In every Alzheimer’s story, there is also a love story.
Hold on to yours, for it can carry you and your loved one through the longest days and darkest nights.
Rosalys Peel, “Mike and Me”

by Skip Cohen

​It's one of my favorite days of the week, Throwback Thursday. While my post today connects to the tragedy of Alzheimer's, it's photography that counters the pain. It's all those old photographs that make me smile and remind me of all the good times before my mother started her battle with the disease.

The best throwbacks are often those grab shots. They capture moments from the past, transporting us back to a time far less complicated. The fun of Throwback Thursday for me is the hunt. I went back through hundreds of images, often reliving each smile, laugh, and stretch of joy that, back then, was the norm. 

As I've mentioned in previous posts, I'm honored to be a contributor to the Alzheimer's Association newsletter for Florida. The posts I write for them are all connected to things we learned in dealing with my mother's battle. 

These days, and it's only going to become more prevalent, everyone knows somebody dealing with the horrible disease. There are an estimated 7.2 million Americans living with Alzheimer's disease as of 2025. This represents about 1 in 9 people aged 65 and older. The number of cases is expected to rise to 12.7 million by 2050. 

My most recent post is below, but here's the link to the complete newsletter, with not only my previous posts but also content shared by others experiencing the challenge of Alzheimer's.

The You’re Not Alone series is all about sharing our experiences in dealing with my mother’s Alzheimer’s. My mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother all had the disease, so I’ve seen it from all angles. If you can learn from the mistakes we made, then you’ve got room to make new ones of your own. The one point to remember is that you’re not alone.

As Mom’s Alzheimer’s progressed, she became more and more focused on misperceptions. She was like a dog with a bone when she got an idea in her head. In the beginning, I wasted so much time trying to convince her that what she was feeling or thinking was wrong.

My wife, Sheila, on the other hand, would just go along with it and agree with whatever was on Mom’s mind. Then she’d steer her in another direction with a diversion—something to change the subject and distract her.
​

• We were in the car on our way to St. Armands Circle one evening when Mom pointed out at least ten times, “That’s Longboat Key over there.” Finally, Sheila asked, “What’s so special about Longboat Key?” Mom paused and said, “You know, I just don’t know.” That was it—the topic was off her mind, and we moved on.
• On another evening, Sheila caught Mom crying. When she asked why, Mom replied, “What’s going to happen to all my things?” It took seconds to put a smile on Mom’s face when Sheila told her, “We love your things. We’ll take care of them.” Just like that, the crisis was over.
• My mother grew up in my grandfather’s neighborhood hardware store. One night, Mom went into panic mode. Even though my grandparents and the store had been gone for more than 30 years, Mom was frantic. “Dad asked me to lock up, and I don’t think I locked the door to the store!” We just went with it: “No problem at all—Skip’s over there now and just locked up.”

Insulating Mom from the challenges of the outside world also became a necessity. For example, a headline story about violence in the newspaper would send her into a state of fear. The same thing would happen if she saw anything violent on television. Whatever she saw became her reality.

We didn’t realize it at the time, but we were slowly building an inventory of things Mom loved. This became our “happy stash” of distractions for when Mom was most emotional. Coming up with diversions became an art form, and nobody did it better than Sheila.

Here’s my point today: whatever the challenge, don’t argue with your loved one or patient. If you push that button too many times, they’ll withdraw and simply quit talking.

I noticed a distinct difference in how my mother reacted when Sheila came into the room compared with other family members. There was no need for a disciplinarian, but there was a need to keep things on an even keel—with a level of pleasant positivity in our content, tone, and approach to any challenge.
​
The key to it all, as simplistic as it sounds, was love and kindness.

Wishing everybody a terrific Throwback Thursday! If you haven't taken the time to search for some of your own throwbacks, stop what you're working on and chase down a few memories. Imaging is the mortar that holds all our memory "bricks" together. 

by Skip Cohen

​It's been a crazy time, and when I usually post 3-4 times each week, it's strange when the cycle and habit get preempted by other projects. This is my first post for the week.  I know I shared this photograph at least five years ago, but where is it written that you can't share a Throwback Thursday image a second time? 

