SkipCohenUniversity
  • Home
  • SCU Blog
  • Our Podcasts
  • About Us

the SCU Blog

The Wonderful Bittersweet Power of Our Favorite Photographs

4/1/2018

1 Comment

 
Picture
Image by Cantrell Portrait Design
Now and then the process of trying to figure out what to write about for Sunday Morning Reflections starts days earlier when something hits me that seems perfect for a topic. That's the way today is, as I head into one of those forbidden zones in blogging and get personal. 

Over the last ten days, my folks have been on my mind almost every day. I've had moments where missing them was so intense I just cried, and then minutes later been laughing about something from the past that was such a vivid memory, it was as if it just happened. Sheila's seen me up and down like an emotional yo-yo and she's been instrumental in helping me through these oddly timed stretches of grief.

This morning, literally right now as I'm writing this, I finally figured out where the seeds of what I'm feeling were planted, and it's all thanks in part to photography.

Every year for the last four years I've been the emcee at a fund-raising dinner here in Sarasota for the Friendship Centers. At the one two years ago, my Dad was still alive and joined us. Then, last year and this year fun stories about him and my Mom were topics in my monologue whenever I was at the podium.

This year my good pal Erin McLeod, the CEO of the organization threw me a curve ball and included a short section of the script that was a sunset toast to our elders. From my script I said,

"We have all had someone we can say shaped us, guided and mentored us as we grew...an elder who saw potential, offered instructions and encouragement. Just for a moment, as the sun sets right out these windows overlooking Sarasota Bay, please join me in raising a glass to that elder and to all the elders. Mine are right here on the screen - my parents."

The image that came up is the one above.  Even though I knew it was coming, it set off a wave of emotion that was tough to keep together. And, here I am this morning still on the subject.

So what's my point? 

First, all of us have people in our lives who have passed away, and we miss, but it's thanks in part to our career choice, photography, their memories stay so much alive. I'll spare you my lecture on the importance of never compromising on the quality of an image, but that doesn't change your responsibility every time you click the shutter for a portrait.

Second, is letting yourself go with whatever emotion pops up when you're taking that stroll down Memory Lane. After a whole round of tears the other night, sparked by a scene on Grey's Anatomy reminding me of the night my Dad passed away, I apologized to Sheila for my little outburst. She hugged me, laughed and reminded me that missing loved ones we've both lost and then sharing that pain is a crucial ingredient to the strength that holds us together.

So, today's post is as much about what I'm feeling as it is about you. When you've got those moments where a flashback catapults you into the past, just go with it. Most of us put those feelings in a box, and put them away, embarrassed by the potential moment losing control. But, whether you're lucky enough to have a partner as I do, or you're just by yourself, enjoy the moment and recognize the pain you're feeling is a good thing and deserves to be savored and appreciated.

And to Mom and Dad, who I know are together, in a place of peace and watching over us - I miss you guys - Thank you for continuing to always being by my side, and in my heart.  

Wishing everybody a beautiful day and regardless of whether you're celebrating Easter or Passover, make it a day filled with love, peace and the people in your life who keep your heart beating and a smile on your face! And as always, if you can go for a few seconds longer than the usual eleven-second therapy hugs - like Nike's tagline - JUST DO IT!

​Happy Sunday everybody!
1 Comment
Dan Robinson link
4/2/2018 03:08:29 am

Very well said Skip. My mother said it in just two words, "Do It!" .

Reply

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    RSS Feed

    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture

      Sign Up for Our Newsletter!

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter

    Our Partners

    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture

    "Why?"

    Check out "Why?" one of the most popular features on the SCU Blog. It's a very simple concept - one image, one artist and one short sound bite. Each artist shares what makes the image one of their most favorite. We're over 100 artists featured since the project started. Click on the link above and you can scroll through all of the episodes to date.

    Categories

    All
    Beyond Technique
    Business
    Customer Service
    EDU10
    Excire
    F64 Lunch Bunch
    Faculty
    Fast Food Friday
    Guest Post
    Humor And Sarcasm
    In The News
    Lessons Learned
    Lighting
    Luminar
    Lumix
    Marketing
    Mark's Corner
    Mind Your Own Business
    Miscellaneous
    Motivational
    One Step At A Time
    Photodex
    PhotoShelter
    PhotoTexting
    Platypod
    Podcasts
    Profoto
    Sales
    Search
    Skylum
    Social Media
    Sunday Morning Reflections
    Tamron
    Tamron Recipes
    Technique
    Throwback Thursday
    Wedding Photography
    Westcott
    Why?

Categories​

Business
Marketing
Technique
Sales
Fast Food Fridays
​

Podcasts

Tamron Recipes 
Beyond Technique
Why?
Mind Your Own Business
Pro Photographer Journey

 Partners

Tamron
PhotoTexting

​Lumix

Marathon Press
​Platypod
©  2019 Skip Cohen University
  • Home
  • SCU Blog
  • Our Podcasts
  • About Us