My parents taught me a very long time ago the importance of saying “thank you” and recognizing the individual for their kindness.

I make sure I keep a box of fine stationary in my office. I collect antique fountain pens (yeah, I know) and keep several inked all the time. Email is impersonal, text messaging is too easy but the feeling of a fine fountain pen nib gliding effortlessly across a fine piece of stationary; well that is something special. Thank you’s deserve something as special.

Think of someone who has done something nice for you, go to the store, choose a card and write a personal note to that person letting them know how much you appreciate them and/or what they have done for you.

Several weeks ago a friend on Facebook announced a half-marathon which would be taking place in Lewiston, NY. The race itself a fundraiser for Niagara Hospice.

I navigated to the Niagara Hospice website and assessed the date. The distance was very doable as my longest run to date was just one mile less than the race total. The date also fit my schedule. The decision to run the race became easier when I saw you could “run in memory of someone.” I signed up, paid the entry fee and filled in the “running in memory” section. I would dedicate my first half-marathon to the memory of my grandmother Stella.

My grandmother passed away four years ago. She was a central and very important figure in my life. Running has become an important part of my life so this race was a natural fit.

As my running has progressed I have embraced the run and learned to let go of my times for they are not what is important. My willingness and ability to get up, lace on my running shoes and put on some miles every day is what is important. The reward is not the time as much as it is the solitary sensory experience of the run.

As I ran yesterday I thought of my grandmother numerous times. I thought of her early rising, never complaining, continuing her own life after my grandfather’s death in 1984 (my mother would remind me later the race day coincided with my grandfather’s birthday) her hard work and effort in the face of some pretty unhappy and difficult times in her life. I ran my race; comfortable but also pushing myself to be better, a better person for running helps me to accomplish this.

As the mile markers ticked off the miles completed, I felt the duality of life crashing down on me. Thoughts of stopping and walking entered my head from time to time. I knew I could accomplish the distance and walking for a brief period of time would make my effort a little easier. When these thoughts crossed my mind, so did thoughts of my grandmother and of Jamey Rodemeyer. As I thought of both, thoughts of stopping and walking to ease my effort slipped away. Instead I found my posture becoming straighter, my arm swing less. There became a renewed sense of following through and completing the race. I rounded the final turn and in the distance 1/2 mile away I could see the finishing banner. My speed increased. I crossed the finish line and clasped my hands together. I looked up toward the heavens and thanked my grandmother for a life shared.

I completed the race in 2-hours and 12-minutes…just two minutes slower than I had thought I might finish. I was happy with my my effort.

RIP grandma and Jamey

Namaste

Chris

This is a special edition of “Wordless Wednesday” commemorating a local 9/11 commemoration ceremony. There is nothing to say…these photos speak for themselves.

God Bless America

Home of the free…

Honoring America’s First Responders.

Mercy Flight completed a fly over.

A moment of silence and the light of a candle.

Namaste

I have been having way too much fun lately and I feel a need to share this with you, my readers. I have returned to my roots; living a life as uncomplicated as I can possibly make it. I still write all of my blog posts with a well inked fountain pen criss-crossing the pages of my journal. It is only after I have gotten my thoughts onto paper are they then ready to be transcribed into my online blog.

You may ask yourself how this blog, when it does not directly relate to photography, is relevant to photography. Well my faithful reader, the blog is about me, my beliefs as well as my photography. The things which you read in my blog influence my photography. I believe when you hire a photographer it is important to hire as much for their personality as well as the quality of their work. I have looked at my photography business and found there was a need to streamline things if you will. I toiled over things such as price lists for the past few years and decided this was an area which required simplifying.