This photograph is from 2004 —it's bittersweet, but still a special memory. It was taken at breakfast the day of Don Blair's funeral in Utah. And while there are no words to describe how much I miss "Big Daddy," nothing changes the power of the legacy of friendships he left behind.

Here's the backstory: We were all in Murray, UT, for Don's funeral. His favorite breakfast place every morning, along with his son Gary and a whole bunch of local buddies, was Amber's. They were regulars, and at some point, somebody had a sign made up honoring "The Breakfast Club." So, a bunch of us from the photo industry made it a point to grab breakfast together.

There's one more sad reminder that time never stands still. The industry has lost five talented people from this photograph over the last 20+ years - Duncan MacNab, Ken Whitmire, Terry Deglau, Sam Pallia, and Roy Madearis. Each one was special for their contribution to the industry and the legacy they left behind.

Memory is the diary we all carry about with us.
Unknown Author

A good life is a collection of happy memories.
Denis Waitley 

We didn't realize we were making memories, we just knew we were having fun.
A.A. Milne 

Many of you, especially if you're under thirty, never met most of the guys above...and yes, it looks like the good ole boys club, but that doesn't reflect the mix of friends who were at Don's funeral or making history in the industry at the time.

This is an amazing industry filled with incredible artists, managers, and educators. And if my memories are my diary, as in that first quote, I've got volumes of stories I've collected over the years, many of them thanks to the people in the photograph above.

Wishing everybody a terrific Throwback Thursday and a chance to fill your diary with more great memories.

by Skip Cohen

It's my favorite day of the week, Throwback Thursday, and every time I think I've run out of images to share, I find a few new ones. But the fun of #TBT is always in the hunt, and in turn, being reminded of the value of photography. 

The three images above were captured approximately 100 years ago. Those are my grandparents above, with my mother around two years old. They captured a lot of images like this, always with a car in the shot. Even in the shot of my grandfather by himself, the automotive theme is going strong - that's a gas pump he's leaning on.

But besides the fun of sharing old photographs, there's a bigger, more important point I want to make. I never sat down with my folks or grandparents while they were still alive to talk about the backstories with each photograph. Today, I have hundreds of images and no idea where they were taken or, for that matter, who's in each picture!

Building a Legacy Program: There's an old expression that goes, "Shoemaker's children need shoes!" As photographers, don't be a shoemaker.

As we approach the holiday season and family gatherings, take the time to gather those backstories from the senior members of your family. And if you don't have the time, then it's a perfect project for your kids! Whether it's simply taking notes on old images or video, capturing the stories, all of you have the ability to record your family's history!

Happy Throwback Thursday!

by Skip Cohen

​I first wrote about this topic ten years ago, after following a thread on Facebook Wedding Photographers where a group of photographers were upset over the changing landscape in the business of imaging. Yes, things have changed a lot over the years, but these artists were all focused on the negative. It all comes out of the frustration of things not being as easy as they used to be, and they always sound like the sky is falling! 

You have to work harder today to get through the noise and reach your target audience. You can't slow down on building brand awareness and establishing your reputation. Technology, especially AI, the Internet, and social media, has changed the way we market ourselves. New gear is pushing you to expand your skill set, and is being introduced regularly. However, at the same time, your reach is the strongest it has ever been, and you have the most creative tools in the history of photography.

Think back to any convention or workshop you've attended in the last few years. The best part is the time you got to build your network. If you did it right you met a few people who have since become, or are on their way to becoming, good friends.

Think back to when you first met - You probably talked about the challenges of the industry, your common passion to keep raising the bar on the quality of your work. You might have shared some ideas you're considering for your business. Most important of all you recharged your battery with associates who had the same goal. It's that positive energy that keeps us going.

Today's post goes back to SCU Bootcamp 10-12 years ago...and it's true what they say about how time flies when you're having a good time! 

If you missed it yesterday, the fun of looking in your rearview mirror isn't reserved for just one day of the week. While you can never go back, you can look back and savor friendships and those people you've met along your journey! So, grab a coffee, kick back and chill for a few minutes and think about a few people in your network who have contributed to who you are today!

​Happy Throwback "Friday!"

