Roy E. Disney, nephew of Walt Disney and long-time senior executive at Disney, once said, “It’s not hard to make decisions, once you know what your values are.” See, as an entrepreneur and risk-taker, it’s easy for me to move from one idea to another without stopping. Always pursuing the next big thing. However, it’s important every once in a while, to pause and really reflect on what is powering those decisions – what is the backbone of what I do. For me, it comes down to three simple values: Inspiration, Power, and Impact.
Inspiration – As a photographer, I’m always looking for inspiration. When I’m out at lunch, playing with my son at the park, or taking a walk alongside the ocean, I’m looking for details and moments that inspire. Maybe it’s the artist in me or maybe it’s the desire to stay always ahead of the trend, but I’m constantly looking for the “new” or “overlooked” beauty in everyday life. What one person might perceive as trash, I might find to be geometrically intricate. What another might see as ordinary, I might see as potential for extraordinary. For instance, while walking with my wife today, I glanced over to find a flock of ducks, fluttering in a perceived pattern of a heart. My wife – busy listening to music – nearly walked by without any notice. In pointing it out, we both were able to revel in the beauty of nature and its uniqueness.
Power – Part of the reason I love being an entrepreneur is that I love being my own boss. Having the power to make my own decisions on an everyday basis is a huge motivational factor in continuing my own business. In addition to my independence, I recognize the power I have to uplift individuals on a daily basis. I view photography, not only as a business, but as an artform. One that takes continued passion and discipline to be successful. My success as a photographer is ultimately dependent on the client’s satisfaction in viewing their photos. If they love them, I know I did my job. Knowing that those same photos (that I took) are going to be cherished and passed down from generation to generation is power. It’s impactful….
Impact – Everyone wants to feel that they left a legacy or impact on the people around them. For me, there is nothing more impactful than capturing memories of a person’s most important or intimate moments. I strive to produce photos that not only remind people of the details (who, what, where, when), but of the emotions that they felt in the midst of those details. I want images that bring tears, laughter, serenity, and, ultimately, an overwhelming feeling of love. Photos have the power to move people and take them back to the best times in their life. I, not only want to be a part of that, I want to be the catalyst.
Interested in learning more or seeing my values in action? Contact me to book a session or pre-consultation.