According to Thoreau, “Life for most has been tainted with unnecessary items and methods of transportation and communication” i.e., excessive furniture, post offices, and railroads. Thoreau believes “when we are unhurried and wise, we perceive that only great and worthy things have any permanent and absolute existence, that petty fears and petty pleasures are but the shadow of the reality” In order to truly experience living one must not go through life hastily; therefore, the existence of all things is to be absorbed, assimilated into daily life. Hurrying through life and refusing to be cognizant of surroundings and situations results in an empty and unfulfilled life, fore one has to drift away from the “extravagant” life and delve into the activities he/she sincerely wishes to participate. To access this approach, to live with purpose, one has “to drive life into a corner, and reduce it to its lowest terms; returning to the original way of life revitalizes an appreciation for existing, consequently revealing one’s genuine needs and desires.Afoot and light-hearted I take to the open road. -Walt Whitman

He who marvels at the beauty of the world in summer will find equal cause for wonder and admiration in winter. It is true the pomp and the pageantry are swept away, but the essential elements remain,—the day and the night, the mountain and the valley, the elemental play and succession and the perpetual presence of the infinite sky. In winter the stars seem to have rekindled their fires, the moon achieves a fuller triumph, and the heavens wear a look of a more exalted simplicity. Summer is more wooing and seductive, more versatile and human, appeals to the affections and the sentiments, and fosters inquiry and the art impulse. Winter is of a more heroic cast, and addresses the intellect. The severe studies and disciplines come easier in winter. One imposes larger tasks upon himself, and is less tolerant of his own weaknesses.

The tendinous part of the mind, so to speak, is more developed in winter; the fleshy, in summer. I should say winter had given the bone and sinew to Literature, summer the tissues and blood.

The simplicity of winter has a deep moral. The return of nature, after such a career of splendor and prodigality, to habits so simple and austere, is not lost upon either the head or the heart. It is the philosopher coming back from the banquet and the wine to a cup of water and a crust of bread.

And then this beautiful masquerade of the elements,—the novel disguises our nearest friends put on! Here is another rain and another dew, water that will not flow, nor spill, nor receive the taint of an unclean vessel. And if we see truly, the same old beneficence and willingness to serve lurk beneath all.

Look up at the miracle of the falling snow,—the air a dizzy maze of whirling, eddying flakes, noiselessly transforming the world, the exquisite crystals dropping in ditch and gutter, and disguising in the same suit of spotless livery all objects upon which they fall. How novel and fine the first drifts! The old, dilapidated fence is suddenly set off with the most fantastic ruffles, scalloped and fluted after an unheard-of fashion! Looking down a long line of decrepit stone wall, in the trimming of which the wind had fairly run riot, I saw, as for the first time, what a severe yet master artist old Winter is. Ah, a severe artist! How stern the woods look, dark and cold and as rigid against the horizon as iron!

All life and action upon the snow have an added emphasis and significance. Every expression is underscored. Summer has few finer pictures than this winter one of the farmer foddering his cattle from a stack upon the clean snow,—the movement, the sharply defined figures, the great green flakes of hay, the long file of patient cows, the advance just arriving and pressing eagerly for the choicest morsels,—and the bounty and providence it suggests. Or the chopper in the woods,—the prostrate tree, the white new chips scattered about, his easy triumph over the cold, his coat hanging to a limb, and the clear, sharp ring of his axe. The woods are rigid and tense, keyed up by the frost, and resound like a stringed instrument. Or the road-breakers, sallying forth with oxen and sleds in the still, white world, the day after the storm, to restore the lost track and demolish the beleaguering drifts.

All sounds are sharper in winter; the air transmits better. At night I hear more distinctly the steady roar of the North Mountain. In summer it is a sort of complacent purr, as the breezes stroke down its sides; but in winter always the same low, sullen growl. -John Burroughs, from his essay, “The Snow-Walkers”

I have returned to the beautiful solitude which is the outdoors and have also begun to re-explore some of my favorite authors; Burroughs, Thoreau and Emerson, for was these men who understood the importance of living a simple life, a life unencumbered by too much “stuff.”

Thanks for reading,

Namaste.

Chris

I watched an article on the CBS Sunday Morning news program about the lost art of stationary and saying “Thank you.” this segment struck a chord with me as saying “Thank you” has been one of the best values which I learned from my parents. It especially struck me as I walked to a local store to purchase my Sunday paper and I was greeted by the 18 year-old girl behind the counter who was clipping her nails and appeared as though I was bothering her. As I prepared to walk away from the counter I said “Thank you” and was met with resounding silence.