​by Skip Cohen

​It's my favorite day of the week, Throwback Thursday. But today I want to share a very different kind of throwback. I shared parts of this post a few years back. The summer is rapidly coming to a close and it's the perfect time for those of you procrastinators to get more aggressive with your marketing. Even those of you who have been actively marketing, might find some new ideas below.

Here's the short backstory, going back twenty-one years!

In 2004, I met Vicki and Jed Taufer for the first time. They were on vacation in California, and we had lunch together. That was when I was introduced to her calendar for memory-making. She showed me her holiday card for the previous year, 2003 - it was an accordion-style calendar with special themed events she had created for the entire year for photographing children. (I've included two of the pages in the four-panel card below) She even included a section about her travel in 2004, planting the seed for additional portrait sessions while she was on the road.  ​ ​

​​Our industry has always relied on the natural seasonality of demand, especially during the fall and winter holidays, which begin in October and extend into the new year. But everything has changed - for the better! Thanks in part to social media, you can create your own seasonality. With just a little creativity and organization, you can boost the demand for your services - all on your own.
​

• Legacy Events: The renewed sense of family that came out of the pandemic is alive and well, all these years later. My suggestion is to put together a package that includes a portrait session with a video piece to capture Grandma and Grandpa's backstories. Those stories will become a family's most cherished memories, but nothing happens if you don't plant the seed for the idea.
• Summer Memories: In many communities kids are back in school next week, so the concept of capturing summer memories is rapidly coming to a close. But the reality is that nothing can slow down how fast kids grow. You've got to remind Mom that her kids are a day older and changing every morning - they're growing up. It's time for a new family portrait, or at the very least a back-to-school session.
• Furry Friends: Are you offering pet portraits? The pet industry is a multi-billion-dollar industry. I know from my own household that Lucy and Belle are with us 24/7 and are important members of the family. We're convinced they know and understand just about everything we say. That's why pets are number three behind brides and babies when it comes to why people hire a professional photographer. From Google: Approximately 94 million households in the U.S. own at least one pet. This represents about 71% of all    U.S. households, according to the American Pet Products Association (APPA).

• Food Photography and Restaurant Decor: The pandemic years, mostly from 2020 to the end of 2022, put every restaurant on notice that they needed high-quality photographs of their food, especially for their websites and carry-out services. And if they were serving outdoors, when they were only set up for indoor dining, they needed help decorating the side of the building where tables were now set up. The pandemic is behind us, but nothing has changed in the demand for food photography. 
• Throwback Thursday: I rarely miss a Thursday post sharing old throwbacks, mostly about friends in the industry. But for you, it's an opportunity to remind your clients that time never stands still. It's like the old SNL routine of Subliminal Man. You need to plant seeds with your clients to inspire ideas for capturing memory-making events. Whether in a blog post or just shared on your Facebook page, use Thursdays to turn back the clock and remind your clients that it's always time for a new portrait.
• Headshots: The market is enormous. Everyone in business needs to be seen in the very best light...pun intended. This is where owning your zip code comes into play. Get out and introduce yourself to every business in the community! They need to know you're the local expert regarding imaging. More to the point about headshots - how's your own headshot? There are few things sadder than professional photographers with headshots on their websites that look like kids set them up!

No one post could cover all the potential business out there, but it's a you-snooze-you-lose scenario. We're headed towards the biggest seasonality of the year, and you have the skillset to make it even stronger. But nothing happens if all your plans are for mañana! 

Like the old Nike tagline..."Just do it!"

by Skip Cohen

​I know I've shared some of the stories in the past, but it's Throwback Thursday, and this morning I found a folder of additional photographs, not previously shared.

The Backstory: I don't know how it started, but it was in the 1990s, and AOL was pretty much the only forum where photographers were active. For some reason, in the Kodak Chatroom, Tony Corbell and I were challenged by Wendy Saunders and Calvin Hayes to see who could eat the most sushi. That led to a never-ending volley of trash talk over the next few months.

