This is more for you newbies out there than the seasoned veterans, but yesterday was just a great day and spending the evening with Matthew Jordan Smith and Nozomi, just reminded me how special this industry really is.  The longer you’re in it, the more links you have to other photographers.  It’s like playing the six degrees of separation game with Kevin Bacon, only the common denominator could be any industry icon, a workshop, convention or trade show.

Put any two people from the photographic industry together who have at least ten years or more as photographers and you’ll eventually find yourself connected, not by DNA but by ISO!  (Sorry, but the analogy was too fun to pass up!)  This is an amazing industry, bringing us together by the mutual love we all share for the craft!

I’ve written a few times about my home being like a gallery, with prints from dozens of different photographers hanging on the walls spanning my career which, at least on the professional side, started at Hasselblad in 1987. As I gave Matthew the nickel tour, there were so many of these photographers he knew as well, had worked with, attended their workshops or just had a link to understanding the style or processes they were known for.  

So, all you newbies – get to every program you possibly can.  Build your network.  Give more than you take and listen more than you talk.  Then, in just a few short years, sit back and enjoy the friendships you’ve worked hard to build.   There are so few industries that offer the kinds of relationships we’re so lucky to have in photography.  What a kick! 

Make it a great Sunday, don’t work today and cherish the time with family and friends!