Whenever us creative types get together, or–come to think of it–even when we’re alone, it’s usually all about “me”, “my”, or “we” or “I”. What is MY next gig, what am I doing to improve MY portfolio, MY solo exhibition, MY client list, MY ad campaign, MY blog, MY bank account, gear locker, self-promo mailer, vision… You get the point. Don’t deny it.
As a result, we can be overly paranoid, competitive, frustrated, cocky, going for broke, indulgent, critical, self-absorbed, self-loathing, self aggrandizing and overly analytical. We spend a lot of time living in our own heads.
But the truth is, we’re way better creatives when we’re better people. Better to ourselves, better to others, better to the world.
I just bumped into a close friend on the way back from my morning coffee. He shook my tree a little bit and told me a quick story in realizing this about himself. The story ended with his re-framing his self-focus into a simple plan to motivate a change. At the wrap up of each day he’s asking himself “what are 3 things I did to make somebody else’s life better today?”
I like that. Perhaps you should too.
Thats what the world SHOULD be all about. Thats why dig you Chase. Its the little things we do in this world that make the biggest change. When you shared your entire workflow I was amazed. You where willing to share a critical piece of how you run your studio. You either changed peoples work flow or like me validated my meticulous backup routine to my friends. “See he has backups off site too” ..So it doesnt matter what you do just remember it only take a little effort to make the biggest change!
Word! BLKPXLS
Sometimes we have to all step back and realise what is important in life. This I love
Something I’ve been working on growing for last couple of years from lil’ ol’ NZ… Photographers for Charity 🙂
So… if you’ve taken CJ’s post to heart, and you should, feel free to go help a local charity or cause with some updated shots for their website/next donation mailer/press release/whatever you can to help raise their profile in their community.
It’s a great feeling… you get to help out (thinking of others) AND think of yourself (Getting to take photos!).
More than happy to publish an article/images on the PfC site/FB Page/Twitter etc if it would help. And yes, local co-ordinator offers gladly accepted 🙂
Be well folks!
Sorry, I thought the site link would show if I entered it in the above field… http://photoforcharity.org
I love that you always put something up on your blog that not only makes me want to be a better photographer, but a better person.
Every night when you go to bed and ask yourself that question just know that just by putting stuff like this on the web, or “IN THE CLOUD” for people to see you are helping alot and inspiring alot, and for that
Thanks
You echoed my feelings Gary!
Thank you Chase! for making us realize the things that are important to fulfill as a person more than as a photographer/artist.
thanks