Cup of Joe Photo

White is Light

Saturday, we faded to black. Today we shall explore the light.

White symbolizes purity, cleanliness and neutrality and many photographers prefer a clean white background to showcase their images.

What rocks your world? Black or white?

Crash-Proof: How to Profit From the Coming Economic Collapse

I heard an interview with Peter Schiff several months ago and thought that his ideas made a lot of sense. I made a note to myself that I'd like to get his book. Months went by and then the Fed two weeks ago announced printing another one trillion dollars to buy the countries toxic assets. Red flags shot up for me and I spent last week with Crash Proof.  The world is in a much different place today than it was even six months ago. It's time to prepare.

OVERVIEW FROM BARNES AND NOBLE

The economic tipping point for the United States is no longer theoretical. It is a reality today. The country has gone from the world's largest creditor to its greatest debtor; the value of the dollar is sinking; domestic manufacturing is winding down - and these trends don't seem to be slowing. Peter Schiff casts a sharp, clear-sighted eye on these factors and explains what the possible effects may be and how investors can protect themselves. For more than a decade, Schiff has not only observed the U.S. economy, but also helped his clients reposition their portfolios to reflect his outlook. What he sees is a nation facing an economic storm brought on by growing federal, personal, and corporate debt, too-little savings, a declining dollar, and lack of domestic manufacturing. 
Crash-Proof is an informed and informative warning of a looming period marked by sizeable tax hikes, loss of retirement benefits, double digit inflation, even - as happened recently in Argentina - the possible collapse of the middle class. However, Schiff does have a survival plan that can provide the protection that readers will need in the coming years.

All In?

" Losers say it is hard and impossible, but winners say it is hard but not impossible."
--- Author Unknown --- Submitted by Yash Gupta --- India
Make it clear to yourself which category you belong to, either winners or losers.

Mikayla and I have been watching episodes of ultimate fighting lately. We take turns picking our favorites for the battles and then cheer for our fighters. The one common quality that consistently blows my mind in all of the fighters is determination. Wounded and exhausted, most press on until the end. Though each battle has a winner and a loser, losers who use determination to get back back into the octagon and battle again are ultimately winners (unless they quit the profession).

Winners know it is hard.

Are you a winner in your profession? Are you exhausted and beat down, but continue to press forward?

Who is cheering for you to keep going? Who is counting on you to be a winner?

I'm fortunate to have the support of family and friends who cheer me on when I'm down and share in my struggles when the fight gets hard. One battle at a time.

My friend Brian recently told me that one of his department managers gave him possibly the best compliment he'd ever received. She said regarding his determination to win that he was "all in".

Are you?

Fade to Black

Photography requires light and shadow. Design often uses negative space to allow your eye time to rest while interpreting a message.

Black communicates elegance, power, mystery, and drama. Use accordingly.

Space for Photography

Attention Southern California photographers and art enthusiasts! The Annenberg Space for Photography opens TODAY in Los Angeles. The exhibition is titled L8S ANG3LES: 11 LA photographers. The show includes the work of two of my favorite photographers - Greg Gorman and Douglas Kirkland.

I'm so grateful for the financial support of the arts in Los Angeles. We have such an abundance of opportunities to be inspired by. This is a terrific addition to further showcase our profession.

Be sure to check out the up coming events listings for lectures and workshops!

Organic Patterns

It's amazing what you can see when you're looking. Enjoy.

New Guard

If you come by my studio this week, you'll be mesmerized by my new security system. People have been buzzing about him for days now. (I highly recommend that you also hire someone to be on standby to clean the droppings).

Isn't it interesting that San Juan Capistrano looks so much like London?

Sunset in San Clemente

Normally you could have clearly seen the ocean from this bluff by our house. However, this was shot last week when there was a crazy marine layer (fog) so we stayed in the hills for the photos. Blessed are the flexible.

Buying Trances: A New Psychology of Sales and Marketing

The latest read in my arsenal of books, Buying Trances is all about how we each live in our own "trance" and if we want to communicate our message to prospective clients, we have to create a "new trance" to peak the curiosity of the listener. This book is loaded with information on the psychology of sales. Enjoy.

Expert Advice

Try, try, try, and keep on trying is the rule that must be followed to become an expert in anything. - W.Clement Stone

Are you committed to your success? Really committed? There is no "easy street" or shortcut to becoming an expert. It takes commitment. Malcolm Gladwell proposes 10,000 hours of practice to become an expert. Are you that committed?