Cup of Joe Photo

Last Book of the Year - The War of Art

I can hardly believe that 2007 has come to a close. It has been an amazing year of sharing with you all - everyday this year! I'm so proud to have blogged for 365 days in a row. I would love to give props to Becker for inspiring me to do so and showing me that it was possible. I'll be spending the rest of the week on formalizing my goals and making changes to the activities in my life that are holding me back. I've got many new ideas I'll be sharing with you in 2008. I'd like to thank you for spending a part of your day with me:) I'll keep pourin' the joe as long as you keep drinkin' it in.

I just finished this book last night. (ps -I far exceeded the 12 books I wanted to read in 2007)

Break Through Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles

Every day we wake up, and, whether we know or appreciate it, we wage an invisible war against an unquenchable foe. This unseen enemy stands between the life we live and the unlived life within us. Fall victim to it as most do and mediocrity is your course. Overcome it and your glory will be the success and accomplishment that can only come with living your Unlived Life. Let world-renowned novelist and fellow warrior Steven Pressfield arm you to overcome this "Resistance" and live your ... Unlived Life!

Most of us have two lives. The life we live, and the unlived life within us. Between the two stands Resistance.

Have you ever brought home a treadmill and let it gather dust in the attic? Ever resolved on a diet, a course of yoga, and then quit on it? Are you a writer who doesn't write, a painter who doesn't paint, an entrepreneur who never starts a venture? Then you know what Resistance is.

Resistance is the most toxic force on the planet. It is the root of more unhappiness than poverty, disease, and dysfunction. Resistance is faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, harder to kick than crack cocaine. We're not alone if we've been mown down by Resistance; millions of good men and women have bitten the dust before us. And here's the biggest problem: We don't even know what hit us. I never did. From age 24 to 32, Resistance kicked my ass from East Coast to West and back again 13 times, and I never even knew it existed. I looked everywhere for the enemy and failed to see it right in front of my face.

Look into your own heart. Even though you've only read a few paragraphs unless I'm crazy, right now a still, small voice is piping up, telling you as it has 10 thousand times, the calling that is yours and yours alone. You know it. No one has to tell you. And unless I'm crazy, you're no closer to taking action on it than you were yesterday or will be tomorrow. You think Resistance isn't real? Resistance will bury you!

You know, Hitler wanted to be an artist. At 18 he took his inheritance, 700 kronen, and moved to Vienna to live and study. He applied to the Academy of Fine Arts and later to the School of Architecture. Ever see one of his paintings? Neither have I. Resistance beat him. Call it overstatement, but I'll say it anyway: It was easier for Hitler to start World War II than it was for him to face a blank square of canvas.

Your Calling

May this last Sunday of 2007 remind you that you are blessed to live in America and pursue your passion. That you are blessed to enjoy good health, family and friends. Rejoice and spread love. We are abundantly blessed indeed.

" Your profession is not what brings home your paycheck. Your profession is what you were put on earth to do... with such passion and such intensity that it becomes spiritual in calling." Vincent Van Gogh

Brenda & Ingrid Celebrate Birthdays

Ingrid and (her close friend from High School) Brenda celebrated birthdays on Thursday night. They are actually one day apart, so we combined the party for both. This was very small compared to the 1/2 birthday party I had for Ingrid last June. Big party glasses made it more fun... at least for photos.

Happy Birthday Love!

Dave Attell is funny...

Friday is a good day to laugh. Enjoy and have a great weekend!!

You know, men and women are a lot alike in certain situations. Like when they're both on fire - they're exactly alike. Dave Attell

Dancin' Time

After we've all eaten so much at Christmas, it's time to get up and move around a bit. Most people will start to get back into the gym in January. Might I suggest an alternative. Try dancing. I love dancing, and this video made me smile. You burn tons of calories dancing...my problem is adding them back on in drinks while I'm dancing. OK so it's a wash. Have fun today! I'm going dancing...

Inner Circle

Christmas brings friends and family together in our tradition. These are the people Ingrid and I celebrate with every year. Have a beautiful day.

Merry Christmas

This year I thought instead of just showing one or two pictures in our Christmas cards (which will be going out soon) I thought I would share several great times throughout our year with the wonderful people who bless us with their friendship. Here's a glimpse into the "Photo Family" year. Enjoy.

