Everything changed the day he figured out there was exactly enough time for the important things in his life. The StoryPeople by Skip Cohen I know I shared the quote above a few years ago, but when something inspires us, our perspective can change as time goes by. Sheila and I have a collection of StoryPeople art, and this morning, I read the quote above. This post is for those of you "Chicken Littles" who spend your life worrying about time. You can't slow it down and you can't stop it, but if you get it in the right perspective, the speed that time flies by becomes an asset. I admit, being an old fart helps in the way I look at time today, and here's my point... I've learned to appreciate my goals and not be restricted by the time needed to accomplish what's important in my life. Over the years, I wasted so much time worrying about what I wanted to accomplish on any given day. I wasted time picking low-hanging fruit, not because it was easy to pick, but because my loftier goals might use up too much time. Life became about the quantity of things I got done, not always the quality! This is a short post this morning. Stop worrying about time and just focus on the task at hand. I've learned that everything always works out for the better, and while some goals and tasks are more difficult than others, once you accept that you really can have it all, everything falls into place. Happy Tuesday! PS And if you're looking for some great inspiration, thoughts on romance or simply a different perspective on life, check out the StoryPeople's website. (Please note: I do NOT work for them. They are not a client - I just love the way they seem to know exactly what's in my head and how to write it down.)
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"If it weren't for change there'd be no butterflies!" Unknown Author by Skip Cohen It's January 21, and I'm betting most of you are still not back in the groove and are running in low gear. There's no sense of urgency. After all, it's the "slow season," and you've rationalized your right to procrastinate just a little longer. Sound familiar? Most of us go through the same process every year - We think about the previous year, set goals for the new year, and then kick back for as long as we can...just to recharge a little longer. Too often, we think we need to make significant changes in the new year, but the truth is what most businesses need most is more consistency in all aspects of quality - not just what they deliver but how they market, communicate, and interact with their target audience. Maybe everything was done right last year, but you need to expand to a broader audience and offer more diverse products/services this year. Perhaps the product line is fine, but you need to find more ways to reach your target audience. Let's make 2025 the year to maximize potential... We spend January 1st walking through our lives, room by room, drawing up a list of work to be done, cracks to be patched. Maybe this year, to balance the list, we ought to walk through the rooms of our lives...not looking for flaws, but for potential. Ellen Goodman This isn't meant to be a long post. I just want to plant the seed of an idea to think things through before you jump back into expanding and building. What if you changed virtually NOTHING over the next week or two except making a few additions? For example, utilize a few of the ideas shared in my last post about building more strength into your business during the slow season.
Here's my point - every year is a struggle to grow your business. Some years growth is faster than others, but overall it's the same process. Maybe you need to pat yourself on the back and take the time to creatively chill. Recharge your battery while you look for potential areas for growth, diversity, and increased brand awareness. You don't have to be at a standstill, just take the time to think things through. There's a lot of optimism for the new year, in spite of the horrific challenges Mother Nature is adding to our lives. So enjoy a little optimism and thoughts about making 2025 one of your best years yet. Happiness is a Journey, Not a Destination... For a long time it seemed to me that life was about to begin - real life. But there was always some obstacle in the way. Something to be gotten through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, a debt to be paid. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life. This perspective has helped me to see there is no way to happiness. Happiness is the way. So treasure every moment you have and remember that time waits for no one. Souza by Skip Cohen
The wisdom above is from a refrigerator magnet that's been on my whiteboard for many years. I know I shared it in a post or two over ten years ago, but it deserves to be shared again. So many of us waste time looking for happiness, when all along it's right there in front of us. Sometimes, it's hidden under the emotional baggage we all carry around. Most of the time, if you haven't found happiness, you just haven't looked hard enough. It's January and in most parts of the country it's the "slow season." So, while you're working on your plans for the year ahead, this is the perfect time to think about your journey and make sure it's running on being happy. You can't create images that tug at people's heartstrings if your own heart isn't in it. Wishing everybody a great week ahead. Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you! Anne Lamott ![]() by Skip Cohen We're officially into the "slow season." Normally, I suggest that just because business slows down, that doesn't mean you can. At the same time, everyone needs to recharge their battery, and this weekend is the time. But, there's an art to kickin' back...you can only enjoy it if you've got a relatively clear head. That means tying up loose ends, reviewing any deadlines you're chasing, and, in summary - getting the monkey off your back! A clear head sets the tone for relaxing, appreciating your family and friends, and daydreaming a little. What do you want 2025 to look like—not just from a business point of view but also from a personal one? Years ago, I gave up on New Year's resolutions. Instead, I find setting a few goals far more productive. A few times, I've even written them down on my calendar and tracked my progress. Rather than set rigid deadlines for completing specific tasks or projects, if it's personal, I just pick times in the future to check on my progress. Here's my point on this first Friday of the new year - Now is the time to take a short break and do whatever it takes to make your heart soar! This isn't directly about business but building up your attitude for the future. Remember, as artists, you can't create images that tug at people's heartstrings if your heart isn't in it. So, this is the time to take a break, kick back and chill. Smile more, and spend time with the people you appreciate the most, especially yourself! Each person deserves a day away in which no problems are confronted, no solutions searched for.
