. Wishing everyone a terrific Sunday. This is definitely a day to go for those eleven-second therapeutic hugs I always write about, especially if you're going to be with your mother today. And if you're like me, and Mom has long since passed, she's still watching over you - send her that hug anyway. Happy Sunday...and Mother's Day! “Successful mothers are not the ones that have never struggled. They are the ones that never give up, despite the struggles.” Sharon Jaynes ...
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