Photography, Life and Assumptions

I love Sunday mornings because I never know what I'm going to share. If you're new to SCU, then Sunday Morning Reflections are my way of going off track and stepping away from photography. It's a little ironic that it's become one of my most favorite posts, allowing me to empathize with so many situations we all experience.

Each one of us is unique. We all have different experiences, challenges, passions, dreams, and goals, but this morning I want to write about a common denominator we all share - dealing with people who make assumptions.

This past week I had a couple of truly stupid conversations, one with a photographer and one with an old friend. One discussion was business related, the other personal - but they both involved the individual taking partial information, making an assumption and then acting out in a manner that could have been damaging or hurtful. 

And that brings me to my point this morning and one of my most favorite quotes:

---

"Don't judge my story on the chapter you walked in on!"
Unknown

That says it all. Don't spread rumors. Don't share information that's wrong or for that matter not yours to share. None of us know the real story on anything except those people directly involved, and it doesn't matter if it's personal or business related. So, if you don't know the facts then either shut up and don't pass them on or pick up a phone and call the person or people involved. Ask for clarification before you share something hurtful.

Most of you are sick of hearing about "fake news," yet as individuals so many of you actively engage in the process, drawing the wrong assumptions and never talking to the people or companies involved. 

So, the next time somebody throws out a statement you know isn't right, let's grow a set and challenge them. Let's all start to question the "experts." Just maybe, if they caught a few times they'll learn to examine their opinions a little more and in the end, help make the world a happier place, or at the very least, more accurate.

And there it is, I'm out of gas for this morning's mini-rant. There's another quote I love that seems to be perfect this morning:

"You've got two ears and one mouth, so listen twice as much as you talk!"
Unknown

Wishing everybody a perfect day, and one filled with a sense of accomplishment, even if it's for your ability to step away from the business and take the time to appreciate your family and friends.  For me it's going to be a perfect day with friends coming up from Naples and just hanging out and appreciating life...along with the grill and a batch of margaritas!

Happy Sunday everybody...or Monday if you're on the other side of the world. 

About the photograph: There's always another perspective to everything. Sunsets don't have to be horizontal. I was late to the beach and missed the sunset facing west, but the light behind me as the sun, then below the horizon, was spectacular. Captured with a LUMIX FZ1000, f2.8 @ 1/250 ISO 125. #MadeWithLuminar