Each of us needs to withdraw from the cares which will not withdraw from us. Maya Angelou by Skip Cohen
Whether you're celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa, it's a family time of year and always special. It's a time to make memories with the people who mean the most to you. And here's my reminder: When you're together with older members of your family, DON'T FORGET TO VIDEO THEIR STORIES. I've written a lot about legacy programs and documenting the stories of older relatives before they're no longer with you. Whether with your phone or camera doesn't make a difference. Take the time to corner those senior members of the family over the holidays. Now, take it one step further - if you've got kids in the house - assign them to be the family historians. If they're young, get the camera set up for them - and if they're older, give them some assignments. Stories like, "Sit down with Grandma and Grandpa and ask them how they met." Anything relevant in capturing those beautiful backstories that will disappear when older members of your family pass on. Wishing everybody a wonderful holiday! Thank you for all your support, friendship, and feedback. It hasn't been the easiest year, but it's been one filled with memories, and as sappy as it sounds, it has been filled with a whole lot of love! Happy Holidays! ![]() by Skip Cohen It's the last Hump Day before the holidays, and time to start to loosen up a little! Parts of today's post are from my archives, but what prompted today's topic was a conversation with a reader recently that was simply too serious. Lately, so many people have become over-focused on issues that just don't matter. I'm not saying you should take business challenges lightly, but too many people need to relax a little. I have no idea how my brain works when it comes to my "archives," but the expression "that's so funny, I forgot to laugh" popped into my head. It sent me on a quest to YouTube looking for one of my favorite old SNL skits with Gilda Radner and Bill Murray, which I've shared below. The SNL channel on YouTube is jam-packed with the classics and well worth your time whenever you need a chuckle. Here's my point today - a lot of you need to loosen up. In the photography world, we're coming down to the end of 2024's seasonality, and in the "real world," the major December holidays are a week away. It's time to start to kick back a little, or at least think about it. Stop being so serious about life and your quest for success. Seriously, what good is working to become a great artist if you're not stopping to smell the roses along the way? What good is working this hard if you're missing time with family and friends? When I think of photographers I admire, Tony Corbell immediately comes to mind. You'll never see him without a smile. He deals with the same stress in his life we all do, but it's rare for anyone to hear him say "NO" to helping another photographer because he's too busy. He couldn't be more focused as an artist, but we love him because he's never let the craft overshadow his love for life. So, lighten up! Focus on your business and your clients, but remember to focus on yourself, your family, and your friends too. Don't let your sense of humor get buried under the stress of business. Here's a recipe for success: Laugh more than you worry. Don't lose sight of your goals. Recognize that success isn't just about the bottom line but being happy. Stay in touch with good friends. Accept that you're only one person and can only do so much. Know that everyone makes mistakes. And like Tim McGraw's lyrics of an old song, always stay humble and kind! Happy Hump Day! I hope Todd and Lisa make you smile as they did me this morning! by Skip Cohen When I wrote my blog yesterday, I was very hesitant before hitting "post." Talking about how we react under the stress of a dying loved one isn't a standard topic. It doesn't matter that it's something we all have to deal with at one time or another; we just don't talk about it. I was over-thinking the challenge of sharing a remarkable guest post. Even in the silent rules of social media, death, politics, and religion are all topics the experts suggest we stay clear of. When I read Durgawati Dari's original piece, I immediately wanted to share it. Although I know there are hundreds of books and articles on dealing with the death of a loved one, it's just not something I ever thought about, and life doesn't come with an instruction manual. I made the decision to share the guest post after a long time of thinking about the consequences. Looking back now, I wasted time and energy worrying about what readers might say instead of just trusting my gut and instinct. Today's post is short, and it's simply a thank you for so many positive comments via email, DMs, and even a couple of phone calls. Death isn't something normally on my mind, but with aging comes the loss of parents, other family members, and friends. In the last few weeks, I've lost several good friends. While I wasn't by their side at the moment they passed, I found Durgawati's post helpful in how I've been thinking about their recent deaths. Here's the link if you missed it. One of my favorite quotes is by Alfred Lord Tennyson, "I am a part of all that I have met." It highlights the fact that each loved one we lose is already a part of us. Take a second and think about somebody you've lost close to you. Yes, they're gone physically, but their influence on your life is ALWAYS there. Think of who you are today and have some fun chasing down the roots for things you love to do, expressions you regularly use, or, if you're a foodie, who introduced you to your favorites. Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day...
unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed, and very dear. Saint Diamonds by Skip Cohen It's Hump Day, two weeks before the holidays. For most people it's the busiest time of year. Everyone gets so wrapped up in the holidays, that too many of us miss the magic! GIVE IN TO THE MAGIC Give yourself permission to pay more attention to the birds chirping. Eat the marshmallows out of the cereal box without judging yourself. Look for the rainbows after a storm, and then take a picture of them for posterity. Feel the cool breeze on a hot day, and say thank you. Enjoy a glass of wine in the afternoon. Savor each solitary moment of this life, they are all you have. I've written a lot about the routine that Sheila and I established many years ago - reading something motivational to each other every morning. The piece above from Cyndie Spiegel, although her definition of "magic" seemed a little light, was the perfect reminder of how much I miss when I allow the craziness of life to set the pace.
It takes practice to step away from the chaos of business and life, but as a work in progress, I'm proof that it can be done. It all starts with your mindset and the determination not to miss anything that helps create a smile. Just like holding focus with your camera - giving into the magic all around us is about holding focus on our hearts. Happy Hump Day - make it one to remember! "It'll be my luck that when my ship comes in, I'll be at the airport!" Unknown by Skip Cohen
It's Marketing Monday, and it's very close to the last few days to do anything that will impact 2024. Yet many of you still act like the train doesn't leave for weeks, and you have all the time in the world. The reality is that you're just about out of time. There are still a few things you can do to have an impact on what's left of this year and start a little foundation work on 2025!
Here's my point today - Procrastination is NOT a strategy! You've still got time to tie up a few loose ends and add to your foundation for success in the new year, as well as impact your brand for 2024. But, sit on your ass, and you'll miss the train - it's no fun watching it go by and not knowing when the next one's coming along! ![]() by Skip Cohen Sometimes, inspiration shows up in the most unlikely places—like the back of a T-shirt! But it was the perfect sentiment at the Walk to End Alzheimer's last month. "There is always light if only we're brave enough to see it ...if only we're brave enough to be it." I wrote about Alzheimer's in a post a few weeks back. Losing my Mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and a great-uncle to the horrible disease is a cause near and dear to my heart. It's the foundation for my newest "adventure," working with the Memory Care Alliance to help caregivers dealing with Alzheimer's. But today's post isn't just about Alzheimer's; it's about finding a non-profit cause you believe in. Between Mother Nature's wrath and politics, the world has become a very scary, at times terrifying place. I know we're not the only ones who watch the news and want to go to bed and pull the covers over our heads! The one way to beat dealing with those challenges we have no control over is to get involved in something that, by giving back, lifts your spirits and makes a difference. I loved this guy's t-shirt because it says so much in the simplicity of the message - brave enough to see the light and strong enough to help be the light! It's December and holiday time - every non-profit needs help. Plus, you're looking for your community to be good to you - so you need to be good to your community. You're not just another retailer; one way to stand out even more is to be involved. Think about it for just a second - if everybody we know just gave back a little to their favorite non-profit, how much could we all help change the world? YOU ARE NOT FOR EVERYONE Fitting in is overrated. You are not for everyone, don't strive to be. Cyndie Spiegel by Skip Cohen With the Thanksgiving holiday coming up this week, it's a short week, but certainly not light on being busy. While there's not a lot of time left for any business to do very much to capture more of 2024's seasonality, there's still a great point to make about your artistic and business philosophy. In early October, I shared a blog about being comfortable with the word "No." Not everyone is your client, which makes turning some business down necessary when the request is too far outside your goal or even your comfort zone. But I want to share a more profound message in today's post, and it's all packaged in Cyndie Spiegel's quote above. A few years back, my good buddy, Terry Clark, made a point about success: "The best thing to do to survive and thrive is find what everyone else isn't doing and do that thing." Stop doing what everyone else is doing, and use your creativity and passion for the craft to stand out from the herd! We all desire to fit in, but when everybody fits in, most activity becomes a commodity! Your goal as an artist and small business owner is to be unique, exceed customer expectations, and make yourself habit-forming! Don't compromise your goals and aspirations for the sake of being in line with what everybody else is doing! I thought fitting in was something I had to fix. Now I see it as my superpower!
