Cup of Joe Photo

Weakness or Strength?

I had read this story over a year ago, and really took it to heart. It applies to my life just as much today as it did last year. How often do I perceive a personal weaknesses and allow it to hold me back? To often, I'm afraid. But life is a series of lessons, and I'm on a learning journey. Enjoy.

Sometimes your biggest weakness can become your biggest strength. Take, for example, the story of one 10-year-old boy who decided to study judo despite the fact that he had lost his left arm in a devastating car accident.

The boy began lessons with an old Japanese judo master. The boy was doing well, so he couldn't understand why, after three months of training the master had taught him only one move.

"Sensei," the boy finally said, "Shouldn't I be learning more moves?"

"This is the only move you know, but this is the only move you'll ever need to know," the sensei replied.

Not quite understanding, but believing in his teacher, the boy kept training.

Several months later, the sensei took the boy to his first tournament. Surprising himself, the boy easily won his first two matches. The third match proved to be more difficult, but after some time, his opponent became impatient and charged; the boy deftly used his one move to win the match. Still amazed by his success, the boy was now in the finals.

This time, his opponent was bigger, stronger, and more experienced. For a while, the boy appeared to be overmatched. Concerned that the boy might get hurt, the referee called a time-out. He was about to stop the match when the sensei intervened.

"No," the sensei insisted, "Let him continue."

Soon after the match resumed, his opponent made a critical mistake: he dropped his guard. Instantly, the boy used his move to pin him. The boy had won the match and the tournament. He was the champion.

On the way home, the boy and sensei reviewed every move in each and every match. Then the boy summoned the courage to ask what was really on his mind.

"Sensei, how did I win the tournament with only one move?"

"You won for two reasons," the sensei answered. "First, you've almost mastered one of the most difficult throws in all of judo. And second, the only known defense for that move is for your opponent to grab your left arm."

The boy's biggest weakness had become his biggest strength.

Primm / St. Cyr Wedding

Last weekend was a truly extraordinary wedding. The event took place at the beautiful Montage Resort and Spa and the Wedding Coordination was executed by Jeannie Savage and and her team from Details Details. Square Root did the floral design and Mike Ivey lit the room with rotating lighting. Elysium Productions did an awesome video presentation of the day and Linda Goldsheft did the extraordinary cake. It was so wonderful working with this team of top vendors on another gorgeous wedding. Enjoy!

It's Not How Good You Are...

This is a quirky little book I bought while "wasting time day dreaming" in a bookstore. The cover is classic..the message is perfect, "The world's best-selling book" by Paul Arden. I did a double take when I read that, then I got it. This is a fun book that has a contemporary design with photos and graphics. As you know, I'm really into audio books, but this one you really need to own in print. It's not just a cute book with great design. Inside are some very thought provoking ideas. For example, the book contains "chapters" on "being fired can be a positive career move", "compose your ad from the weakest point", and "do not try to win awards". It's a delightful book that can be read in an afternoon (right before you start daydreaming). Enjoy.

Book Description It's Not How Good You Are, It's How Good You Want to Be is a handbook of how to succeed in the world - a pocket 'bible' for the talented and timid to make the unthinkable thinkable and the impossible possible. The world's top advertising guru, Paul Arden, offers up his wisdom on issues as diverse as problem solving, responding to a brief, communicating, playing your cards right, making mistakes and creativity, all notions that can be applied to aspects of modern life. This book provides a unique insight into the world of advertising and is a quirky compilation of quotes, facts, pictures, wit and wisdom, packed into easy-to-digest, bite-sized spreads. If you want to succeed in life or business, this is a must!

Paul Arden began his career in advertising at the age of 16. For 14 years he was Executive Creative Director at Saatchi and Saatchi, where he was responsible for some of Britain's best known campaigns including British Airways, Silk Cut, Anchor Butter, InterCity and Fuji. His famous

slogans include 'The Car in front is a Toyota' and 'The Independent - It is - Are You?'. In 1993 he set up the London-based production company Arden Sutherland-Dodd where he is now a commercials director for clients such as BT, BMW, Ford, Nestle and Levis.

Attitude adjustment

Evaluate your attitude. Is it where you want it to be? Consider the following...