The couples who hire me to photograph their weddings also receive a “thank you.” I have read many blogs and websites written by other photographers who decry this practice. I disagree with them and realize my clients have options and I am truly grateful they have chosen me to represent their wedding photography. The simplest thing I can do is say “Thank you.”

I keep a box of nice stationary as well as freshly inked fountain pens within easy reach. Saying “thank you” for me is not an option, it is a must. I’ve previously mentioned many of my blog posts are written over the course of several days in my journal. Thank you notes are often written in the same format. I write  about my gratitude to a person first in my journal. Saying “thank you” is also a way for me to acknowledge a gift of either material or emotional proportions received from a friend. It is a way for me to express my gratitude to that person for their gift and I believe is much more personal than “firing off a quick email.” In an earlier post I discussed my use of a journal and a fountain pen to write my thoughts and observations. I had also discussed scanning a written document to be used as my “written” word for a blog post so I’ve included a handwritten thank you note which I’ve recently forwarded to a friend and scanned to be used in this post.

Here’s a photo of one of my favorite fountain pens made by the Conklin Pen Company. It is also a reproduction of the pen used by Mark Twain. Referring to this pen, Twain said, “I prefer it to ten other fountain pens, because it carries its filler in its own stomach, and I can not mislay even by art or intention. Also, I prefer it because it is a profanity saver; it can not roll off the desk.” The pen is not capable of rolling off of the desk because you fill the pen from a bottle by depressing the crescent which adorns the barrel of the pen.

“Thank you” for reading.

Namaste.

Chris

As you must know by now I have a tremendous love for the outdoors, its beauty and especially the solitude which I can find within the reach of its outstretched arms. I get out into the woods as often as I can. Sunday I was blessed with the most beautiful sunshine this area had experienced in the past several weeks. i love sunshine and there is something extra special about sunshine in the dead of winter. Is it the warmth it brings, the long shadows which are thrown or the way sunlight dances across the unbroken surface after a new snowfall? Regardless, The day reminded me of my recent trip to the Adirondacks.

From John Burroughs “Snow Walkers.” “He who marvels at the beauty of the world in summer will find equal cause for wonder and admiration in winter. It is true the pomp and the pageantry are swept away, but the essential elements remain,—the day and the night, the mountain and the valley, the elemental play and succession and the perpetual presence of the infinite sky. In winter the stars seem to have rekindled their fires, the moon achieves a fuller triumph, and the heavens wear a look of a more exalted simplicity. Summer is more wooing and seductive, more versatile and human, appeals to the affections and the sentiments, and fosters inquiry and the art impulse. Winter is of a more heroic cast, and addresses the intellect. The severe studies and disciplines come easier in winter. One imposes larger tasks upon himself, and is less tolerant of his own weaknesses.”

The photo below is of meditation rock. During the summer months I’ll climb out onto this rock and spend 15-20 minutes meditating from this rock. This perch allows me an extra measure of solitude as I can sit above the activity going on below me.

Meditation Rock

Footprints

Snowshoeing

A beautifully sunny day.

Henry David Thoreau…one of my favorite authors. This journal goes with me wherever I go and I find myself jotting down my thoughts and observations. A goal which I have had for the past several months is to write more; to sit down and be more deliberate in the act of writing.

Writing is one act which has always brought me some form of relaxation. My blog is obviously published on the Internet and therefore must be written on my computer. All of my writing is done first in my journal with a fountain pen. It happens to be a replica of the fountain pen used by Mark Twain.

I always use a fountain pen even when I hike. I enjoy the way the nib of the pen dances across the surface of the paper and leaves behind it a trail of ink. the ink when formed into characters and linked together  gracefully allows my thoughts to be displayed for all to read. I have even toyed with scanning my written word into my blog posts but I’m not sure if you could read what I have written. The color of ink I use is also important to me be it red, black, blue green or purple. Each ink bottle contains the life blood of my thoughts and when used work together with my hand to form the words which allow my thoughts to be expressed.

