Cup of Joe Photo

QBQ The Question Behind the Question

From the Publisher The lack of personal accountability is a problem that has resulted in an epidemic of blame, complaining, and procrastination. No organization-or individual-can achieve goals, compete in the marketplace, fulfill a vision, or develop people and teams without personal accountability.

John G. Miller believes that pointing fingers and blaming others cannot solve the troubles that plague organizations. Rather, the real solutions are found when each of us recognizes the power of personal accountability. In QBQ! The Question Behind the Question, Miller explains how negative, inappropriate questions like "Why do we have to go through all this change?" and "Who dropped the ball?" represent a lack of personal accountability. Conversely, when we ask better questions-QBQs-such as "What can I do to contribute?" or "How can I help solve the problem?" our lives and our organizations are transformed.

The QBQ! Promise

This remarkable and timely book gives a practical method for putting personal accountability into daily action, with astonishing results: problems are solved, internal barriers come down, service improves, teamwork grows, and people adapt to change more quickly. QBQ! is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to learn, grow, and change. Using this tool, each of us can add tremendous worth to our organizations and to our lives by eliminating blame, complaining, and procrastination.

This is a book that was given to me years ago by my very successful friend Brian Davis. It introduced the idea of taking responsibility for all aspects of my life. It's an idea that has compounded with time and practice. I'm far from perfecting this, but I'm much further along because of this book and others that encourage action and results. Are you ready to stop procrastinating?

Spiritual Awareness

In searching for quotes for today's entry, I found many I'd like to share. May these thoughts remind you of your true nature.

It gives me a deep comforting sense that things seen are temporal and things unseen are eternal. - Helen Keller

God exists in eternity. The only point where eternity meets time is in the present. The present is the only time there is.
- Marianne Williamson

If we want a love message to be heard, it has got to be sent out. To keep a lamp burning, we have to keep putting oil in it.
- Mother Teresa

We are not human beings on a spiritual journey. We are spiritual beings on a human journey.
- Stephen R. Covey

Arnold Newman

I think photography is a matter of controlling what’s in front of you and making it do your will. This, of course, implies absolute mastery over camera, medium, techniques, and the ability to work with the subject and get him willingly and happily without any self-conscious feeling to fall into those things which are natural to him. This is a very complicated thing to do in portraiture. Mine are deliberately self-conscious portraits and therefore contain no forced feeling of candidness… the subject is unaware of the fact that I am waiting – things begin to happen – the man begins to reveal himself.” “If the background becomes overwhelming and you lose the personality, then I have not made a good portrait and it is not a good picture. I think the world is full of intelligent people who are not really trying to be flattered; what they really want is to be understood”. “The more I get to know my subject the more he gets to know me, and so often the pictures taken at the end of a sitting are much better both creatively and interpretively… A photographer is always in a state of preparing himself for a given moment… we have only an instant in which to think and act. -Arnold Newman

Check out Arnold's work at PDNonline

NYC Night Shots

I got off the plane last Sunday and into the city at night. What a magical place. I wandered around as a tourist until 1 am in amazement in Times Square. My last night (on Tuesday) was spent with my clients and the final shots are from their rooftop. Enjoy:)

The view from my hotel window.

This guy rapped an original song for a buck:)

Kids were doing bong hits next to me on the corner where I was shooting. Wow.

I love Jaguar ads. Currently my favorite campaign.

Great views from the rooftop.

Seema and Karan Engagement

Seema and Karan made it so easy for me to get great shots. They were awesome together. We spent a few hours shooting in and around Central Park. We also shot at Grand Central Station and their rooftop for the images at dusk. (Thanks for showing me such a fun time in NYC). Enjoy!

NYC

Sorry today's post is coming to you behind schedule. I was up way to late last night "bonding" with my clients. So I'm shooting engagement photos in Central Park yesterday and I run into Gene Higa and Ann Hamilton shooting engagement photos there too. Ann snapped the shots below. (Thanks Ann) It's a small world. I'm heading off to the airport now, so I'll post all my NY stuff over the next few days. Enjoy!