A Christmas Story

I'm assuming that almost everyone has seen my favorite Christmas movie. I actually saw this movie when it first came out in theaters in 1983. My dad took us that first year, and I've loved it ever since. If, by chance, you haven't seen it - I strongly recommend you rent it. Perhaps it will become a classic with your family traditions too.

This 1983 comedy celebrates the sort of Christmas a young boy may have had in the 1940s.

Young Ralphie Parker wants only one thing: a Red Ryder Carbine Action 200 Shot Range Model Air Rifle. His parents don't want him to shoot his eye out and refuse to get it. Wacky hijinks ensue as Ralphie develops some very creative ploys to convince his mother and father that this is the only thing they should give him.

Christmas Thoughts

As many of you know, I love reading quotes. Small nuggets of wisdom with great big implications. Perhaps it's because I have experienced moments when a friend (or stranger) has spoken a few words into my life, that have had a radical impact. Many of us don't make enough time to read books, so I rely on quotes to bless others. These are a few ideas for your consideration as we approach Christmas. Happy Sunday:)

Best of all, Christmas means a spirit of love,
a time when the love of God and love of our fellow men should prevail over all hatred and
bitterness, a time when our thoughts and deeds and the spirit of our lives
manifest the presence of God. -George F. McDougall

The flow of
blessings in our
life is directly
related to
our passing
blessings along
to someone else.
-Thomas Kinkaid

Blessed is
The season which
Engages the whole
World in a
Conspiracy of love.
-Hamilton Wright Mabie

God sent a star to light the night for
The Way, The Truth, The Life--His Son.
He sent the Light of Life to prove His heart
so we would invite His Son into our own.
God has given us all the light we'll ever
need to find peace on earth,
goodwill to men.
-Pamela F.Dowd

Helena Ballet

Finally the photos you've all been waiting for...since yesterday anyway. I love the ballet. Especially when they're wearing reindeer antlers and I can photograph all the dancers. In this case, I had Uncle privileges. It's a perk. Enjoy! Have a blessed weekend. Hey, act like a kid today and make someone you love smile:)

Uncle Photo at Isabelle's Christmas Recital

Yesterday morning was soooo awesome. I spent it with my nieces and newphew at Isabelle's Christmas Recital then with Helena (and 6 other pre-schoolers) at her dance studio (check blog tomorrow) for some ballet and tap dancing. It is the sweetest gift in the world, to watch children perform and see them excited. This is what Christmas is about. Children singing, and laughing, and dancing. What if more of us adults did the same? My good friend Brian suggested that I was the "expert of fun" the other day. I received that statement as a supreme compliment. Learn from the kids around you. Sing and dance and laugh. Merry Christmas!

Amazing Grace

I'd like to highly recommend a movie that Ingrid and I watched Tuesday night. Amazing Grace was not one of my picks. Ingrid usually picks the movies of substance, while I pick stupid comedies like "Balls of Fury" (which I bought as soon as it came out on tuesday morning). Amazing Grace is the story of one man who had the courage and perseverance to combat social injustice in the 19th century. It is the story of his internal struggle against selfish choices that could forward his political aspirations. I was moved by this man's passion and focused intent. He chose the road less travelled. It is worth seeing and further pondering.

Alfred Stieglitz

Sometimes I like to ponder the words of the Masters that have gone before me. I found this quote curious and I'm not certain of it's meaning yet. Perhaps you have an opinion to offer? I'd like to hear it.

In photography there is a reality so subtle that it becomes more real than reality. - Alfred Stieglitz

Daddy's got a new pair

Yes, It's true. Ingrid got me an early present to wear to a Christmas Party last night! Check out these sweet earrings, baby. These are exactly what I wanted, without even asking. I may be one of the only guy wedding photographers that gets soooo excited about diamonds. It is a Merry Christmas for me:) Thanks Lover!!

Winning Vocabulary

Sometimes I try a book just for fun. I usually get lucky and pick one's that I enjoy. This is the first book in a long time that I felt was a waste of time. I'm not implying that one's vocabulary is not important. It certainly is. My opinion of this book, however, is rather low. If any of you have a better recommendation, I'm all ears.