Human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their lives. William James US Pragmatist philosopher & psychologist (1842 - 1910)

The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes of mind.
William James
US Pragmatist philosopher & psychologist (1842 - 1910)

I am still determined to be cheerful and happy, in whatever situation I may be; for I have also learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not upon our circumstances.
Martha Washington
US wife of George Washington 1759 (1732 - 1802)

A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort.
Herm Albright

Desire Campaign 4

OK, Heres the next three. I really started to make changes with these ads. At the suggestion of a wedding consultant friend of mine, I began to introduce photos of me in the ads. I also started to add textures and /or design elements. I'd like to know your thoughts. Comments anyone?

SEPT 2006

OCT 2006

NOV 2006

Ansel Adams

Dodging and burning are steps to take care of mistakes God made in establishing tonal relationships. - Ansel Adams

Ansel had a way with words. I enjoy this amusing statement because I often find myself making "little tweaks" in the relationship of light to dark in my photographs. One thing is for sure, I thank God everyday for Photoshop....can I get an Amen?

First Helicopter Ride

Yesterday was a more extraordinary day than usual for me. My new Mac Pro (loaded with everything) and my new 30" monitor arrived. I began to play with it late last night (after my Wednesday night date with Ingrid), so I didn't blog. I was tired. I also got my very first ride in a helicopter. My clients took me out to Catalina, along the coastline of the Island and back along the coast of Laguna Beach. It was a wonderful couple of hours, totally fun! Here's a few of my favorite images. Enjoy!

Significant People

Hopefully, each of us have had significant people in our lives that direct our journey and point us in the right direction. This is a picture of my Art / Photo teacher Mr. McIlwee presenting me an award (circa 1985) for the poster directly behind my head. I won 3rd place for a poster contest that represented the theme "Enjoy Life Naturally". Jay Mac (as we called him) was the only teacher that had any influence on me in High School. He understood me and didn't judge my appearance. He encouraged me to to do my best in art and in life, a practice I continue today. Most importantly he directed me (and Becker) into photography! My journey since then has taken many turns, however two things remain constant. I still like jewelry and being in the sun.

It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge. -Albert Einstein

Wallace / Perraud Wedding

I love to work at the beautiful Montage Resort and Spa in Laguna Beach. This was a wedding I photographed last August. Kelly Michelle Weddings did the fabulous coordinating. Square Root did the floral design and Mike Ivey did the room lighting. Stacy was a bridesmaid in a wedding I had photographed the year before and now both of these brides are connected to a new bride I'm scheduled to meet soon. It's so much fun to reconnect with past brides at their friends weddings. Enjoy!

Guerrilla Marketing Excellence

A few days ago, I was talking to a friend about book recommendations, and he told me he was listening to Jay Conrad Levinson of Guerrilla Marketing fame. I knew then what my post for today was going to be. When I was first starting my photography business, I needed help. I had never taken a single business or marketing class. I knew I was entirely capable of creating exciting images, but I needed clients to prove it. After all, I was pursuing my dream as a business, not a hobby. At the recommendation of another business owner, I picked up the book Guerrilla Marketing Excellence. It's filled with practical marketing "secrets" and tips on creating low cost marketing solutions. Enjoy!

From the author of the best-selling Guerrilla Marketing series, this book includes more of the wisdom and advice from “guerrilla guru” Jay Conrad Levinson in the form of 50 basic truths that can make or break your company. This book takes the reader a step beyond do-it-yourself marketing guides and explains how to do it with excellence.

• Learn when and how to use humor (if ever) in your marketing
• Discover the crucial difference between profits and sales
• New ideas for marketing in a recession
• Wisdom for gaining share of mind, employing guerrilla gimmicks, an using marketing combinations
• The latest uses of video and television to assure distribution

Levinson's earlier title, Guerrilla Marketing was hailed by critics as a “veritable plum pudding of marketing techniques and secrets” (Los Angeles Times), and “a source of inspiration for many independent entrepreneurs” (Booklist). Now Guerrilla Marketing Excellence puts it all together in this accessible, informative, and thought provoking gold mine of ideas for all guerrillas who, by their nature, go for the gold!