Kelley and Aaron Engagement

Last Saturday I was in San Francisco to photograph engagement images of Kelley and Aaron. The couple will be married in OC this summer, but they live in SF and really wanted to shoot where it was meaningful for them. The weather was, well, overcast and rainy. But, I pride myself on being able to shoot in any weather. (As you know, we only have one season in OC). "Blessed are the flexible", my Father told me when it rained on my wedding day. Enjoy!

The Success Principles(TM): How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be

Jack has skills. This is a practical book on how to overcome the fears that paralyze us. Additionally it's full of inspirational stories, (which I love). Jack has an enthusiastic approach to teaching which makes it easy to read or listen to. Enjoy!

Amazon.com If there's anyone qualified to write a self-help book on success, it's Jack Canfield, who's worked his way from scraping by as a teacher to holding a Guinness world record for having seven books simultaneously on The New York Times® Best Sellers list. As a coauthor of the Chicken Soup for the Soul® series, he's sold more than 80 million books, and now lives "in a beautiful California estate" with his days of dining on spaghetti and tomato paste long behind him. "All you have to do is decide what it is you want, believe you deserve it, and practice the principles in this book," he says, and success is yours.

His advice is straightforward (examples: "reject rejection" and "surround yourself with successful people"), but rather derivative, with quotes from the likes of JFK, Colin Powell, Aldous Huxley, and fellow motivation author Napoleon Hill.Canfield's definition of success is primarily monetary, and he includes plenty of anecdotes depicting average folks who saved themselves from the brink of bankruptcy after following his principles. He could tone down the braggadocio; readers don't need to know that he's stayed in resorts in Hawaii, Italy, Australia, and Morocco. Despite those gripes, his cheerleader-caliber enthusiasm should benefit anyone looking to improve their lot in life. --Erica Jorgensen

From Publishers Weekly
When it comes to success, Canfield knows of what he speaks: he is co-creator, with Mark Victor Hansen, of the seemingly endless Chicken Soup for the Soul series. He presents 64 success principles that he claims "always work"—and draws on his own experience and that of others to illustrate them. Sixty-four principles may seem like a lot, but each receives a concise, easy-to-digest chapter that challenges readers to risk creating their lives exactly as they want them. Many of the principles are familiar—e.g., "Take 100% Responsibility for Your Life"—but Canfield has a nifty way of summarizing them ("Reject rejection"), and some are inventive: "Become an Inverse Paranoid" means see the world as out to help you instead of out to get you. He also offers specific techniques, such as positive-thinking exercises and visualizations. A section on transformation provides even more on how to overcome self-defeating beliefs, fears and habits. Further sections offer principles on building good teams and better relationships at the office. Canfield acknowledges his predecessors in the success advice field, such as Napoleon Hill, and is also clear that while he gives information, motivation, and inspiration, readers must contribute their own hard work. Canfield's energy and enthusiasm bounce off the page; many will flock to this inspiring (and very rich) teacher. And those starting off in business or in need of a refresher course may consider this title required reading.

Attitude

Attitude by: Rev. Charles Swindoll

The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, then circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think, say, or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill. It will make or break a company, a church, a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day.

We cannot change our past. We cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you. We are in charge of our attitudes.

How is your attitude today? Think of three things you are grateful for today. Write them down for yourself to see and then share them with someone. This is one of the surest ways to inspire a positive attitude. May your day reveal 300 blessings all around you:)

David August

The Southern California Wedding Vendors who see me often, know that I've been having so much fun dressing up for events around town. I now have three very pimp suits from the amazingly talented David August. He and his staff are top-notch in both service and quality. If any grooms out there are looking for a fashionable hand tailored suit, you owe it to yourself to schedule a consultation with him. Today, I photographed some of his suggestions pertaining to Spring for SPACE magazine. Here's a few of my favs.
Enjoy!

