Monday, October 26, 2009, 01:29 PM
So I was getting my hair done today and, like most women, my hairdresser, Tiffany, is one of those women who can dream big with me. We started talking about the importance of surrounding ourselves with people that will push us towards toward success. It got me thinking a lot about the reasons for me and Chris's growth as photographers. A lot of our progress to this point can be attributed to the positive and successful people we have  surrounded ourselves with. We have chosen to keep our circle of friends and colleagues limited to the people who build up rather than tear down. People who push us to be better. People that are better than us at what we do. People who are givers. People who truly believe in us. Generous people. Big thinkers. Dreamers. Do'ers. It is so important for us to monitor the things we put in our head because it can affect the type of things that we create. I want to create imagery full of heart, passion and life. Having "negative nancy's" hanging around isn't going to allow me to do that as effectively.

I have been reading Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi and he says that "real networking is about finding ways to make other people successful." It is always better to give than to receive. I truly believe if our interactions are ruled by generosity without keeping score, success is what will follow. Be generous with people. If we are going to take the time to have lunch with someone we should take the time to also make them successful.

Here is a frame from a shoot I am so excited to share with you all. Knee deep in processing lots of fun things to come...


Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (19)
sarahrhoads says: Wednesday, October 28, 2009, 03:51 PM

@josh we use KPD magicsharp to sharpen all of our images :) it rocks. highly reccomend

sara montour says: Wednesday, October 28, 2009, 02:34 PM

Love this post and it's so, so true. I think we're so lucky to have an amazing community of photographers that love building each other up.

Airika Pope says: Tuesday, October 27, 2009, 11:10 PM

So true, so you.

Joshua Souder says: Tuesday, October 27, 2009, 10:19 PM

do you guys sharpen with high pass at the end on every photo? I love it:)

Rebecca says: Tuesday, October 27, 2009, 09:19 AM

I love this. Living a generous life rocks. Thanks so much for sharing this!!

Brian Wurzell says: Tuesday, October 27, 2009, 07:30 AM

Generosity is the velocity of success! May we never forget that as God increases our platforms the responsibility to represent the things He's about becomes even greater. I hope and pray that people like you and Chris only see more blessing! You guys are the kind of people that will do well with much.

Glad we get to call you friends. Promise and I are grateful for having such great encouragement in You and Chris. Cheers to more success and generosity!

Jason says: Tuesday, October 27, 2009, 04:50 AM

I love this image. The tones. The light. I could go on...and on. But I won't. Very SRP.

Fuse Photographic - Travis says: Monday, October 26, 2009, 08:01 PM

Sick shot! The details make it all the way...

Jane Hasty says: Monday, October 26, 2009, 07:34 PM

Very well put!

eliesa says: Monday, October 26, 2009, 07:09 PM

I love you and your thoughts, deeply! And this image is smokin' Sarah Rhoads! LOVEe

Kara Wieler says: Monday, October 26, 2009, 05:46 PM

I'm going to have to check out that book! AND, I am going to have to get to work on my pics from this session, I've been so excited to get to them, and now that you have, I can too!!!

shannon sewell says: Monday, October 26, 2009, 04:36 PM

Amen Sista!! you got some beautiful thoughts swimmin' around in that beautiful head of yours ;) miss you... xoxo ~S

jenny gg says: Monday, October 26, 2009, 03:10 PM

here here and brava!!

you're a true inspiration.

Tiffany Lowry says: Monday, October 26, 2009, 02:53 PM

xoxoxooxoxoxoxooxoxoxooxoxoxooxoxoxoxoxoox
The way you see the world is contagious!

Lori says: Monday, October 26, 2009, 02:41 PM

Your positivity is really contagious! Thanks for sharing!

Cat says: Monday, October 26, 2009, 02:25 PM

I strongly agree. I'm starting out in the photography industry and can be a very lonely world when there's no positive support from my family. When someone with positive energy crosses my path, I am forever greatful for the encouragement they give me. I will most definitely pay it forward.

Josh Boston says: Monday, October 26, 2009, 02:23 PM

Incredible thoughts! So good to be reminded of that. Thanks for sharing.

Candice says: Monday, October 26, 2009, 02:04 PM

couldn't agree more....'surround yourself with people who are better than you' is SO SO important!

positive people build an climate that's just perfect for creativity and growth.

girl...love this post. love this picture. keep on girl...

Candice says: Monday, October 26, 2009, 02:03 PM

couldn't agree more....'surround yourself with people who are better than you' is SO SO important!

positive people build an climate that's just perfect for creativity and growth.

girl...love this post. love this picture. keep on girl...