What teachers make

I have a warm place in my heart for Teachers. I deeply respect the energy they use to elevate and inspire others. My first crush was on my 2nd grade teacher, Miss Hitchcock. She was so sweet to me. My mother and both of my Godparents (and occasionally my father too) are teachers. I should be a teacher according to my job recommendations for my personality profile. (Imagine that).
I received the following passage in an email from my Godfather yesterday. I hope you'll enjoy it, and perhaps thank a teacher who has blessed you.

WHAT TEACHERS MAKE

The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life.

One man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education.

He argued, "What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best
option in life was to become a teacher?"

He reminded the other dinner guests what they say about teachers:

"Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach."

To stress his point he said to another guest; "You're a teacher, Bonnie.

Be honest. What do you make?"

Bonnie, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness replied, "You want
to know what I make? (She paused for a second, and then began...)

"Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could.

I make a C+ feel like the Congressional Medal of Honor.

I make kids sit through 40 minutes of class time when their parents can't
make them sit for 5 without an I Pod, Game Cube or movie rental...

You want to know what I make." (She paused again and looked at each and
every person at the table.) I make kids wonder.

I make them question.

I make them criticize.

I make them apologize and mean it.

I make them have respect and take responsibility for their actions.

I teach them to write and then I make them write.

I make them read, read, read.

I make them show all their work in math.

I make my students from other countries learn everything they need to
know in English while preserving their unique cultural identity.

I make my classroom a place where all my students feel safe.

I make my students stand to say the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag,
because we live in the United States of America.

Finally, I make them understand that if they use the gifts they were
given, work hard, and follow their hearts, they can succeed in life.

(Bonnie paused one last time and then continued.) "Then, when people try
to judge me by what I make, I can hold my head up high and pay no
attention because they are ignorant...

You want to know what I make.

I MAKE A DIFFERENCE. What do you make?"

THERE IS MUCH TRUTH IN THIS STATEMENT:

"Teachers make every other profession"

Desire Campaign 3

Week three of the Desire campaign candidates are below. I'll pull the favorites from all of the previous weeks and have a showdown based on your votes. You all rock! Thank you for your comments!

June 2006

July 2006

August 2006

Francesca and Gary

I photographed this engagement session on Wednesday afternoon in Orange County. It was raining just 2 hours before the shoot and my clients were wondering if we should reschedule. I decided that we should move forward, and unless it was pouring rain, we'd be able to do some super cool images with the plane and the convertible. I like extreme weather for shoots. It makes the challenge all the more interesting. I think the cloud conditions made the images all the better. Enjoy!

Behind the Scenes with Joe Photo

Good morning friends. For today's post I thought you might enjoy a few images of me shooting an engagement session I shot yesterday at John Wayne Airport. I love to do engagement photos that don't take place at the beach! I suggested that the clients use their plane and car as a backdrop for the images. In between rain clouds, we created some really cool images. I'd like to thank my friends Charlie Samples and Joe Barnet for capturing these shots of me. I'll be tweaking my favorites today and post them tomorrow. In the meantime, pursue your passion and be true to your vision!

Cup or Coffee?

The following was sent to my wife in an email yesterday. After reading it, she excitedly told me she had a blog entry for me for Wednesday. She said it fit my theme. Enjoy!

A group of alumni, highly established in their careers, got together to visit their old university professor. The conversation soon turned into complaints about stress in work and life. Offering his guests coffee, the professor went to the kitchen and returned with a large pot of coffee and an assortment of cups - porcelain, plastic, glass, crystal, some plain-looking, some expensive, and some exquisite - telling them to help themselves to the coffee. After all the students had a cup of coffee in hand, the professor said: "If you noticed, all the nice looking expensive cups were taken up, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is but normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress." "Be assured that the cup itself adds no quality to the coffee. In most cases, it 's just more expensive and in some cases even hides what we drink. What all of you really wanted was coffee, not the cup, but you consciously went for the best cups...and then began eyeing each other's cups." "Now consider this: Life is the coffee, and the jobs, houses, cars, things, money and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain life, and the type of cup we have does not define nor change the quality of life we live. Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee God has provided us. God brews the coffee, not the cups ... enjoy your coffee. "Being happy doesn't mean everything's perfect, It means you've decided to see beyond the imperfections"

Hip to be Square..or Panoramic

Sometimes, it's interesting to crop an image. The simple act of changing the proportions of the image can have add a dramatic effect. It sounds silly, but I'm really just starting to experiment more with these proportions. This is another great thing about blogging too. You see it as I'm doin' it. Cheers.