I removed my backpack and from the pack I removed a cushion, my journal, thermos of coffee and my fountain pen. I sat and gazed across the ridge that is the Niagara Escarpment. I watched as two cross-country skiers silently skied below me, oblivious to my presence high above. I heard the sound of a hawk and looked up to see it circling looking, I am sure for its next meal. The sound of the hawk accentuated by the cold breeze which blew through the trees causing the branches to rub together like bony fingers on a long dead cadaver. The only other sound was that of my breath and the beating of my own heart. Solitude.

Henry David Thoreau

A solitary skier.

A photograph of one of the orchards left in this area.

Silhouette

Thanks for reading.
Namaste.
Chris

Welcome to the Central Adirondack Region. I have a love hate relationship with NYS. I hate the high prices and taxes which we pay as a result of greedy politicians and mismanaged government but I love the Adirondacks. It is a 5-hour drive for me to the Central Region and makes for a fantastic long weekend escape.

In had previously traveled to the Adirondacks twice each year. New responsibilities have challenged that number but it remains a goal still.

Thoreau said, “Walk like a camel, which is said to be the only beast which ruminates when walking.”

“When we walk, we naturally go to the fields and woods: what would become of us, if we walked only in a garden or a mall?” -Thoreau

“Two or three hours’ walking will carry me to as strange a country as I expect ever to see.” -Thoreau

“When a traveller asked Wordsworth’s servant to show him her master’s study, she answered, “Here is his library, but his study is out of doors.’” -Thoreau

The road less traveled. It had snowed the previous evening and the branches of the trees which lined the trail reached out like an outfielder to catch the falling snow. The snow rested on the branch and appeared to balance in mid-air.

The cabin in the woods is over 100-years old and belonged to an individual who had previously logged this mountain. The cabin stands as a silent sentinel as to what was. It is a simple cabin reflecting the simple life led by its owner a very long time ago. As one enters the cabin they see enough room for two horses and a ladder leading to a small loft allowing the owner to rest for the night.

“What is it that makes it so hard sometimes to determine whither we will walk?” -Thoreau

The beauty and the expanse that is the Adirondack wilderness.

“When, at rare intervals, some thought visits one, as perchance he is walking on a railroad, then indeed the cars go by without his hearing them.” -Thoreau

The restored Goodnow Mountain fire-tower. The fire-tower is  said to provide one of the “best views of the Adirondack peaks.”

I love this photo. The summit of Goodnow Mountain is 2685′. The summit holds a 60′ firetower which was originally erected in 1922 with the last keeper leaving his post in 1979. The tower has been restored and at its base one will find a partially restored cabin which was used by the firetower keeper. That’s Stephen and Caitlyn at the base of the 60′ tower.

The photo below is another photo from the cabin of the firetower. The panoramic view of the surrounding peaks including the Adirondacks highest tallest, Mt. Marcy are visible from the tower.

Namaste.

Chris

Sometimes I’ll write about my goals; those I have set, those I have achieved and those I have not. Some pages contain an impromptu to-do list, a name, an address or a telephone number.  Each entry tells a story. When I write my mind becomes free of the restraints of the day. From time-to-time I’ll randomly grab a volume from the shelf and flip through the pages. Memories flood back to me and a smile crosses my face. Each entry tells a story.

I don’t write everyday.

I once had a goal of writing every day. I allowed that goal to slip through my fingers on the wings of excuses such as “I don’t have the time to write every day.”

The introspective comments I write, like my blog posts allow me to see my inner strength. This strength has reminded me, in times of weakness of my passion for life, my clients and my photography.

2010 turned out much as I had hoped and planned. I worked hard to achieve the goals I had set for myself and look forward to 2011 being an even better year.

I have taken an introspective approach to life for about as long as I can recall. When I was younger I struggled to identify who I was and what I wanted to accomplish. Photography had been a love of mine since I was a small boy. Like a lot of people growing up I was discouraged from following my dreams because “I could never earn a living.” My writing has allowed me to see who I am and to refine that definition over the years.

Thanks everyone for reading.

Namaste.

