If you’ve had a blue Christmas, maybe this will make you smile….
Porky Pig sings ‘Blue Christmas’
Merry! Happy! Joy-filled Season!
Charles
More Choice ≠ More Happiness
Every day we encounter people who are overwhelmed with the number of things in their lives. Whether it’s stuff (dust it, repair it, store it, move it, hoard it, discard it, replace it) or stuff to do (when does it start?, what am I missing?, you want it when? I’m so tired!), we’re all struggling with too many options on too many unsatisfying choices. And often we can’t enjoy the choice we do make for wondering if the one we didn’t might have been better.
This video presentation by Barry Schwartz is an intriguing challenge to the cultural dogma that having more will make us happier.
Breathe deep. Enjoy.
Charles
Photo Shoot Failures
One of the blogs I read on a regular basis is ‘A Photo Editor‘ by Rob Haggart. He consistently offers sage observations on our industry.
This post from a few weeks ago on why photo shoots sometimes fail is worth a read regardless of where you may be in the production process.
Charles
AIA Inauguration
The American Institute of Architects held the installation of it’s new president, Marvin Malecha, this past week at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC. The NPG is one of my favorite places to visit for inspiration. The frequency with which they change the exhibits makes it a treat to return to often.
My buddy KC Ramsay and I were commissioned to photograph the inauguration along with some portraits of Marvin within the beautiful courtyard. Although I am pleased with the image I was able to create from the presentation, much of the credit needs to be given to the subjects for it’s success. To create this type of image requires cooperation. Too often executives feel they don’t have even a few extra seconds, much less minutes, to create an image that is not only creatively more interesting, but makes them look better as well. In this case, because we were prepared ahead of time and had their cooperation, I was able to make this image within a few seconds. With all of the past presidents and the audience behind them, they now have an image which tells a more complete story of the evening.
I always appreciate having a trusting relationship with a client who allows me to put their best interests to the front of my creative planning. Thanks AIA. Thanks Marvin. And congratulations!
Charles
Sorting emotions
My mom died last week.
Her impact on my life was, of course, profound. I learned from her an attention to detail that is firmly in the camp of perfectionism, to always work hard and to always try to do the right things, morally. She also possessed an unswerving commitment to serving other people.
My mother was known for saying what was on her mind. If she thought it, she mostly said it. Without much thought for the impact it might have on the people around her. That’s a trait I’ve been working to un-learn for many years. I have come to see that truth spoken without kindness is seldom heard and, therefore, seldom helps anyone.
What has surprised me in the course of her sudden decline and death was the avalanche of thoughts and emotions that I could not sort and process. I couldn’t write. I wasn’t able to focus my attention to read. I’ve found myself needing to take care of lots of small details. Getting little things done seems to help put perspective on the larger issues.
Charles
www.charlesguptonphoto.com