Good April Morning everyone. As I woke this morning to snow on the ground following some soft rain I poured my cup of coffee and started to think, how can I, one person, make a difference? I continued to have this early morning conversation with myself, I reminded myself of the many things I do to make a difference and thought why not share.
Through the past few days, I had the honor of meeting some very special families, through Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep, where I am a volunteer affiliated professional photographer. I also met another photographer from Colorado who specializes in weddings and wants to "make a difference" and become a photographer for NILMDTS. I reminded myself of the incredible generosity the gift we give to these families with these priceless portraits of their angels. I also reminded myself of the amazing words I've received from these families who I have served and thank God that I have a gift to give. Not every photographer will become an affiliated photographer with this organization; it is not a reflection of the honors on their walls, or the initials after their names or the awards they have received. My point in saying this is simple, if someone wants to be part of giving this type of gift, it does have a price, and you must commit to participate, commit to take the call, and commit to sit and wait, commit to give without any expectation of return. You must walk the walk and not just talk the talk and most of all be a part, not just pretend to be a part and market yourself as a piece of this amazing group, but take actions to commit to this amazing group. Not every photographer should think they should become an affiliated photographer to add to their every growing Professional Business or because they heard "The best Photographer in the world" is part of this group, so they should be part of this too. It's about giving silently, without branding, you are representing a group not yourself, you are a part of an elite group of photographers who give this special gift to these families suffering loss. There is a time to build your business, there is a time to be about "YOU", and this time giving to these families as part of this group is NOT that time. I honestly believe in paying it forward and in working with this group, I feel truly blessed and honored to be affiliated.
I also work with other photographers, from the aspiring hobbyist to the ever successful professional with all levels of coaching and networking. My personal opinion on "helping" my fellow photographers become better at their craft is hard to explain other than, helping them become better and more successful, I also become better and more successful and in the end the industry of Professional Photography is represented by true professionals who have professional level skills and a passion for their craft keeping the integrity of professional photography at the superior level. I remind myself of the way too often comments I hear about "what camera, what lens, what software, blah, blah, blah, blah....." Do you think Michael Angelo was defeated by the tools he had, NO, he used what he knew and that is the first point in perfecting your craft. Know what you have, don't go bankrupt yourself with the latest and greatest in gear so everyone can see you have this or work with that. Believe me, the industry is not stopping with this latest purchase you have made, by the time you get home with that new tool, the company is already well on their way of making the next "latest and greatest" new tool. For many years, I was an exclusive "Film" photographer; I have an amazing collection of film gear. I shoot 99% digital with the occasional film moment. Now I am not for a moment saying that a professional photographer shouldn't have professional gear. Key word, Professional; if you are a professional, are marketing yourself as a professional, you must back yourself up as a professional, don't just say you are part of a professional organization, apply for the membership, pay the price of membership, continue your education and be the honest professional. Many hobbyist take great pictures and the availability of some pretty good equipment at an affordable price is there too, the difference includes education and affiliations. Like the person who has the library of medical text books and a solid understanding of medicine doesn't make them a doctor. On that same note, do you think doctors don't work with other doctors, of course they do and this is also true with professional photographers. Know the difference between the professional and the self professed expert.
Housekeeping items to mention as I close this post:
Senior Reps for Katherine Payne Photographers for the Class of 2011 are being finalized, so if you want to be one of my personal reps, contact me, the perks are priceless.
The International Charity Model Search to benefit NILMDTS is in the final judging stages. The winner of this campaign will be announced in 17 days.
The Denver Help Portrait Group is actively working on the foundation of this year's Help Portrait Event in December, so if you want to be part of this pretty cool event, check us out, contact me personally and I'll direct you to our website and welcome any and all areas of participation, not just photographers.
My Spring special has not been released yet, look for it around the 15th of April, so stay tuned.
As always, thank YOU. YOU are a large part of why I do what I do.
12 Days of Christmas ~
