Barbara Yasuhara’s comment about the influence of her mother on helping her build confidence in her photography career really hit home the other day.  I know I’ve written about this before, but here’s the challenge this morning:

Think about those people who have been instrumental in helping you focus – and yes, I’m using the play on words intentionally.  More important than learning how to focus your camera is how you’ve focused your career.  There’s no skill set required to focus your camera, whether on auto focus or manual.  The image is either sharp or it isn’t!   The skill is in what you’re focusing on, your composition, how much depth of field, etc.

Our careers are no different than looking through the viewfinder…are you going for a narrow depth of field and focusing on a particular skill set or dimension of photography or are you shooting with a wide depth of field and working on anything and everything?  Who are the people in your life who have helped you be more selective in your focus, given you the confidence and been there to watch your back?

It’s the perfect time this morning to just take ten minutes and think about those few people who helped you the most – not with financial support, equipment or advice, but in developing your confidence.  Now use the advice in my other blog this past week and pick up the phone to call them and say thanks.  And, if they’re somebody who’s sadly passed away and are no longer here, you can still make that “call” – they’ll hear you!