Chris

This past week I was thinking of those people in my life for who I am thankful. Like my last post said, this had nothing to do with Thanksgiving. I take time everyday to be mindful of the people in my life who have helped me achieve the success I have achieved. I am also mindful of the fact I could not have accomplished these goals by myself. You know who you are. A warm and heartfelt “Thank you” goes out to all of you.

I am so grateful for you, my readers and clients. I am also so very thankful that you take the time out of your very busy day to read my blog. We are all inundated with so much information or as Seth Godin calls it “noise” that we often become numb to the amount of information with which we are bombarded every single day. I read a statistic the other day which said the amount of information gathered in one Sunday NY Times is equivalent to all of the information an individual living in their village in the 1600′s would get in their lifetime. That’s head spinning!

Everyday I have several people who sign up for RSS feeds from my blog. For that I am very thankful. It is helpful in so many ways to know people read my blog everyday. I would love the opportunity to include all of you as more active participants in my blog.

For several years I have written a paper Gratitude Journal. I love technology but more than that I love the smell of a leather bound journal. I love the smell of the paper and the way my fountain pen glides across the page as I search for the words in my soul to express the gratitude I feel everyday. Unfortunately until someone figures out a way for me to use my fountain pen on my computer screen the words I write remain mine. I want to be able to share these thoughts with you.

For the past several months I have written a post called “Monday Musings.” These posts are a way for me to share a brief look into my personal life and also a way to share some of my photography that is not related to my professional work. I love making photographs and weddings, portraits and seniors are just a small sampling of my interests. I do not plan on stopping these posts but will work to make them a little bit more personal and allow you to have an even bigger glimpse into my life. I am also hoping you will help me with those posts. I am hoping to encourage all of my readers to write more comments for the posts they read. I would then love to be able to incorporate your thoughts into future posts as well as themes for future photo shoots.

I have recently thought about taking my journal online so I can share those thoughts with all of you. I am also borrowing an idea from another wonderfully talented photographer from whom I have learned much over the past few years, Anne Ruthmann. Thank you so much Anne for this wonderful idea.

Won’t you please join me? Leave a comment in the comment section regarding the post you have read or leave a comment and let me know about the people in your life for whom you are thankful.

Namaste and thanks so much for reading and following my blog.

Chris

I truly appreciate each reader for taking the time to read my blog every week.

Another week has swiftly expired. We have seen the official end of Summer and the official start of Fall. The weather here in Western New York and Buffalo has grown increasingly colder. Sweatshirts and fleece jackets have become the norm while thoughts have turned to putting shorts away for the season. The grass is growing noticeably slower requiring a cut now just every two weeks. The leaves have begun to change, the sun has been seen less frequently and much colder weather accompanied by much shorter days will become the norm.

This past week like every other was busy and as I sat down to write I found it important to reflect on the positive. There remains some static from the personal issue we dealt with last week and it’s nothing that is going to go away any time soon. My faith asks me to focus on those things I can control and allow the things I cannot control to slip away in the night.

Saturday found me running errands as we opted not to drive to Massachusetts to see Alfred University play. We decided the drive to and from simply ate away too much of the weekend. Instead we decided to remain at home and spend some much needed quiet time together. I decided I needed a new pair of sneakers and stopped by the Converse store at the Outlet Mall. Red HiTops were desired but not available in my size. We went for our second place color, navy blue.

I had asked Nancy to take a few photos of me and for me so I can update avatars on my various websites. She did a nice job and I am happy with the results.

Later this week I’ll post from the Make-A-Wish/Mikey’s Way Foundation Golf Tournament which took place at the Brookfield Country Club. Brookfield makes an awesome venue for a wedding reception as well. I have the luxury of being affiliated with Make-A-Wish and genuinely enjoy volunteering my time for two such extremely worthwhile organizations.

Thanks everyone for reading.

Chris

“Reborn at 45″ is the title of an essay written by George Sheehan, MD and can be found in his famous book, “Running and Being.”Running and Being was one of those books that spoke to me and made a difference in my life. It taught me that I was normal. It taught me that it was OK to enjoy solitude and OK to be creative and right-brained. I still reread sections of this book today. There is comfort in it’s worn pages

I’m not 45, I’m slightly older than that but I feel as if I was also reborn at 45. 45-was the age when I began my life in photography.

