Monday Musings

This past week has been busy. No busier than other weeks really but for some reason it felt busier. There are people in my life who wonder how I do it. How I accomplish what I do and how I keep everything straight in my head.  There are times when I’m not sure. A lot is due to my drive and determination and my desire to provide a high quality product. These were gifts which I received from my parents. A words like “quit” is not in my vocabulary. Stephen Covey’s “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.“

Additionally I meditate every day. I write every day. I read every day and I listen to music every day. These things nourish my soul and without them I would not be able to achieve what I have achieved. It is important for me to take these daily steps. In many ways it is no different from the training done by a world class athlete.

January 9th I photographed Megan and Rob’s wedding. I edited those photos, burned DVD’s, put together an album, designed a website and uploaded photos to my blog, my main website, the couple’s website and my fulfillment site. I also delivered prints and an album for another couple. This is all in addition to my full-time work. .

Saturday, my son Stephen, his friend Kyle and myself drove to Washington, PA to visit Washington-Jefferson College. After a whirlwind trip there and back (8-hours) and meetings with coaches and staff we arrived home. Once I arrived home I cleaned camera gear and charged batteries and then passed out. Sunday morning I was off to Stockton, NY to complete an engagement shoot for Sara and her fiance, EJ. We were a little concerned about the weather being forecast for Sunday. After months of cold temperatures and snow, the forecast was for rain. Normally in Buffalo, NY in January the concern is about the snow, Sunday was about the threat of rain.

We met at the home of Sarah’s parents and the shoot went off without a hitch until we were about 5-minutes into the shoot when the rain started. We did the best we could do under the circumstances yet everyone walked away disappointed. I know Sara was disappointed but no one was more so than me. I make promises to couples to provide the highest degree of customer service and when I can’t complete a shoot I feel as though I’ve not fulfilled my end of the agreement. The weather was something out of my or anyone else’s realm of control but this has done little to relieve the concern I feel for my responsibilities. We will schedule another engagement shoot to make up for the one cut short by the weather.

As busy as the weekend was I wouldn’t trade it for anything. It’s the fact I have my camera in my hand that makes it all tolerable. Again, I’d like to give a shout out to all of my clients and say “Thank you.” Without you and your trust in myself and my abilities I wouldn’t be able to work toward making my photo business full-time.

Thanks for reading.

Christopher