Maxime Legacé ![]() by Skip Cohen I shared the artwork below in a post several years ago. With Thanksgiving next week, it's too much fun not to share again. As in past years, I started today wanting to write something profound, even poignant, and, as always, from the heart. This past year, especially the last few months, has been tough on everybody. Well, I'm a big fan of Storypeople, and they gave me what I needed to get started. Usually, I'd wait until next week, but with the chaos of travel these days, many of you are hitting the road earlier than in past years. So, I want to catch you before the holiday craziness takes over! I know it's sappy and hokey, but we are here to care about each other. This is even more common in our industry—photographers tend to watch each other's backs. Looking over this past year, I realize there's never been a time in my business or personal life when more people were there for me/us. And we've all kept an eye on each other. What a kick it would be if all of us were lucky enough to have Thanksgiving dinner together. As we went around the table to say what we were thankful for, I'd be talking about feeling grateful and blessed because of so many of you. The professional side of my career started when I joined Hasselblad in 1987. I'd been at Polaroid for over 17 years, but thanks to all of you, I fell in love with this industry all over again. The friendships I've made along the way, combined with new artists I work with or meet online daily, just keep making life better. No matter how tough the challenges are, you help me keep things in perspective and find solutions. Without that positive feedback and support, I'd probably be whining about how difficult things are. I wish all of you a happy, healthy, and safe Thanksgiving and time to be with people you care about. I appreciate everything you've worked so hard to build and make a part of your life...and mine. Happy Thanksgiving! by Skip Cohen
In yesterday's post, I mentioned the importance of not being afraid to "hit the help button" when you need it. Since then, I've encountered multiple references to asking for help. The best was from author Cyndie Spiegel. "ASKING FOR HELP IS A SIGN OF STRENGTH...Learn to ask for help. There is no prize for being the most independent. Asking for what you need is a sign of strength: it demonstrates a willingness to take better care of yourself and those you love by seeking the best possible help. In the same you'd willingly advocate for others, do the same for yourself." We're ramping up into the 2024 peak of seasonality in imaging, and everyone will face unexpected challenges at some point. When that happens, stop thinking you have to solve every problem flying solo. "You are not alone: There is a great big world out there waiting to champion you and help you live your very best life." by Skip Cohen Forty years ago, at a Polaroid meeting, one of the managers was late. Someone yelled, "The power went out People were asking where he was when someone yelled out, "He's stuck on the escalator!" That set off a lot of chuckles. While looking through some old posts this morning, I ran across the escalator story I shared ten years ago. It's still so relevant, especially when I found the original video on YouTube. And while the quality isn't as great as what we're used to, it still makes the point! ![]() Most of you know where I'm going on this one... If we learned nothing else through the pandemic, learning to pivot is one of your most valuable business skills. Stop acting like you're stuck on the escalator when something doesn't go as planned! Over and over again, I keep running into new and well-seasoned photographers who simply hit the panic button when something doesn't go as planned. We're an industry with too many "Chicken Littles," and the sky is NEVER falling. When you don't get the results you hoped for, you get to take a "mulligan" and another swing at the ball. It's not your only shot. Yes, there are some projects with more on the line than others, but the most remarkable thing about being an entrepreneur is having a chance to try things a different way. One more analogy: Learning how to scuba dive isn't about swimming underwater. In fact, it's a relatively easy sport to pick up. Learning to dive is really about knowing what to do when something goes wrong. In the same respect, being a professional photographer is all about knowing what to do when something doesn't go as planned - it's the reason to ensure your skill set is the best. f You will make mistakes with marketing, promotions, social media, your blog, your website, and running a business. People are going to let you down. You're going to have moments of disappointment. Here's where all those trite one-liners about falling and getting up come into play. Even more important is the way your network can be involved. Keep building your network and, in turn, utilize it when you need support. Don't be afraid to hit the "help button" and, oh yeah...I'm in your network, too. If you're stuck and need help, ask for it! The only limitations you have are the ones you've imposed on yourself. Cyndie Spiegel by Skip Cohen TGOO...