Margaret Bourke-White

The very secret of life for me...was to maintain in the midst of rushing events an inner tranquillity. I had picked a life that dealt with excitement, tragedy, mass calamities, human triumphs and suffering. To throw my whole self into recording and attempting to understand these things, I needed an inner serenity as a kind of balance. -The very secret of life for me...was to maintain in the midst of rushing events an inner tranquillity. I had picked a life that dealt with excitement, tragedy, mass calamities, human triumphs and suffering. To throw my whole self into recording and attempting to understand these things, I needed an inner serenity as a kind of balance. -Margaret Bourke-White

Portrait of Margaret Bourke-White

Margaret photographed Gandhi in 1946

Little Treasures

Sunday afternoon I took a long walk on the beach for some perspective. I thought a lot about my "Life as a Soundtrack" as I strolled along listening to Ashes and Snow. It was cold for the beach, and I was bundled up, just walking and thinking. There is some beautiful connection between my brain and my legs while I'm moving. I can't explain it, but I do some great thinking while I'm walking briskly along. As I sat on the rocks at my half-way point, I began to look closely and all the beauty around me. I then had the idea to collect a few items around me to photograph. There is loveliness all around us, but often, as I'm walking briskly, I miss it. The following images are my personal reminder to slow down and take notice of the beautiful little treasures in my life. May you also notice the little things in your life as you go about your business today.

Potter Puppet Pals in "The Mysterious Ticking Noise"

Two nights ago, Ingrid had fallen asleep early and our 12 year old daughter, Mikayla, and I went downstairs to brew some peach tea and hang out. While we waited for the water to boil, we searched YouTube for a funny video to share a laugh. This was the first video we found and we laughed together and watched it a few times. It's possible that I was amused because it was - a) late and I was slap happy, b) in a giggly mood with my daughter, or c) I really am soooo immature that this seems funny. Whatever it is, laughter is great for the mind and body. So if you find this little puppet play funny, share it with a loved one and laugh together. Remember how fun it was to play puppets? Enjoy your day:)

Valenti / Diluzio Wedding

I shot my first wedding reception at The Island in Newport Beach, since it was sold by the Four Seasons. The reception was in the very cool "Palm Garden Ballroom". All I can say is, "Great Light in there!" The groom was super excited to be married. It was awesome watching him with his bride and their children. Enjoy!

What Clients Love

Harry Beckwith scores again! This time he shares practical advice on how to give your clients what they deserve and desperately want. This book is four stars!

From the Publisher
Harry Beckwith is the author of Selling the Invisible and The Invisible Touch, both marketing classics. Now he applies his unparalleled clarity, insight, humor, and expertise to a new age of mass communication and mass confusion. What Clients Love will help you stand out from the crowd -- and sell anything to anyone. From making a pitch to building a brand, from designing a logo to closing a sale, this is a field guide to take with you to the front lines of today's business battles. What Clients Love will help you get focused, stay focused, and follow the essential rules to success -- by doing the little things right and the big things even better.

Publishers Weekly
The author of Selling the Invisible tries to top that book's bestselling success with this breezy collection of one- to two-page friendly lecturettes on how to keep your business profitable. He might just do so, as it's difficult to imagine a book better suited in format to harried executives: they could gulp down the entire volume over the course of a single flight. Beckwith has somehow also managed to take a format where so many authors have tried and failed, and written a useful, direct and even at times inspiring book. In this age of information overload, Beckwith pulls some valuable lessons out of the bygone days of the 1970s, when, he says, consumers had infinitely fewer products and services to choose from, but seemed generally happier. Other valuable lessons for today's hard-charging businessperson include: "Hard sales lose business," "No superlatives" and, in order to understand how to run a successful business, "Study Starbucks." Beckwith is even able to take a simple thing like a name-e.g., Kinko's-and show how that chain was able, through its name (although the ubiquity of its open all-day-and-night locations didn't hurt), to crush the competition, whose names all sounded alike (e.g., InstyPrint, SpeedyPrint, etc.). Pocket-sized and packed with nuggets of wisdom, this is a rare winner in a glutted field.