Description - It has long been recognized that the person who can express his or her thoughts clearly and precisely is the person who gets to the top, who achieves their goals. This course offers the listener the opportunity to "fine-tune" their vocabulary, incorporating the latest learning techniques to enable the listener to retain and recall words and usage, all in an easy-to-listen-to package. Practical help for teenagers wanting to enhance their educational opportunities, for businessmen wanting to increase their chances for promotion, or anyone interested in expanding their knowledge of language and communication skills. Perfect to listen to while commuting, or instead of the radio or television.

PS On a happy note, I had a fabulous day yesterday playing street hockey with the neighborhood kids;)

Time Bank

Chew on this one today. Happy Sunday!!

Imagine there is a bank that credits your account each morning with $86,400. It carries over no balance from day to day. Every evening the bank deletes whatever part of the balance you failed to use during the day. What would you do? Draw out every cent, of course!!!!

Each of us has such a bank. Its name is TIME.

Every morning, it credits you with 86,400 seconds.

Every night it writes off, as lost, whatever of this you have failed to invest to good purpose.

It carries over no balance. It allows no overdraft.

Each day it opens a new account for you.

Each night it burns the remains of the day.

If you fail to use the day's deposits, the loss is yours.

There is no going back. There is no drawing against the "tomorrow".

You must live in the present on today's deposits. Invest it so as to get from it the utmost in health, happiness, and success!

The clock is running. Make the most of today.

To realize the value of ONE YEAR, ask a student who failed a grade.

To realize the value of ONE MONTH, ask a mother who gave birth to a premature baby.

To realize the value of ONE WEEK, ask the editor of a weekly newspaper.

To realize the value of ONE HOUR, ask the lovers who are waiting to meet.

To realize the value of ONE MINUTE, ask a person who missed the train.

To realize the value of ONE SECOND, ask a person who just avoided an accident.

Treasure every moment that you have! And reassure it more because you shared it with someone special, special enough to spend your time.

Remember that time waits for no one.
Yesterday is history.
Tomorrow is mystery.
Today is a gift.
That's why it's called the present!

Go Elf Yourself

Happy Saturday! Time to laugh. Check these out. My sister Lisa made this of her kids for their Uncle Photo. Then I had to make one too. Enjoy.

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1364673689

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1417174248

I'm really diggin' the shoes!
PS This can only be made on a pc. Sadly, not mac capable:( Save yourself the headache.

Image X ‘08 - Let the Registration Begin Now!

It's high noon in the west. Click here to Register for Image X 08! The first 5 people to sign up for my class will be sweetly rewarded:)

Image X ‘08 - Let the Registration Begin!

Today at noon PST I'll be posting the link on this blog to register for Image X 08. Based on the buzz, I hope to fill both of my classes today. The official website will be launched in a week or so, but the temporary registration link will secure your spot with your favorite photographers!!

I have some additional information in the form of a Q and A below that will answer more of your questions. I look forward to seeing you in New Orleans.

Q: Is their a discount for local residents or those wanting to find their own hotel?

A: No, unfortunately not. Given the # of room nights we've reserved and Julian's negotiating skills with the hotel (and friendship as one of his advertisers) they are cutting us an awesome deal on the meeting space. If we have less capacity with rooms we'd have to pay more for meeting space so the registration fee would stay the same either way.

Q: What is your payment schedule?

A: Half down as a non refundable deposit when booking. The balance is due 60 days prior to the workshop (so Aug 5th, 2008).

Q: Do we take credit cards?

A: Yes, we do!

WILL YOU BE THERE FOR BUSINESS OR PLEASURE? OR BOTH?
LEARN THE BUSINESS AND PLEASURE OF HIGH END WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY.

From Russia With Love

I really want to shout how stoked I am with the article - From Russia with Love - that RangeFinder ran in their December "Pictures of the Year" issue. I'm so proud of so many people that got involved with this project. First, my wife Ingrid, for her loving support and encouragement. Pastor Craig at Capo Calvary and the family of volunteers that I travelled with. All of our fabulous interpreters. Fujifilm for donating the cameras for the kids. Fotoworks for donating the film processing and prints for the kids. Bill Hurter and the staff at RangeFinder for making the story known to so many of their readers. And finally, I'm so proud of the extraordinary children I had the privledge to get to know. I can't wait to go back and see them again next summer. If by chance some of you reading this are inspired to go with us, I'd love to talk to you. The dates are May 30th to June 10th, 2008. The cost is about $2,000. I guarantee, your life would never be the same. We want to take about 30 people with us. Email me if you're interested. Let's spread the love people. We are blessed.