(Thank God October's Over!) It's November, and that sense of wonder that comes with holiday seasonality is definitely in the air. Plus, it's Friday and the perfect time for a quick thing to think about—it's all in that quote above. The majority of our limitations are self-imposed! Years ago, a young photographer said to me, "I'm a little guy and just getting started." As he continued to talk, he highlighted how much he still had to learn, what equipment he didn't have yet, and his limited network. In all honesty, it was one of the most frustrating presentations I've ever heard, as he then asked me to look at his portfolio. He was missing self-confidence and remembering that everybody had to start somewhere. And what makes great artists even greater is all about their passion. I found myself responding by quoting Zig Ziglar: It is your attitude, more than your aptitude, that will determine your altitude! Here's my point - Too many of you, as both artists and small business owners, put limits on what you can and can't do. For example, financial issues like investing more in marketing, often become a lifeboat drill as you worry about the return on your investment. Yet, if instead of flying solo, you brought in two partners for a blow-out direct mail campaign, you'd cut your costs to 1/3. Imaging as my buddy Scott Bourne once wrote, dis an equal opportunity employer - in other words, you're judged on the quality of your images, not on your pedigree! It doesn't matter how much you're worth, your race, or your age - people are going to first look at your work and know nothing about you. So, if your dreams seem a little out of reach lately, take a break. Step back, think about what's slowing you down, and then start working on solutions. Build your own dreams, or someone else will hire you to build theirs. Farrah Gray Wishing everybody a terrific weekend. If you're in Sarasota, the Alzheimer's walk is tomorrow. Here's the link for more information.
"Nothing haunts us more than the dreams we didn't act upon!" Ed Sykes by Skip Cohen It's my favorite day of the week, Throwback Thursday, but I wanted to look back at more than just a few old photographs. When we were kids, nothing could surpass our imaginations. A new refrigerator meant the box it came in was the perfect fort. Blankets over a table became a castle. We improvised with whatever was available and simply created one Hollywood set after another. There was no limit to how far we could travel on our magic carpet. As we got older, we learned to color inside the lines, and Peter Pan had to grow up sooner or later. We learned to keep things "real" and dreaming of becoming whoever and whatever we aspired to needed to be within reason. Dreams became "visions" - a vision being on the practical side of accomplishments. And when asked what you want to be when you grow up, responses like "a cowboy" or "run away and join the circus" morphed into more practical vocations. Note: That's me at four years old. I never got to join the circus, but managing a rodeo team for Polaroid in the 80s was pretty damn close to becoming a cowboy. And for you older rodeo fans, that's world champion bull-rider, the legendaryTuff Hedeman next to me, and the big guy in the middle of the back row is Rod Lyman, who years later became president of the PRCA. Somewhere in the aging process, creativity returned. Driven by time, we realized that being practical and following the rules was hampering our creative juices. In the world of imaging, technology seems to have heard our cry for help. Sitting down at a computer with an image, we could tweak it and break all the rules of lighting, composition, and exposure. Social media gave us the ability to expand our reach with new friends and concepts and literally go to the ends of the earth whenever we wanted. Dreams of what our life could be like came back into focus as we became increasingly aware that life was whatever we made of it. "You have to color outside the lines once in awhile, if you want to make your life a masterpiece." Albert Einstein Many of you were focused early on in life and have known all along what you wanted to be when you were older. Well, I'm one of those still struggling, but it's also what keeps me smiling. I wake up daily knowing what I want to do, including finding time to dream a little. I look at my dreams and goals like one big file drawer loaded with ideas. And, I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up. This is where aging becomes an asset. You realize you don't have the luxury of endless time to procrastinate - something you never really had in the first place. Some ideas you jump to quicker than others. Then there are those dreams that are very personal versus simple projects. Whether you call them dreams, visions, goals, or aspirations, they all represent things you hope to do, and here are six suggestions to help you keep them all alive:
Most important of all, DON'T SHOULD ON YOURSELF. I learned this lesson from my wife Sheila. At the beginning of our relationship, I was "should-ing" all over the place. You know the drill—you do something, it doesn't work out, and instead of putting energy into a new direction, you whine, shrug your shoulders, and say, "You know what I should have done?" "I'll do my dreaming with my eyes wide open, and I'll do my looking back with my eyes closed." Tony Arata Happy Throwback Thursday!