Lady, Are You Rich?

Life is about so much more than money. May this day reveal to you how much you can truly be grateful for.

Lady, Are You Rich? by Marion Doolan

They huddled inside the storm door—two children in ragged outgrown coats.

"Any old papers, lady?”

I was busy. I wanted to say no—until I looked down at their feet. Thin little sandals, sopped with sleet.

"Come in and I'll make you a cup of hot cocoa.”

There was no conversation. Their soggy sandals left marks upon the hearthstone. I served them cocoa and toast with jam to fortify against the chill outside. Then I went back to the kitchen and started again on my household budget.

The silence in the front room struck through to me. I looked in. The girl held the empty cup in her hands, looking at it. The boy asked in a flat voice, "Lady . . . are you rich?"

“Am I rich? Mercy, no!"

I looked at my shabby slipcovers. The girl put her cup back in its saucer—carefully.

“Your cups match your saucers."

Her voice was old, with a hunger that was not of the stomach. They left then, holding their bundles of papers against the wind. They hadn't said thank you. They didn't need to. They had done more than that. Plain blue pottery cups and saucers. But they matched.

I tested the potatoes and stirred the gravy. Potatoes and brown gravy, a roof over our heads, my man with a good steady job—these things matched, too.

I moved the chairs back from the fire and tidied the living room. The muddy prints of small sandals were still wet upon my hearth. I let them be. I want them there in case I ever forget again how very rich I am.

Alfred Stieglitz

It is not art in the professionalized sense about which I care, but that which is created sacredly, as a result of a deep inner experience, with all of oneself, and that becomes 'art' in time.
-Alfred Stieglitz

Get the dvd at Amazon. Have a great weekend!

Becker and Beckstead in Greece

One of my [b]est friends is doing a a killer photo workshop in Santorini, Greece. David Beckstead is wisely teaming up with my fabulously famous friend Becker to teach and inspire in one of the worlds most gorgeous locations. This should not [b] missed. Maybe I could tag along as a model in some slinky Versace outfit. Or maybe not. Anyway, check out BeckersBlog for all the details!

Priscilla & Josh Engagement

All right, all right, all right... I was in my zone tonight! It feels really good to be charged with creative energy!
What a day, I was in LA this morning finding great new suedes for my albums covers and I was in San Diego tonight (Balboa Park) shooting engagement images. Rock on! I'm pretty happy with the results. Priscilla recommended that we shoot there. It was a good suggestion:)

It was exactly one year ago tonight that Josh proposed. They figured that out at dinner this evening when our waiter asked the date. (Thanks for dinner too!!) You guys are awesome.

Everyone else...enjoy the images and pursue your passion! It's late. I'm going to bed.

Attention Brides

Last night I attended THE best ABC (Association of Bridal Consultants) gala ever! Hosted by the most Fabulous Florists in Orange County, Square Root knows how to throw a killer party and design the most beautiful floral designs for a wedding. Alex and Jeff are simply the best. When you 're looking for the Extraordinary, you need look no further! Thanks guys, I had a blast.

Dreams Come True

Since I was a kid, I've dreamed of being a rock star. I've always enjoyed playing the drums, but I found my true love in photography! So I've merged the two dreams and they've become my reality. I'm so excited that I have such excellent clients like Gary and Francesca that allow me to pursue my passion! I had such a blast shooting them. Dreams do come true, so dream big! Huge props to Alex and Julie at Elysium Productions for creating the perfect piece for me. Thank you:) Smile like you mean it!

The Alchemist

I've got to give props to Matthew Jordan Smith for this recommendation. He said that he has all of his interns read this book and then they talk about it. I bought the paperback and read it in a day.You should pick this one up!

Where your treasure is, there too will be your heart.