I have been a runner since I was at least 15. I have been running on and off since then. I have never been a good runner or even a competitive runner. I’ve never been a runner who has placed fear in the hearts of other runner. I never lined up at the front of the pack at the start of a race, I never had the desire. I ran to be competitive with me.

Sometimes I ran as if I was being chased by fear. For me, running has always been a process of self-discovery. In his book, “Solitude: A Return to the Self, A degree of solitude, according to Storr, is essential for pursuits that call for original thought and the sustained use of the imagination.

In one of my favorite poems about challenges, the poet Hopkins writes, “What I do is me; for this I came.”

George Sheehan writes, “But then comes the Hill, and I know I am made for more. And by becoming more, I am challenged to choose suffering, to endure pain, to bear hardship. And in that becoming, I must live the mysteries of Sin and Free Will and Grace. All this I feel as I leave the beautiful endless time of running on the flat to risk everything on the ascent of the Hill.

At first the gentle swell carries me. At that level, nature is a help. The same nature which Bucky Fuller says is so prepared for us that whenever we need anything we find it has been stockpiled from the beginning of time.

But gradually the Hill demands more and more. I have reached the end of my physiology. The end of what is possible. And now it is beyond what I can stand. The temptation is to say, “Enough.” This much is enough. But I will not give in

I am fighting God. Fighting the limitations He have me. Fighting the pain. Fighting the unfairness. Fighting all the evil in me and the world. And I will not give in. I will conquer this hill, and I will conquer it alone.”

I began running again although I am unsure if “running” is an accurate word to use to describe this activity for I am not fleet of foot for when I run it is an exercise in humility. I am not fast and I lack the physique of a runner. Doc Sheehan taught me through his writing a runner is made in his head and in his thoughts. I am unsure what prompted me to begin running again. It could be some of my more creative moments came when I run. It could be the result of my desire for greater physical and emotional health.

Thanks for reading everyone.

Chris

It’s that time of year again when Larry Norton and 97-Rock complete their 28-hour radiothon for Make-A-Wish. For the 16th consecutive year, Larry Norton will spend 28 hours on 97 Rock to raise money to help grant wishes to Western New York children with life threatening illnesses. The Make-A-Wish Radio-thon is your chance to help grant a wish by making a request and pledge to hear any song you want, or bid during our hourly auction on some one of a kind rock and sports items.

I am so happy and so proud to be affilliated with an organization with such an awesome mission. My only concern is “I wish I could do more.” This year after the 2010 Make-A-Wish Gala in May, I decided I needed to do more for the kids. My time is limited so I decided to donate 1% of my total 2010 wedding photography revenue to Make-A-Wish.

During the radiothon I decided to try to do more so I challenged every wedding/portrait photographer in the area to match my gift. I have also decided to donate 1% from my 2011 wedding photography revenue to Make-A-Wish. Please join me helping these wonderful kids and family’s to have their dreams realized.

Thanks everyone for reading.

Chris

You have been my rock and helped me find balance in my life when it was lacking. Thank you so much for everything you do. I love you so much and look forward to many more years together.

I think back to our first date at Pizza Hut and the Sunday morning over that wonderful breakfast we shared by the river when I proposed. Your answer of “Yes” made me the happiest person on Earth. That sounds cliche I know but I’m not sure if I could or would want to live without you.

We raised two wonderful children and have had our ups and downs, our trials and tribulations and together we have successfully navigated these waters.

I know as we continue to grow older we will continue to use the love we have for each other to overcome any future hurdles may come upon us. I look forward to those days as much as I look forward to the happy, trouble-free days…as long as you are by my side.

Thank you Nancy for the wonderful times we have shared. I love you very much and look forward to many more years together.

With all my love.

Chris

Mom, Kujo, Kaitlyn and Kaitlyn’s mom.

Casey Shreve, Kyle Shreve and Kujo.

I know it’s not even Memorial Day yet but football is still right around the corner.