That year, the PPA convention was in Orlando, and that's where these crimes against all creatures from the sea took place. Now, if you know Tony or me, you know that neither of us ever does anything halfway! So before the event, we prepared:

• I bought us matching Yukatas, Japanese-style robes, so that we could look the part.
• Tony and I spent hours in a trophy shop designing the belts for the first "World Sushi Federation (WSF) Texas Death Match". You name it, if the shop had something to do with trophies for fishing, it wound up on our belts.
• At a flea market, I bought a pool cue in a professional-looking black case. I remember giving the cue to a ten-year-old kid walking by and keeping the case. I then filled the case with various styles of chopsticks, all held in place with Velcro, and included a supply of Pepto Bismol.
• We talked Ed Pierce into being the official judge. It was his job to moderate the event.

When the smoke cleared, the group had consumed close to $2,000 worth of sushi, of which Wendy, Calvin, Tony, and I had eaten 80% of it. My Dad was at the convention with me that year, and I remember him saying, 'Wow, when I was your age, all I had to do extra in business was play golf!"

What still amazes me is that Tony and I are not little guys and were convinced we would bury the competition. I remember being at 63 pieces and asking Wendy how much more she thought she could eat, "Probably another order or two!" That was it, Tony and I threw in the towel.

The fun of Throwback Thursday comes in two parts. First, it's the hunt for old photographs you want to share, or just enjoy for your own private walk down Memory Lane. Second, are the people in the pictures. For example, Alison Cotton, then Alison Pierce, was working with Clay Blackmore. I had forgotten she was one of the photographers who joined us that night. She's standing in the background.

Ed Pierce, the referee at the event, decided to give extra points to any team member who could eat a salmon skin handroll without using their hands. Calvin jumped right in!

With every Throwback Thursday post, there's always a point or two. First, take photographs from the special events that help create memories in your life with friends/associates at each workshop and convention you attend. Second, print them...if these were on a jump drive somewhere, I never would have found them. Third, there's an incredible value in the friends in your network, and they're part of your life to help you make those memories, whether for work or play. Just appreciate them.

Looking back, I suppose I should feel just a little guilty for spending Hasselblad's money...NOT! While the final check came to just under $2,000, Wendy and Calvin were both spokespeople for Hasselblad, and most of the guests that night had something to do with supporting the company's marketing efforts. So we rationalized and decided it was part of sponsorship!

Happy Throwback Thursday!

​PS Click on any image to enlarge and view in the SCU Lightbox.

by Skip Cohen
​
While browsing through Facebook, I came across the picture to the right, which was posted on a Facebook page called Vintage Life. Click on the candy selection, and you'll be connected to their page.

Here's the fun of "old" candy...it's Throwback Thursday, and this takes me back to grade school and my Dad's business at the time. He was in the wholesale candy and tobacco business at his own company, Lake Candy and Tobacco in Ohio.

If a candy could be sold in a vending machine, Dad had it in the warehouse. Having so much candy at my fingertips gave me a different perspective on candy bars compared to other kids. It was just not a big deal, except ironically on Halloween, when I got to go out and "hunt" my own. LOL

Out of my connection to Dad's business, there are a few great memories...

The Bazooka Caper: It was third or fourth grade when I was caught chewing gum in class. The teacher asked me, "Are you chewing gum?" I'd been caught and she kept talking, "Well, if you don't have enough to share with the whole class, it's rude!" 

I was prepared and thought my response was perfect: "But I do have enough for the whole class!" I lifted up the top of my desk, and there was a whole box of Bazooka Bubble Gum! Hell, I probably had enough for the entire school!

I felt unbelievably powerful - I'd caught the teacher in her own trap. For the rest of the week, I had plenty of time to think about my victory, as I cleaned erasers and the blackboards each day. If you're not old enough to know what a blackboard was, find an old fart to ask.
 
Old photographs bring back memories, and today, the TV jingles in our lives: "Choo-choo Charlie" from the Good and Plenty commercial, B-O-N-O-M-O...Bonomo Turkish Taffy...and into the 60s and 70s -"Sometimes you feel like a nut...sometimes you don't!" Almond Joy and Mounds bars.​ Then there were candies like Three Musketeers, Snickers, Seven-Up, Mars Bars, and candy cigarettes (I "smoked" the same brand as my mother!). There were hundreds more!