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Like the one-time bestseller Jonathan Livingston Seagull, The Alchemist presents a simple fable, based on simple truths and places it in a highly unique situation. And though we may sniff a bestselling formula, it is certainly not a new one: even the ancient tribal storytellers knew that this is the most successful method of entertaining an audience while slipping in a lesson or two. Brazilian storyteller Paulo Coehlo introduces Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who one night dreams of a distant treasure in the Egyptian pyramids. And so he's off: leaving Spain to literally follow his dream.
Along the way he meets many spiritual messengers, who come in unassuming forms such as a camel driver and a well-read Englishman. In one of the Englishman's books, Santiago first learns about the alchemists--men who believed that if a metal were heated for many years, it would free itself of all its individual properties, and what was left would be the "Soul of the World." Of course he does eventually meet an alchemist, and the ensuing student-teacher relationship clarifies much of the boy's misguided agenda, while also emboldening him to stay true to his dreams. "My heart is afraid that it will have to suffer," the boy confides to the alchemist one night as they look up at a moonless night.

"Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself," the alchemist replies. "And that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams, because every second of the search is a second's encounter with God and with eternity." --Gail Hudson --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Publishers Weekly
This inspirational fable by Brazilian author and translator Coelho has been a runaway bestseller throughout Latin America and seems poised to achieve the same prominence here. The charming tale of Santiago, a shepherd boy, who dreams of seeing the world, is compelling in its own right, but gains resonance through the many lessons Santiago learns during his adventures. He journeys from Spain to Morocco in search of worldly success, and eventually to Egypt, where a fateful encounter with an alchemist brings him at last to self-understanding and spiritual enlightenment. The story has the comic charm, dramatic tension and psychological intensity of a fairy tale, but it's full of specific wisdom as well, about becoming self-empowered, overcoming depression, and believing in dreams. The cumulative effect is like hearing a wonderful bedtime story from an inspirational psychiatrist. Comparisons to The Little Prince are appropriate; this is a sweetly exotic tale for young and old alike.

Happy Easter

Good morning friends!

I'd like to wish you a joyful and blessed Easter!

I'd also like share my friends Brook and Alisha Todd's new blog. Check it out! He makes me laugh...

The Empty Chair

A man's daughter had asked the local pastor to come and pray with her father. When the pastor arrived, he found the man lying in bed with his head propped up on two pillows and an empty chair beside his bed. The priest assumed that the old fellow had been informed of his visit. "I guess you were expecting me," he said. "No, who are you?"

"I'm the new associate at your local church," the pastor replied. "When I saw the empty chair, I figured you knew I was going to show up."

"Oh yeah, the chair," said the bedridden man. "Would you mind closing the door?"

Puzzled, the pastor shut the door.

"I've never told anyone this, not even my daughter," said the man. "But all of my life I have never known how to pray. At church I used to hear the pastor talk about prayer, but it always went right over my head.."

"I abandoned any attempt at prayer," the old man continued, "until one day about four years ago my best friend said to me, 'Joe, prayer is just a simple matter of having a conversation with Jesus. Here's what I suggest. Sit down on a chair, place an empty chair in front of you, and in faith see Jesus on the chair. It's not spooky because he promised, 'I'll be with you always.' Then just speak to him and listen in the same way you're doing with me right now."

"So, I tried it and I've liked it so much that I do it a couple of hours every day. I'm careful, though. If my daughter saw me talking to an empty chair, she'd either have a nervous breakdown or send me off to the funny farm."

The pastor was deeply moved by the story and encouraged the old guy to continue on the journey. Then he prayed with him, and returned to the church.

Two nights later the daughter called to tell the pastor that her daddy had died that afternoon.

"Did he seem to die in peace?" he asked.

"Yes, when I left the house around two o'clock, he called me over to his bedside, told me one of his corny jokes, and kissed me on the cheek. When I got back from the store an hour later, I found him dead. But there was something strange, In fact, beyond strange--kinda weird. Apparently, just before Daddy died, he leaned over and rested his head on a chair beside the bed."