Kujo working out for the first “unofficial” practice with the Upstate Team. We traveled to Syracuse where we met the coaches, players and parents of the Upstate team.

The photo below is typical of Kujo. He is always smiling, always laughing and rarely do you see him angry. So if you’re wondering where the nickname “Kujo” came from, here’s the answer. When Kujo played Pop Warner football he demonstrated a tenacious, never say quit attitude much like the rabid dog in the Stephen King novel of the same name. The “C” was replaced with a “K” as our last name begins with “K.” So there you have it, the story of how Kujo earned his nickname.

The secret to success. The underwear not withstanding it truly is hard work, sweat and sacrifice upon which we build and define success.

Thanks for reading. I truly appreciate everyone who has subscribed to my blog through a reader service. Later this week we’ll be featuring a full post from Audrey and Michael’s wedding.

Chris

If anyone (within 50-miles of the 14120 zipcode) can identify the type of blossoms these are, you’ll win a free portrait session sitting fee. *Prints are an additional fee.

Nancy and Jack.

A quick glimpse of Audrey and Michael’s wedding on 5/1/2010.

I hope you enjoyed reading.

Chris

We met with our accountant who is awesome. Refund? yes. Large refund? No. Anything is better than having to pay the State and Federal governments more money than I already pay them.

Earlier in the week I had an interesting conversation or should I say lively debate with some professional peers regarding the importance of the provision of the highest level of customer service. No exceptions. I’m not saying one needs to give away the farm but it’s important to listen to your clients and understand their needs. It amazes me what we allow to pass for “good customer service.” Once you have listened and believe you have a good understanding of your client’s needs, ask more questions to clarify and make sure both parties are on the same page. Too often we take such things for granted in the hopes of gaining a new client. When we don’t allow excellent customer service to shine through that leaves an unhappy customer to share his or her unhappiness with the world. As fast as communication travels with Twitter and Facebook we can develop a wounded reputation in a matter of seconds.

On another note, Winter seems to be on it’s way out. Mother Nature played a dirty trick on us and gave us all that false hope when she gave us warm temperatures for a few days and then threatened us with a storm eventually dropping a couple inches of heavy, wet snow on us. Damn you! Temperatures are beginning to slowly inch their way up to what most people would describe as civilized and livable. Ice has gone from the center of the Erie Canal and it continues it’s daily slow retreat toward shore. Another week and I can get my kayak into the water. Soon the ice boom will be removed and Lake Erie will allow the hundreds of square miles of ice to retreat the confines of the lake and make its long journey down the upper Niagara River before falling to its death over Niagara Falls. The sun has made an appearance or two leaving me wondering out loud if there really is hope for a sun filled Spring without snow and providing beautiful weather for the many brides and grooms who will be entering into matrimonial bliss.

I spent Saturday with my dad. We drove to Rochester and stopped at Hahn Photographic where I picked up a few things. I like Rochester. The city always appears to have more going on than does Buffalo. I love Hahn Photographic. Beautiful store, lots of stock and not at all cramped with great store personnel. Before we drove home we stopped at the Summerville Grill in the Town of Summerville, NY. We enjoyed a couple of Rubens and a couple of Guinness’. The weather Saturday was awesome as well. Nothing but sunshine. Not a cloud in the sky.

This past week gave us some bad news. Nancy’s dad took a turn for the worse. He’s been in a nursing home for the past year after his dementia grew worse and diabetes forced the partial amputation of his right leg. He developed a fever and his temperature spiked at 104. He responded to the treatments and for now he seems to have stabilized. Meanwhile we have increased the time spent with him. As I sat with Nancy and her mom I thought of my grandmother who had passed away just two years ago in the same nursing home. I remind myself daily of the importance of enjoying and living life to its fullest. Paul worked hard his entire life and enjoyed several years of retirement before Alzheimer’s and physical disabilities began to take their toll.

Thanks everyone for stopping by and for reading. Enjoy your week.

Namaste.