THIS IS ME SHOOTING THE IMAGE POSTED BELOW.

THE IMAGE CREATED FROM MY LOW PERSPECTIVE.

The Five People You Meet in Heaven

I actually saw the movie before reading the book. Both were great. We can’t be reminded too often of how what we do with our lives impacts those we meet. Mitch Albom vividly illustrates this point in this wonderful fictional account of the afterlife. One life can change the world.

What the Critics Say "Sincere....A book with the genuine power to stir and comfort its readers." (The New York Times)_"Those who turn to this audiobook for Albom's musings on the meaning of life will not be disappointed." (Publishers Weekly)_"This writer's commitment to the aural tradition is clearly demonstrated in the sophistication with which his book is presented. Erik Singer's virtuoso performance is set off with musical interludes and background noises that are diverting but never distracting." (AudioFile)_"A sweet book that makes you smile but is not gooey with overwrought sentiment." (Booklist)

Publisher's Summary
On his 83rd birthday, Eddie, a lonely war veteran, dies in a tragic accident trying to save a little girl from a falling cart. With his final breath, he feels two small hands in his - and then nothing. He awakens in the afterlife, where he learns that heaven is not a lush Garden of Eden but a place where your earthly life is explained to you by five people who were in it. These people may have been loved ones or distant strangers. Yet each of them changed your path forever.
In The Five People You Meet in Heaven, Mitch Albom gives us an astoundingly original story with a stunning conclusion that will change everything you've ever thought about the afterlife - and the meaning of our lives here on earth.

Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'
Martin Luther King, Jr.

The first question which the priest and the Levite asked was: "If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?" But... the good Samaritan reversed the question: "If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?"
Martin Luther King, Jr.

One life has changed the world. Thank you Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. for your tireless work for the equality of all men and women.

Let your gifts shine!

I love Sundays. It’s a day to rest after a long day of shooting on Saturdays. It’s also a day to determine your intentions for the week ahead. I’ve recently begun to consider my part in making the world a better place. In addition to the gift of photography I have to share, I’ve believe one of my other talents is the gift of motivation and inspiration. This blog project seems to be the perfect vehicle for all three.
What are your talents? What are your special gifts to share freely with the world? Think about what first comes to mind. Perhaps what others may have told you that you are great at. And then let your light shine! Brighten someone’s day, today.

Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves. -James M. Barrie

Desire Campaign 2

When I sat down to create this ad campaign, I took many of my favorite images from the past year and began to design. I kept the word "Desire" and the tagline "Desire the Extraordinary" the same as well as my contact information. I simply changed the font colors (when appropriate) for each ad according to the colors in the image. I'd love to hear your favorite of these 3. Enjoy!
MARCH 2006

APRIL 2006

MAY 2006

Christmas Eve Photos

Well, I promised my family I'd post Christmas Eve photos for the relatives to see, and I've been so busy that...like the shoe makers kids...family photos get postponed. This year we celebrated at my parents home in Mission Viejo, Ca. My wife Ingrid and our daughter Mikayla, my sister Lisa and her husband Steve and their kids. Some of the family was out of town and we missed them. Cheers to good memories with Family!
My parents, Ingrid and I

Lisa and Steve

Ing and me

Mom and Dad Photo

Helena riding my daughter Mikayla

Helena up close

Mikayla and her good advice book

Uncle Photo and Isabelle

You can view the Slide Show HERE

Elaine and Jeff

Good morning friends! I'm so happy with all the responses and emails I've been getting from all of you. Please know that I read them all. I laugh and sometimes cry at your kind blessings for me. I apologize for not responding back to so many of you. I hope to manage my time better in the future and stay in touch. After all, that's why this has become so important to me. Building a community of mutual admiration among the brotherhood (and sisterhood).
Many of you have commented on how you enjoy the before and after images. Well, every Thursday I plan to show you more. As I've said before, this approach makes the good images great, and the great images, extraordinary. Sometimes the differences are subtle and sometimes they're dramatic.
These are images from my friends Elaine and Jeff's wedding last summer. I've been friends with with Jeff for 18 years. Enjoy the images!