I spent a few minutes on YouTube and found four of my old favorites from television commercials, which are below. Saturday morning cartoons, except for December seasonality, were loaded with these candy commercials. It's just a short look in the rearview mirror today...but then, that's what Throwback Thursday is all about.

Happy Throwback Thursday!

​by Skip Cohen

​The SCU blog has been actively running for over twelve years. As a result, there are some great "Throwback Thursday" posts in the archives. This is one I want to share again.

In 2014, America lost one of its greatest statesmen, Senator Howard Baker. He was a fantastic contributor to this country, but I'm not sure how many of you realize his passion for photography and his support for our industry. You'd often see him wandering the floor of some of the bigger photo shows just to check out what was new in gear.

I don't want to make it sound like we were such good friends and we were about to buy a boat together, but we spent enough time together for me to look back on the friendship as one of the highlights of my career.

In a throwback post just a few months ago, I wrote about our first meeting. Finding the image above brings back to many great memories, and like all throwbacks, stories.

We met in his office. He sat in a chair with his feet on the edge of the coffee table and just wanted to talk about photography. In the middle of the table was a big basket of Tennessee's favorite candy, GooGoo Clusters, next to a couple of photography books. Somewhere in the conversation, we discussed the challenge of communicating ideas in writing, and he told me that he once sent a letter to another congressman, writing, "I'd like to make this shorter, but I just don't have the time!" That led to a discussion about how difficult it is to be concise, and the conversation came full circle because a picture really is worth a thousand words.

A year or two later, I talked him into speaking at a PMDA dinner in New York. I was the program chairman for that dinner, and he flew in. We grabbed a quick drink at his hotel and then headed to one of the function rooms at the UN, where this special evening meeting was to be held. He needed to leave immediately after his presentation.

As I walked him out, he talked about loving the opportunity to speak to so many people from the photo industry, and then he thanked me for getting him a private car and made a comment, "I sure hope you didn't get me one of those big obnoxious limos. I hate the things...just love a simple Ford. I like to sit up front and talk to the driver."

As we walked through the door to the outside, all the blood drained out of my face...not only did I get him a stretch, but because he was Senator Howard Baker, I got him the biggest one I could find. Not only that, but it was white on white and couldn't be more ostentatious.  It was huge, and a family of twelve could live in it for a lifetime! He gave me a look that most of us only see from our spouses when we're in trouble...but for some reason, I held my ground, looked back at him, and said, "Admit it, you love it!" He cracked, climbed into the front seat next to the driver, and headed to the airport.

A year or two later, he was in NYC again and called me. He was open for dinner on just one of the nights, and I invited him to Gramercy Tavern. Knowing almost nothing about politics, I decided we needed another photographer with us who could discuss politics as well as photography. I made a quick call to my buddy, Denis Reggie, who grew up in the political arena. An hour before dinner, I had another panic attack; Denis was a diehard Democrat, and Baker, the leading Republican! 

The truth is, it was a fantastic dinner, and a month later, the Senator called me and asked if I thought Denis would photograph his wedding. One call to Denis, and an hour later, they were on the phone together going over plans.

I'll leave you with one last story... Somewhere over the years, he told me a story about once being introduced at a political dinner in Tennessee as the third most famous person to ever come out of the state. He smiled and said, "I sat there trying to think of who the other two were...turns out they were Dolly Parton!"

We didn't just lose an amazing contributor to the country but an artist with incredible passion and an unmatched love for life. He loved photography, published several of his own photography books, and you couldn't help but enjoy his company, especially when he was in photo mode!

​by Skip Cohen
​
It's Throwback Thursday, and this weekend is Father's Day...so it's a multi-faceted blog post. 

The portrait of my Dad and me on the right, which I've shared before, was captured in a booth at PPA National at least twenty-five years ago by Don Blair. I cherish the portrait, but there are a couple of additional points it makes. First, you don't need a fancy studio if you understand lighting and posing! Second, memories captured by old friends are definitely the best.

"Big Daddy" Blair and I wrote our first book together in the 90s. It was a kick to do, and it remains relevant as a guide for outstanding portraiture.

