The last week has been great, its so amazing to have some free time to sit down and write, to workout as much as I like to and start planning the next shoots which will start this week. Will be wrapping up the T1i DVD, hopefully before the Canon 7D is released. I may even get to bed before 11:30pm tonight! wow!
This whole maven/mentor continues to change me in a good way. I know Ive mentioned this before, its like walking down a path in nearly pure darkness, only being able to see a few inches in front of me- but when I take those steps forward, I can see a little further ahead and get the direction I need. If I didnt take those steps, I wouldn’t know where I am supposed to go and would probably just be standing in darkness wasting time. The further I move forward with the training videos, the school and workshops, Im learning more and more what I need to become.
Some things Ive learned recently (from the trip especially)-
– I’m a better instructor than I am a photographer.
– My time is best spent creating (scripting and shooting) videos. Not editing, not post-production, not shipping, not handling customer service. Making videos. Period.
– I am most helpful to beginning to advanced photographers. “Experts” seem to get bored with me, and that’s ok.
– Ive learned that most beginners to advanced photographers struggle with confidence. “How much to charge? When will I be good enough?” Ive heard those 2 questions at least 1000 times each.
– If my students are struggling with confidence, I must learn to be better at encouraging. Not only instruct, I must encourage, and nurture and find ways to build confidence. This specific aspect is something new for me and I am embracing this idea more and more.
– Time is now my most valuable resource. I feel like I am rushing to do everything I need and I wont live long enough to reach all my goals.
– Im learning that I need to get better about rejecting opportunity. This is something Im not good at, but getting better.
– Im learning I am more and more capable than I think I am.
– I am learning that if you have a good idea and are willing to work and sacrifice for it, important people will come forward and support you.
– I am learning that happiness cannot come from “getting” something and I am most happy when I am focusing on “giving”. Cliche’ but very true.
– I am learning the importance of “minimalism” (consciously avoiding the accumulation of “things”)
– I am learning I feel happy when I get rid of things I don’t use anymore.
Anyway, the reason I am writing all this is because of this picture. It was taken very spontaneously. I was walking back to my car after having an unexpected meeting a very good friend here in Phoenix. I wont go into details, but I was upset. My friend is an important person to me and needed support, not a lecture. When the moment of truth came, I was able to offer her the support she needed instead of being negative and I know she appreciated it too. Im still searching for a tactful way to talk to her about what happened, not sure I will ever be able to. I know thats cryptic, but for now I cant really say more. Sometimes its better just to take the hit. I wanted to say something- but I realized…its not my job to be negative, its my job to encourage, support, nurture, and be a friend when someone needs it. This is more important than whatever it is I’m upset about….Not an easy pill to swallow….
Anyway, on my way back to the car, I just saw this light and instantly thought- “look at that circle on the ground…perfect for a 365!” 🙂 I hung my camera on a sign like I did at the airport- took one shot and you know what? It made me feel better almost instantly! I really am a simple person. 🙂 
Great shot!… The ring of light is amazing!
Also it sound like your friend is lucky to have someone in there life to support them regardless there situation like you. What goes around comes….
Hi Michael,
I love this photograph!! This shot and day 77 is my fav of the bunch…So far =)
I don’t think I have ever noticed a ring like that… You are an exceptional teacher. 🙂
With all that was going on that evening, you still had cycles in your brain to notice a nice photo op. Is it reflective of the dilemma you were in (running around in a circle on what to do?) Sometimes when folks are down, you don’t want to seem insensitive by giving them some constructive criticism (not negativity). People never like to hear this but sometimes hearing a different perspective hurts initially but helps us understand why we end up in situations. It can only help us to try and avoid these situations in the future. Next time try to think if you would ever be in an opportunity or situation again to tell them your comments. The odds are most likely now would be the best time to say it since you don’t want to seem like your re-hashing past events or memories if your still on talking terms. Just my 2 cents…… =)
I have to agree with Derrick……and what an awesome shot…..it’s so funny how once we get photography in our heads that almost anything we see can become a photo op!!! Nicely done!
great shot that is so cool!
Lets call this one "The epiphany" Nice shot Michael. Good friends are hard to find.
LOVE IT
Your honesty about your journey of self exploration and education was very enlightening. It reminded me where I need to be. Ok with the jouney. The pic was neat too.