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Ansel Adams

When words become unclear, I shall focus with photographs. When images become inadequate, I shall be content with silence. -Ansel Adams

Good morning friends! I have been truly overwhelmed at the generous response of all of your kind words, comments and emails. Your words have been clear and I'm so grateful. I have been floating on a cloud for the past two days. Thank you for that blessing.

The above quote from Ansel Adams is a complex challenge. I'm happy to focus with my photographs. In fact, that's what I do best. I feel like my words are often unclear. When do images become inadequate? Recently I have been trying to celebrate the discipline of silence as it pertains to journaling. My mind often wanders, but I suppose I am practicing being content with silence. I'm excited to see where this practice leads. For now, I shall be quiet and speak my thanks to you with an image.

Great Cause

Good morning friends. Thank you to all of you who checked out the blog launch yesterday. Thank you even more to those who left a comment or sent me an email! You're a blessing to me. I received this email from a good friend of mine about a week ago. Her name is Michelle Walker, and she's an awesome photographer from the Oakland area. If you're moved to support her cause, please do! You can donate online, the links are on the bottom of this post.

Gentleness, self-sacrifice and generosity are the exclusive possession of no one race or religion. -Mohandas Gandhi

Happy Holidays!

I hope this finds you well. I have something for you - you're never going
to guess what I have decided to do this winter! I am mentoring a Team in
Training's Run team and training for the Kaiser half Marathon. That's right.
On Sunday, February 4, 2007, I will be leading my team and running 13.1
miles to raise funds for curing blood cancers. I'll get right to it. I
need your help. Anything you can give will make a difference. I am asking
you to donate whatever you can to help me cross the ultimate finish line:
helping find a cure, and helping save the countless lives that cancer takes
each year.

Now I know you you're thinking: "Huh? Michelle, you're doing what? Why?
Let me ask: "What is your highest use of self?" I was asked that question
on November 4, 2006, by Roman, a man who has had Leukemia for almost 3
years. He spoke at the kick off meeting for Team in Training. That question
really stuck with me. "Highest use of self" What was he trying to say? What
is that suppose to mean? I could not figure this out.

Roman said that he was the happiest man alive (remember, he has cancer). He
always dreamed to take his little girl to her first day at school, and just
recently his dream came true. He never thought he'd live to see her walk or
talk, but he said that he got the best gifts in the world: the gift of time
and hope because of a new drug that The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society helped
fund. Then I got it! My highest use of self is to use my gift of health,
and that it's my gift to do what I can to help others in their battle
against cancer.

But before I let you go, I have to tell you a little bit about Vanessa
Wittmer, one of my Team in Training honorees, my new little sister. I am
running in honor of Vanessa and for how strong of a fighter she is. She was
diagnosed in 2003 with an Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), when she was
only 5 years old. Acute Leukemia is a rapidly progressing disease that
results in the accumulation of immature, functionless cells in the marrow
and blood. This is what brave little Vanessa has fought, and she has been
lucky. Vanessa is not the only one. Every 5 minutes someone is diagnosed
with a blood cancer. Every 10 minutes, someone dies. Last year we lost our
team honoree, Cole who was just a baby. He continues to live on in each of
us who run with TNT.

I have decided to take on this half marathon to come closer to my "highest
use of self." I aim to give support and strength for everyone in need and
affected. I affirm to honor all of those fighting, and all of those who have
lost the fight.

I must raise $2,500 by January 15th. It would mean a lot to Vanessa,
millions of beneficiaries of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and me if you
could make a contribution (which is 100% tax deductible). Your donations
will go to research, vital treatments and medicines not covered by
insurance, patient support groups, and financial aid to families. You can
visit my website, http://www.active.com/donate/tntgsf/tntgsfMWalker (just
click on "Donate Now") to make a simple, safe, and secure donation. Thank
you for all of your time and support. It truly means the world to me. Please
feel free to make copies of this and distribute to family members, friends,
neighbors, co-workers, or anyone you know and be sure to check if your
company offers any matching programs for charitable donations - you could
double your money. Together we can all make a difference in finding a cure.