One of the highlights over the years was Dad coming to conventions with me. And when he and Don got together, the laughs were non-stop. They both served in the military in WWII...and I'm convinced the war might have ended earlier if not for these two knuckleheads! (And the way I'm using the word knuckleheads is filled with love, respect, and the biggest smile!) 

There's rarely a week that goes by that something doesn't come up that makes me think of Don. And when Gary (Don's son) and I get together, even on a phone call, there's an ongoing contest to see who can imitate Big Daddy's best "Hey, hey, hey, my man!"

Since Father's Day is Sunday, this is also about my Dad. He was my best buddy. Although he passed away over ten years ago, that doesn't diminish the appreciation and love I have for everything he taught me. I used to say there weren't many guys my age who still had their parents around, let alone liked them! 

He also possessed an amazing level of integrity, still conducting business on a handshake right up until his passing at 93. I convinced him to write the post below, which I share once a year. It makes a great point - stop worrying about everybody else's business and stay focused on your own.

Wishing all the dads out there a terrific weekend and a chance to simply kick back and relax. And to Dad and "Big Daddy" - I picture the two of you hanging out together and watching over all your "chicks and grand-chicks," as Don used to say.

​Happy Father's Day everybody!

by Ralph Cohen

Yesterday was my 88th birthday.  I have been happily retired for many years, and unemployed for at least 15 of those. Now, out of the blue, comes our son, Skip, threatening me with employment! The pay he considers adequate is $.02 per word. So gathering together, my 50+ years in business experience, I thought this would be a good time to put my two cents in.

I am not a plagiarist, but I must quote my father who spent the last months of his life writing advice to his children:

“Conduct your business in an upright manner and remember, the most important thing in one’s life is to be honest with one’s self. Maintain the high standard and dignity that your business requires. Do not go into deals hastily and be visible in your business as much of the time as is possible.  If you take time to play, do it away from your business, because your livelihood needs all the attention you can give to it.”

Early on, I concluded that the best testimonials came from my many friendly competitors.  We didn’t really compete with each other, in the true sense. True, we were in the same field of endeavor, but we all knew we were there to help each other. Happily, the “tough competition” fell by the wayside.  

I remember giving Skip driving lessons and I told him, “Watch the left front fender…..the rest will take care of itself!” I’ve found this is really true of everything in life.

An old axiom says “If you tell the truth, you never have to remember what you said.”  That is all part of reputation-building. I found that, sadly, in the field of real estate, truth is hard to come by for many. In our case, it was a major building block in the reputation which we enjoyed, and helped us to thwart the competition.

Goodwill is all of the above, plus a lot of caring for your clients as well as your competitors.  If life is a give-and-take situation, giving is the more important of the two.  The taking will come with time and be far more appreciative.  Just remember - you heard it here!  

​Ralph Cohen, Founder and Creator of Skip Cohen!
​

by Skip Cohen

Although I shared this post almost seven years ago, we're coming up on the anniversary of the first Skip's Summer School in 2009. Time definitely flies when you're having a good time!

I left WPPI and Rangefinder Magazine in 2009 to follow a dream - starting my own business. We were in the middle of a recession, and I was headed off to pursue a dream to fulfill my entrepreneurial spirit. As I look back to the first program in '09 and the images from 2010, featured here, there are so many friendships that came out of this workshop series.

Most of my family thought I was nuts and there were more than just a few friends who felt the same way. But I ran across an anonymous quote around that time that said it all:

I've shared the group shot above in at least one other post, but this was the team who made it all happen that first summer. We started in Las Vegas at the MGM, and because of the economy at the time and Vegas hurting for business, there was no room block commitment, no minimum food or beverage and minimal charges for everything we needed as long as we booked rooms - and we did!

​I recently ran across a couple of photographs that bring back so many great memories from those summer programs. In 2010, Sarah Petty offered to fill in for Vicki Taufer, which brings back a whole story of its own. Here's the short version - Vicki and Jed were adopting their daughter and got caught in an immigration challenge and couldn't bring her back into the US for several months. Vicki stayed overseas, and Sarah jumped in to save summer school with an outstanding program. The story goes a lot deeper as dozens of photographers in the industry tried to help with letters to congressman, immigration officials, and a non-stop push to get Vicki home.