The Service you do for others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth. Muhammad Ali by Skip Cohen I started to write a long post about being better prepared for any kind of disaster. Following "Milton," we were without power for longer than any storm previously; our cells had no signal; I didn't have enough gas to run the generator without having to search for a gas station with both electricity and fuel; and there was a lot of clean-up needed outside the house. I worked on the blog post for about an hour and then trashed it. I was embarrassed to be whining about the importance of being better prepared when so many people are in far worse shape. From the horrific tragedy in North Carolina to homes that were destroyed just eight miles from here - Mother Nature's been on a rampage, and that's only in the last couple of weeks in this area. When talking with friends about the various tragedies, my buddy Bob Coates mentioned the World Central Kitchen. The link is below, but I also did some searching and found three other organizations that are doing a lot to support each crisis. More information is just a click away below. And don't forget the local chapters of nonprofit support groups specific to your area. There's no such thing as too much support! At some point, I'll probably write a more detailed post about protecting your business from a disaster, but for now, there are so many people who need our help. We all rationalize in a disaster, recognizing that if we're alive and our family is safe, that's what's most important. That's definitely number one, but rebuilding, recovery and survival are next in line behind the safety of the people we love. It doesn't matter what you give, how big or small—the point is that you're giving back to people who need help more than you do. We know only too well that what we are doing is nothing more than a drop in the ocean.
But if the drop were not there, the ocean would be missing something. Mother Teresa ![]() by Skip Cohen Sunday Morning Reflections are always off the topic of marketing. For me, it's therapeutic to share something going on that's not directly related to imaging and business. It helps me recharge my battery for the new week ahead. Sheila and I read something motivational to each other every morning over breakfast. She picks her book for the year, and I pick mine. While not every day has a thought that hits home, there's always something motivational. My book for this year has been by Cyndie Spiegel. Just click on the thumbnail if you'd like more information. Today's reading hit me hard, in part because of its simplicity. It got me thinking about my life and friends over the years who made both right and wrong choices. The key word here is "choice." Living a good life doesn't mean it's without challenges, but how you handle those challenges sets the stage for everything else. A good life is not something that just happens to you. You choose it as much as it chooses you. You decide to live well every day with every single decision you make. You love, You dream. You fail. You fall. And eventually, you get up. You try again. And maybe again. You stand tall. You shift. You grow. You create. Because you made the conscious choice to live a good life, to live well - whatever that means to you. Speaking of challenges, Mother Nature is about to drop another one on our doorstep. Hurricane Milton is gathering strength, and it's bizarre to prepare for another one while we're still cleaning up after Helene.
While we have control over many aspects of our destiny, it doesn't include the weather. We're doing our best to be "big kids" about this - we'll prepare like we always do, and we've got good friends inland who have a room ready for us. We'll evacuate if necessary, but that doesn't change the stress of the unknown, especially the storm surge, since we're at 9 1/2 feet elevation, and only two houses from the inland waterway! Wishing everybody a day ahead to live the best life you can. Focus on the positive and "stand tall...shift...grow and create." Go for those eleven-second therapeutic hugs I always write about with the people you love the most - they're a big part of what makes a good life! Happy Sunday...or Monday if you're on the other side of the world. Today's post is out of the SCU archives. I'm sharing it, not because I didn't want to write something new today, but because the topic seems even more relevant. As the industry changes, it's taking more and more creativity to make your work stand out. Yet the basics for success NEVER change. The kind of commitment I find among the best performers across virtually every field is a single-minded passion for what they do, an unwavering desire for excellence in the way they think and the way they work. Genuine confidence is what launches you out of bed in the morning, and through your day with a spring in your step. Jim Collins by Skip Cohen A few times over the years, I've referred to myself as one of the luckiest guys in the industry. One example is having the privilege of working with all four of the icons above. Don Blair and I wrote our first book together. I have dozens of Monte stories from so many different workshops and programs. Avedon made me lunch once in the flat above his studio, and Scavullo's dog tried to take a piece out of my leg on a couple of different visits. I chose these four because I had the privilege of spending time with them, and there are so many of you who never got to see them in action. There are so many other artists for each of us to remember, along