Warmest Regards-

Michelle

http://www.active.com/donate/tntgsf/tntgsfMWalker

Society Tax ID #13-5644916

Michelle's running BLOG

_____

michelle walker P H O T O G R A P H Y | relive every moment
www.michellewalker.com
BLOG
t. (415) 235-5400
f. (415) 449-3487

I am helping to beat cancer one marathon at a time!!
Donate now to help us find a cure (thank you!):

www.active.com/donate/tntgsf/tntgsfMWalker

I am mentoring this season (GO TEAM!). Go here to check out my team's
progress:
http://michelle-runs.blogspot.com/

Lisa & Mark Engagement

I have a simple rule with engagement sessions, have fun! If I'm having fun then the clients will have a great time and that shows in the photos. Enjoy!

Launch Day

Today is the official launch day for my "Cup of Joe Photo" blog. Until today, only a handful of people have seen all the work I've "poured into" this project. Please, please, please post a comment or two (or a bunch). I really want to hear your feedback and your thoughts. Also, check back often as I will be adding banners, videos, tons more images, workshop details ect soon. I'll be posting late every night so that you can enjoy a fresh cup of "inspiration served daily". Thanks for stopping by, and remember to "Start your day with a cup of joe" (photo).

Launching into 2007.

The E-Myth Mastery

I can't say enough great things about Michael Gerber and his influence on my thinking about "Joe Photo" as a world class business. I have a long way to go and many things to implement to make my business "The Empire" I imagine it could be. However, I am also very proud of the changes I've made throughout 2006. Even with those changes, my studio is far from perfect. There are occasions where I've dropped the ball, made mistakes and failed to reply to emails. I point these failures out because they are real. The beginning of change is getting real and not seeing your business through rose colored glasses. Mr Gerber has helped me to view my business with focused clarity. I know you'll be encouraged by his wisdom.

Michael E. Gerber, the world's leading small business guru and best-selling author of the phenomenally successful The E-Myth Revisited, presents the next big step in entrepreneurial management and leadership with E-Myth Mastery. This audiobook presents a practical, real-world program that can be implemented in real-time in your business.

Gerber shows that most businesses fail because of a crisis of vision that creates an inevitable cloud of misdirected activity. Presenting practical exercises to help small business owners recover their vision and passion, he clears a path for getting back to the basic disciplines for business success. The E-Myth credo, Don't work IN your business, work ON it, is spelled out here in the seven essential disciplines followed by every leader of a world-class enterprise. Each discipline provides the leadership keys for unlocking success in the critical areas of business development: Leadership, Marketing, Finance, Money, Management, Client Fulfillment, Lead Conversion, and Lead Generation.

E-Myth Mastery is the ultimate business development program that will help you recover your passion and turn your company into a world-class operation, a turn-key machine for the money and satisfaction that only a successful entrepreneur can enjoy. Get started today!

Goals

It's been said that without a destination in mind, any road will take you to where you're going. Without a goal, we are like jelly fish floating wherever the tide pushes us too. In order to be effective in our personal lives, as well as our businesses, we must have a target to shoot at. The simple act of having a target in your sight is the first step toward success. Because, when the target is in your sight you're consciously thinking about it and calculating how to hit it.
Last year while I was visiting my friend Charlie in Oklahoma, he took me to a shooting range and taught me how to hit a target. This was the very first time I had fired a gun. We shot hand guns, rifles and machine guns at paper targets. It was awesome. The hand gun was great for the "quick draw" and the machine gun was effective for spraying a target with bullets at close range, but the rifle with it's powerful scope, could bring the target into precise focus from hundreds of yards away.
So it is with our goals. We are going to have short range targets, that we need to respond to quickly. These may include reading a book, finishing a website or creating new sample albums. Then there are targets that are best approached with a machine gun such as creating search terms, postcard campaigns or email blasts. Quantity drives success in these areas. Finally, long term goals. These targets are the big picture goals. One year, five year, ten years down the road. These may include buying a home or studio space, hiring employees, getting married or traveling the world. And the best thing about setting goals is that they are yours. You determine what is best for your life, your personality and your business. It has also been said that "most people don't aim too high and miss... they aim to low and hit."

"Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible." -Tony Robbins

Long Range Rifle Shooting

Desire Campaign

While doing a Fashion shoot for Ceremony Magazine a year and a half ago, I met the publisher of another magazine called SPACE. Holly (the publisher) liked my style and did some research on me. SPACE asked me to do editorial for their OC and LA magazines and I accepted. I began experimenting with the idea of "Desire" and created an evolutionary campaign I call "Desire the Extraordinary". As you will see over the next four Saturdays, the campaign look has changed, but the message remains the same. I point this out because as an artist, sometimes you need to heed the call of Nike and "just do it". I often drag me feet to do something (ie blogging) until I know I can make it Extraordinary! With these ads, I had to just get started. It's taken a year and a half, but I've finally settled on "My look" for the 2007 year. You'll need to check back to see it. Please "chime in" and let me know your favorites!!

Sept 2005

Oct 2005 - Jan 2006

Feb 2006

Bill Hurter

I'd like to thank Bill Hurter for his tireless work to educate the photo industry and showcase new talent. I'm so grateful to him for believing in me and providing me a platform to share my enthusiasm and passion for extraordinary images with wedding photographers from around the world at WPPI. If you'd like to be educated and inspired, pick up one of Bills' books. They are full of great images and tips for creating them. I'm blessed to share the pages of these books with legendary image makers. Cheers to you, Bill. Keep up the great work!

Emily and Stephen

These images of Emily and Stephen were photographed at the beautiful Montage Resort and Spa. I like to think of my tweaking the originals as an exercise in beauty. I hope you'll agree. Enjoy!

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Ernst Haas

"There is only you and your camera. The limitations in your photography are in yourself, for what we see is what we are." -Ernst Haas

Commit this thought to memory. The camera, in the hands of an artist is an extension of the artist. That is why our images and vision are all unique. If you feel stuck or limited, expand your perspective and your images will improve. -Joe Photo

Ren / Jahng

Last weekend was my last wedding of 2006. I photographed my very first wedding 16 years ago. I'll try to find and post images from that 1st wedding so you can see how far I've come. I can hardly believe it myself. I never, ever imagined I'd be a wedding photographer. When you're a teenager and thinking about your future career, your not thinking, hmmmm...wedding photographers are cool. Since those days, I have done my best to elevate the coolness factor of my chosen profession. Brides and Weddings Rock!

Thinking For A Change

"There is more treasure in books than in all the pirates' loot on Treasure Island and at the bottom of the Spanish Main... and best of all, you can enjoy these riches every day of your life." -Walt Disney

While I was vacation a few weeks ago, I spent some time with this incredibly practical book "Thinking For A Change" by John C. Maxwell. In his book, he outlines several different thinking "styles" and explains the importance and value of each practice. What stood out as most valuable to me, was the discipline of creating a schedule to think, brainstorm and journal. I've intuitively known for years that this is a valuable practice, but I've been to lazy to implement a formal schedule because I resist being "boxed in" to keeping my days planned. After all, I'm an artist controlled by emotional whims. I want to do what I want, when I want. Truthfully, that program has worked well for me for most of my life. I'm incredibly blessed with the freedom to choose how I wish to spend my time most everyday. I can sleep in, or workout (or both). I can watch a movie, or edit a wedding. Really, whatever I feel like doing.
Recently, I've been challenged to "go deeper" with my life and to "celebrate discipline". As a result of listening to this audiobook, I was inspired to create a schedule for 2007. I have included times for thinking and journaling, for family and exercise and specific days in my studio. I'm really excited about this change! Too often in the past, things that I had not scheduled (like exercise or date nights with my wife) would be put off in order to keep up with impending deadlines or changed appointments. Soooo, I'm making a change for 2007 to make my life more productive and to honor my priorities with my time.

At the heart of John C. Maxwell's brilliant and inspiring program is a simple premise: To do well in life, we must first think well. But can we actually learn new mental habits? Thinking for a Change answers that with a resounding "yes" - and shows that your thinking can indeed change your life.

Drawing on the words and deeds of many of the world's greatest leaders, this empowering audiobook helps you access your thinking style, guides you to new ones, and step by step teaches you the secrets of:

Big Picture Thinking - seeing the world beyond your own needs and how that leads to great ideas
Focused Thinking - removing mental clutter and distractions to realize your full potential
Creative Thinking - stepping out of the "box" and making breakthroughs
Shared Thinking - working with others to compound results
Reflective Thinking - looking at the past to gain a better understanding of the future
and much more...