Friendships are the best part of this industry, and Kay Eskridge spoke that year as well. Kay passed away last year, but the photograph below is one more reminder about the value of photography...capturing memories, especially of people we love and miss!

We kept the Summer School programs simple with one big room, no breakouts and a dozen vendors who wanted to support education around the perimeter. Wifi was still a big deal, and the room was set up, so a new speaker kicked off every ninety minutes, but there were charging stations, and you could work at the same time - giving attendees the ability to stay in touch with business, but still pick up great ideas to market and promote their products/services.

A favorite programs over the years was a completely impromptu panel of experts in the evening after the day's schedule. We got together after dinner for anybody who had wanted to keep things going. We were there to answer questions about business, photography, life - it just didn't matter. That's Clay Blackmore, Tony Corbell, me and my honey, Sheila. We had at least 8-10 instructors join us. 

One of my favorite images of Sheila and me was captured that night and sent to me by good buddy, Brian Palmer. Brian's on the other side of the world these days, but I still keep hoping we'll catch up on one of his family trips back to the US.

The shot itself, proves a very special point - you don't have to have everybody looking at the camera all the time.

After the 2013 summer workshop, like so many educational events we decided it was time for a change. Workshops events like this are incredibly labor intensive and with so many different events to choose from it was time to move on, but not from the goal of education, continuing to build a business and support an industry I love dearly.

With help from good buddy, Scott Bourne, the SCU blog became a reality and my life morphed into that of a blogger, podcaster, and writer. I wouldn't change a thing in my life since leaving Rangefinder/WPPI. The best part of the last sixteen years is the friendships that have come out of everyone's mutual love for the craft and the support we all give each other no matter what challenges life puts in our paths.

If the plan doesn't work, change the plan, but NEVER your goal.
Author Unknown

by Skip Cohen

​It's my favorite day of the week, Throwback Thursday!

If I had a closet for all my throwback pics and videos, the shot above, from Adobe Stock, would be precisely what it would look like...although not as organized! One aspect of the fun of #TBT is the simple fact that, due to changing technology, you really don't have to go back very far to find a classic memory.

For example, I wrote for Shutter Magazine for six years. Every article included a short video summary. It was just over nine years ago we captured the two-minute video below.  The fun of these videos was the challenge of getting people to remember my point. I knew if I could do something stupid in the video, readers might remember my point.

Happy Throwback Thursday!

by Skip Cohen

Suggestion: To get in the mood for this throwback, hit play on the YouTube link below before you read today's post...and turn up the volume.

It's Throwback Thursday, my favorite day of the week. This is a different kind of throwback post. It's not a photo throwback but audio together with a sampler collection of items as I turn back the clock.

It started with "Alexa." We've got several of them in the house. As a result, music is always playing, and yesterday, I felt like turning back the clock. "Alexa, play Crosby, Stills and Nash!" For the rest of the afternoon, she played nothing but their songs.

CSN appeared on the music scene with their first album in 1969. Yeah, I'm an old fart, but this is classic, and the fun of Throwback Thursday is the way throwbacks take you on a trip back down Memory Lane. For a stretch yesterday, I found myself thinking back to the 70s. I started with my wardrobe of platform shoes and bell bottoms to my afro and wide-collared shirts. Then came other artists like Richie Havens, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix, and Iron Butterfly---there was no stopping the memories. 

As I was writing today's post I started thinking about food and drinks. Whatever happened to Cold Duck, Harvey Wallbangers, and a Tequilla Sunrises? A Big Mac with fries was under a dollar! A large pizza was under $5.00 at Pizza Hut. Fondue was the hot dish, and everybody had a fondue pot. The list goes on and on.

There's a quote from Alfred Lord Tennyson that I've shared many times: "I am a part of all that I have met." Well, think back on your own trip down Memory Lane and all those little experiences that added to your life back whenever—not the big events, but the little things that are like the seasoning that goes into a good meal.

Happy Throwback Thursday! 

PS And for all you old farts - feel free to add any classic memories that I missed.​