Christmas Sale Today!

13 days of shopping left before Christmas! For all of you (like me) who wait until the last minute to buy your gifts, here's one final chance to score a great gift for yourself or a loved one. Back by popular demand, get Show & Tell 2 for 40% off TODAY ONLY! When you check out of the Kart enter the word xmas for your promo code discount. We'll ship it priority mail to you on Thursday. Merry Christmas to you all! May your New Year be blessed with abundant creativity and joy.

Sweet Tuesday

Yesterday, I took the day off to have a "date day" with my wife. We went down to San Diego to see the Dead Sea Scrolls exhibition. It was really interesting. I was completely surprised at the size of the scrolls. It was also fascinating to see the dedication and skills of the translators. I imagine, it was their passion. I'm sure they never imagined that 2,000 years later, throngs of people would be lined up to view their accomplishment. What about imagining for a moment that images you shoot of a client will someday, 2000 years in the future, be viewed under protected glass by thousands of people in a museum. Would that change the way you shoot? Just a thought.

Changing gears, I've given myself a creative project. I'm trying to replicate the color representation of fashion ads I rip out of magazines. Here's one I did in green. The girl below is a model from my first fashion shoot with David August. The green treatment is an action I call "Moody Eerie Green". Enjoy.

Last, but not least, Thank you to all of you who who emailed me and want to sign up with me for Image X in New Orleans! I'm keeping a list (in order) of those who are interested. What could be more life changing, both personally and professionally? Treat yourself to a powerful experience. If you don't like how things are going, make a change.

Image X ‘08 - Let the Buzz Begin

“A one of a kind photo workshop experience with ten of the world’s leading wedding and event photographers set in the historic city of New Orleans”.

New Orleans Oct 6th – 8th 2008. In the heart of The Big Easy, I'll be servin' up some Wedding Jambalya for y'all. You'll learn my methods for adding "spice" to your images as well as my award-winning recipe for business success. Bring your appetite and your camera, and let's get cookin'.

Just look at all the talent that will be heating things up in New Orleans. My goodness!
Julia Bailey
Boutwell
Studio
Jessica Claire
John Michael Cooper
Gene Higa
Parker Pfister
Victor Sizemore
Cherie Steinberg
Jeff & Julia Woods

This is a "hands on" workshop and classroom experience. Each attendee will sign up with 2 instructors and spend one day with each. In addition, there will be general assemblies, parties and lots of interacting. Class sizes are limited! I am personally gifting my first 5 students who register with me. For more information, please email me joe@joephoto.com.

Things to Remember

Here is your inspiration for the day:) I'm sure there's something here to speak to you. Have a beautiful Sunday!

I find what I look for in people. If I look for God, I find God. If I look for bad qualities, I find them. I, in a sense, select what I expect, and I receive it. A life without challenges would be like going to school without lessons to learn. Challenges come not to depress or get me down, but to master and to grow and to unfold thereby.

In the Father's wise and loving plan for me, no burden can fall upon me, no emergency can arise, no grief can overtake me, before I am given the grace and strength to meet them.

A rich, full life is not determined by outer circumstances and relationships. These can be contributory to it, but cannot be the source. I am happy or unhappy because of what I think and feel.

I can never lose anything that belongs to me, nor can I posses what is not really mine.

To never run from a problem: either it will chase me or I will run into another just like it, although it may have a different face or name.

To have no concern for tomorrow. Today is the yesterday over which I had concern.

To never bang on a closed door: Wait for it to open and then go through it.

A person who has come into my life has come either to teach me something, or to learn something from me.
- Unknown

Priscilla & Rich

I've started pulling images for an album of engagement sessions. These are two images I shot a few years ago. I've never done an engagement "sample album" in all my years of shooting them. I have an incredible array of images that are not the traditional "looking at the camera" shots. Photography is fun! Don't you agree?

Cloverfield

Many of you by now know that I love movies. My brother-in-law, Daniel, turned my on to the trailer for Cloverfield at Thanksgiving. It just keeps getting better. I'm amazed at how video and film are impacting our perceptions and entertaining us at the same time. Check it out and be inspired. Happy weekend:)

YouTube Portfolio

This is a great way to share your images and ideas with the world. Check out this killer piece from Daniel W Coburn. Hhhhmmmmm, what will I create for YouTube? Tune in January 2008. I'll create something to share. What about you?