Good Friday

Often images communicate more powerfully than words. I've been given a great gift to speak visually. Artist Salvador Dali used his gift and painted three scenes of Jesus that I have stored forever in my mind, and recall usually around Easter. I'd like to share them with you.

Danielle & Jerod Engagement

Danielle and Jerod and their children spent some time with me in Laguna Beach to shoot family portraits and engagement images. It is awesome to live so close to so many great beaches to shoot. Danielle hung in there on a clear and cold day at the beach a few weeks ago. The wind was really blowing too. It's not easy being a model, but the images are always worth the discomfort. Enjoy!

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

ERNST HAAS - PARIS, VIEW FROM NOTRE DAME

ERNST HAAS - THE CROSS, NEW YORK

Celebrate the Masters around Us!

Georgina & Garvin Engagement

I photographed Georgina & Garvin close to my studio in San Juan Capistrano. Georgina had a second dress for her wedding and chose to wear it for their engagement session. It's fun to shoot bridal images before the wedding. Enjoy.

Six Hours One Friday

I don't intend to sound to soft and gushy, but Christmas and Easter really cause me to examine my life. I live between the broad spectrum of rock star and monk. I live much of my personal life quietly grounded in my spirituality and I know my purpose. As Joe Photo, I live my passion to create extraordinary images. And in Vegas, the rock star dream emerges. It's a interesting combination to be sure, but as I seek deeper meaning, the rock star dream is becoming less important.

This book had a significant impact on my soul many years ago. Max Lucado is an amazingly gifted author and teacher. His storytelling is mesmerizing and captivating, as he weaves contemporary stories with historical observations.

As Easter approaches, this may be the perspective you've been seeking. Blessings!

Book Description
Sometimes it seems life has nothing to send your way but storms. How can you possibly anchor yourself well enough to survive and weather these storms? You may be facing…

a failing marriage
an impossible work deadline
a potential layoff
the death of a child
a malignant tumor
or something equally challenging
You don't have to weather these storms alone. God promises to be with you, and He has provided you with three anchor points to help you ride out any storm. Each anchor point was planted firmly in bedrock two thousand years ago by a carpenter who claimed to be the Christ. And it was all done in the course of a single day. All done during six hours one Friday.

Those six hours were no normal six hours. They were the most critical hours in history. For during those six hours on that Friday, God made it possible for you to know that:

Your life is not futile.
Your failures are not fatal.
Your death is not final.
Travel back to the foot of the cross and learn how to live in the power of the cross.

Palm Sunday

At the beginning of the week Jesus is reigned into Jerusalem as King, in a few days he will pay the ultimate price for Love.

John 15:13
"Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends

Once upon a time, there was an island where all feelings lived Happiness, Sadness, Knowledge, and all of the others including Love.

One day it was announced to the feelings that the island would sink, so all repaired their boats and left. Love was the only one who stayed.

Love wanted to persevere until the last possible moment. When the island was almost sinking, Love decided to ask for help. Richness was passing by Love in a grand boat. Love said, "Richness, can you take me with you?" Richness answered, "No, I can't. There is a lot of gold and silver in my boat. There is no place here for you." Love decided to ask Vanity who was also passing by in a beautiful vessel.

"Vanity, please help me!" "I can't help you Love. You are all wet and might damage my boat," Vanity answered. Sadness was close by so Love asked for help, "Sadness, let me Go with you." "Oh...Love, I am so sad that I need to be by myself!" Happiness passed by Love too, but she was so happy that she did not even hear when Love called her!

Suddenly, there was a voice, "Come Love, I will take you." It was an elder. Love felt so blessed and overjoyed that he even forgot to ask the elder her name. When they arrived at dry land, the elder went her own way.

Love realizing how much he owed the elder asked Knowledge, another elder, "Who helped me?" "It was Time," Knowledge answered. "Time?" Love asked. "But why did Time help me?"

Knowledge smiled with deep Wisdom and answered, "Because only Time is capable of understanding how great Love is."