with contemporary icons active in the industry right now. The common denominators between all of them are the traits below. Kicking off the last quarter of the year, it's the perfect time for all of us to remember the ingredients that made those four above iconic, along with the traits of so many younger contemporary artists we admire today. Image Quality: They NEVER compromise on the quality of an image. Exposure, composition, expression and impact are as consistent as the sun coming up every morning. Lifestyle Quality: They maintain a lifestyle of giving back and a strong sense of family and friendships. They have integrity, they have poise and they follow through on their promises. They also surround themselves with people with similar commitments. Loyalty: Whether it's to the vendors they work with or their friends, their loyalty is rarely questioned. Everyone watches each others backs and the mutual respect and admiration, at least from my perspective, is pretty much unmatched in comparison to most other industries. Humor: They don't take themselves too seriously. Think about any program you've attended that you loved and learned something - I'm willing to bet you laughed...a lot. Today's photography icons are comfortable with admitting when they do something stupid, have fun with a client or completely screw up a job and live to tell about it. Humility: Not everyone has it, but even those few we might consider a little arrogant - if they knew how they were being perceived they'd be upset and ready to work on a different persona. So, I'm not sure if the quality I'm trying to describe is humility or a willingness to listen, but they've got it. Confidence: They believe in their abilities, their willingness to learn new skills and they understand their camera gear and photography cold - there's no second guessing and no "chimping." Even when they talk about a new idea or technology, you'll pick up a unique tone in their voice, almost as if they've been shooting that way for years. Diverse Skills: It goes with confidence, but there's nothing they can't shoot. We might know them as a portrait photographer and then we'll see work that's fine art, landscape or architectural - they refuse to be type-cast into any one skill set. They may have a signature specialty, but none of them are one-trick ponies. They're always experimenting with new technologies and growing their skillset. Passion: It's the last word on the list, but it drives everything they do! It's not just about photography, but about life in general - they simply never stop loving the craft, their lives, their friends, families - you name it and passion is what drives them to succeed. Here's the bottom line - how do you stack up against the ingredients? Or more importantly, how do your customers feel you stack up? Happy Hump Day! "The only way to do great work is to love what you do.
If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it." Steve Jobs ![]() by Skip Cohen It's definitely a TGIF day - not because it's the end of the week, but the storm is over, at least here in the Sarasota area. We were lucky - Hurricane Helene turned more north. But for so many of you, we're sending our thoughts and prayers. We may not have gotten hit with the full force, but what we did get left us with complete respect for the power of Mother Nature - high winds, rain, and tornado warnings repeatedly. As I watched the hurricane roll in and worried about our safety and home, I got a little philosophical. I started thinking about this one set of Crepe Myrtle flowers fighting to hang on. The tree started the season covered in hundreds of blooms, yet this one group was all that was left. At the risk of sounding outrageously trite, like an old Jack Handy routine from Saturday Night Live, I started thinking about business. What gives some people a survival instinct so strong that they're determined to pivot, grow, and stay in tune with the demand for their services? Yet, others slowly slip away and eventually cease to exist. They give up. Okay, it's a reach to connect, but think about your passion for photography. If you've been a working pro for at least five years, you've survived a pandemic, changes in technology, consumer trends, and countless challenges in competition. You've grown because you didn't slow down. You kept searching for the right recipe to continue doing something you love no matter what the "weather". In most cases, you never slowed down, continuing to fine-tune your skills and build relationships. I've written repeatedly over the years you can't create images that tug at people's heartstrings if your own heart isn't in it. Well, your heart's still in it! I loved the quote below when I went searching for statements about survival. And when I think about friends who maintain a positive attitude, no matter what life throws at them, they all include these three simple rules along with their indomitable spirit. Three Simple Rules in Life 1. If you don't go after what you want, you'll never have it. 2. if you don't ask, the answer is always no. 3. If you don't step forward, you're always in the same place. Unknown Author Wishing everybody a great weekend ahead; prayers and positive thoughts if you're currently in Helene's path and time to give yourself a pat on the back. Whatever your goals in life, every day is an opportunity to bring them more into focus because you just won't give up on your dreams.
TGIF "The Last Survivor" - Captured with a LUMIX G9 and 14-140mm lens |
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