Two Seconds To Get The Shot

It appears that Tyler Sheilds had less time to get this shot than I do to capture a couples' first kiss as husband and wife. You thought weddings were tough....

New Gallery

Hey everyone! I got a new gallery of images up on our Rimrock Workshops website. There's lots of great images shot by the attendees (I'm so proud of them) and some super fun behind-the-scenes images too. Check em out. You should have been there... well now you can be there - in April. Cheers!

Books

Well, I finally finished reading Wicked about a week ago. Reading a fiction book was a good break in the mix of the business books I've been listening to. Reading takes me a lot longer to do than listening. Even though it takes longer, I just ordered myself 3 books to sit with over the holidays. Books make great gifts. For yourselves or for others. If your interested, these are the three I ordered. Happy reading:)

"The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles"
Steven Pressfield; Paperback; $10.36

"The Now Habit: A Strategic Program for Overcoming Procrastination and Enjoying Guilt-Free Play"
Neil Fiore; Paperback; $10.17

"Founders at Work: Stories of Startups' Early Days"
Jessica Livingston; Hardcover; $17.15

The Choice

May your Sunday be blessed with this story. Warmest Blessing to you all! -Joe

A woman came out of her house and saw three old men with long white beards sitting in her front yard. She did not recognize them. She said, "I don't think I know you, but you must be hungry. Please come in and have something to eat." "Is the man of the house home?" they asked. "No," she said, "he's out." "Then we cannot come in," they replied. In the evening when her husband came home, she told him what had happened. "Go tell them I am home and invite them in!" The woman went out and invited the men in. "We do not go into a house together," they replied. "Why is that?" she wanted to know. One of the old men explained, "His name is Wealth," said pointing to one of his friends, and said, pointing to another one, "He is Success, and I am Love." Then he added, "Now go in and discuss with your husband which one of us you want in your home." The woman went in and told her husband what was said. Her husband was overjoyed. "How nice!" he said. "since that is the case, let us invite Wealth. Let him come in and fill our home with wealth!" His wife disagreed. "My dear, why don't we invite Success?" Their daughter-in-law was listening from another corner of the house. She jumped in with her own suggestion: "Would it not be better to invite Love? Our home will then be filled with love!" "Let us heed our daughter-in-law's advice," said the husband to his wife." Go out and invite Love to be our guest." The woman went out and asked the three old men, "Which one of you is Love? Please come in and be our guest." Love got up and started walking toward the house. The other two also got up and followed him. Surprised, the woman asked Wealth and Success: "I only invited Love, why are you coming in?" The old men replied together: " If you had invited Wealth or Success, the other two of us would have stayed out, but since you invited Love, wherever he goes, we go with him. Wherever there is Love, there is Wealth and Success!!!" "Where there is pain, we wish you peace and mercy. Where there is self-doubting, we wish you a renewed confidence in your ability to work through it. Where there is tiredness, or exhaustion, we wish you understanding, patience, and renewed strength. Where there is fear, we wish you love, and courage."

Inspiration Props

Inevitably, we have all been inspired by incredible photographers. There are so many great image makers in the world. We enjoy countless great images from books and magazines these professions have created. I'm really blessed and inspired by some of the greatest shooters in the wedding industry. I have so many heros who have helped me to become a better photographer. Here's three that have inspired me.

Joe Buissink has shaped my ideas about capturing moments more than anyone else. His enthusiasm and dedication to his craft have shaped the ideas of countless photographers. He has a brand new website and mentoring program, as well as newly released fine art prints available. Check it out. Inspiration galore.

Marcus Bell is an extraordinary talent from "the land down under". His images blow my mind. They are Epic. His is a master photographer and printer. He's also super fun to hang out with into the wee hours of the morning. Cheers mate.

Jon Barber is an icon in Orange County. When I was the new kid in town, he took me under his wing and taught me so much about the wedding industry. He has helped me to grow both personally and professionally. He is a humble leader in our industry. Thank you Jon.

When it comes to inspiration, it is all around us. Just like good people and good friends.

Jon, Marcus, Me, & Joe B.