Christopher

The Olympics have come to an end. I love watching the games and love even more hearing the stories of the athletes and their family’s. I think it’s important to understand what the non-professional athletes (are there any participating any more) and what they have given up or put on hokd to achieve their dream of being an “Olympian.” As a result of the athlete stories I’m not a huge fan of the team sports such as hockey. I’ve always been a fan of the individual sports where success and failure comes down to that one individual, their training and their effort that day. Cross country skiing has always been my favorite events and a sport I’ve enjoyed since I was small. I think about the 50K Classic Cross Country event. 30-miles on skis with a stop long enough to change skis. the athletecism is remarkable that after 50K the time difference between first and second place needs to be decided by a photo finish.

All week long we braced for the snowstorm we were supposed to get by Thursday. Thankfully we escaped the storm and  instead of the 6″-12″ predicted, we got away with 2″-4″. I awoke Sunday to find a fresh coating of snow which had fallen throughout the night. Snow so weighted down with moisture the snow-blower wouldn’t handle the it. I procrastinated throughout the day and finally decided, after dinner to go to my parent’s house with Kujo to shovel their driveway. I like snow and I like Winter, but I’m ready for Spring. Enough already.

Saturday Stephen and I took a ride to Alfred University located in of all places…in Alfred, NY. Kujo was accepted at this and several other schools. Academically his hard work has paid off and he’s been offered a nice scholarship that will help to offset his tuition. Unfortunately at  Division 3 schools there is no hope of any athletic scholarship but the awesome words by the coach all but assured him of a starting inside linebacker position providing he continues to work as hard as he has throughout his football career. This should be no problem for Kujo as his love for football and his intelligence should afford him the opportunity to play and to start. Kujo and I really enjoyed the campus and the meeting with the coaches. It was great to hear the discussion he had with the head coach who praised his play, his leadership and his hard work. I smiled big inside and know Nancy and I have done our job well with him. We were sad mom had to work as it would have been nice to have had her along for the visit. I love spending time with Kujo. It has been difficult to believe how fast the years have flown by. He’s 17 now and in several months he’ll be leaving for college. I look back at the years and wonder where they have gone. I have few regrets but hindsight is 20/20.

Sunday I met with a bride who flew in from Houston, TX. She brought her mother and we had a fantastic conversation regarding her 2011 wedding photography needs. I hope to hear back from them within the month and book another wedding for 2011.

Nancy’s Dad isn’t doing well. His left leg has developed an infection and the conversation has turned to what to do. No doubt he will have to return to the hospital and more than likely face another amputation. Paul worked hard his entire life and this is just no way for someone to spend what should be one of the happiest times of your life.  Alzheimer’s, diabetes, gangrene and amputation.

The photo below is of the The Robert R. McComsey Career Development Center at the Allen Steinheim Museum. The minute I saw this building on the tour I knew I needed to take a photo of it.

As always, thanks so much for reading. Keep coming back.

Christopher

This past week had many highlights. When I look back at these highlights I smile. I smile because I made them happen. Monday, like any other day can be a sad day. I choose, not without some occasional difficulty, to make every day the best day t can be. I work hard everyday to achieve the highest level of success I can achieve. I remind myself “I made these successes happen. I developed and grew the relationships which allowed me to experience the success I’ve achieved.” I learn something about myself every week and continue to practice daily mindfulness meditation which helps me to successfully maintain a centered approach to life. Every once in a while my life veers either to the left or right, but my meditation practice helps me get it back on track.

The biggest highlight I experienced was a meeting with a great couple and and awesome wedding planner. Forget Me Knot Details wedding planner in Buffalo, NY featured one of my recent engagement sessions on their blog. This was hugely important for me and one of the most exciting things to happen in several weeks. Thanks for the shout out Liane. Lunch with friends and dinner with my wife rounded out a great week and as always the weekend raced by much too quickly.

I completed a brief photo shoot for the Ramada Inn located in Amherst, NY. The photo listed below is one of the photos from that shoot. What a great venue and an awesome representative. Thanks Alison for the shout outs and for your continued support. My wife accompanied me on this shoot and as always was helpful in more ways than she will ever know. Thanks for the company Nanc.

I look forward to this week and another exciting week.

As always, thank you for reading and keep coming back.