Somebody recently described me as one of the luckiest guys in photography, because of the incredible career I continue to have.  In all honesty though, while I’m very grateful and do feel really lucky as opposed to unlucky, luck hasn’t always had a lot to do with it.

The truth is, I’ve spent my entire career totalled enamored by this industry and especially all of you, who are professional photographers.  I’ve watched so many of you struggle with the economy, new technology and the daily challenges of running a business.  You never give up!  I continue to try and learn from your mistakes and accomplishments and all along the way I keep making incredible new friends. 

I had a quote, an old Chinese proverb, up on Facebook and Twitter a few days ago that seems so appropriate right now:  “Learn from the mistakes of others because you won’t have time to make them all yourself!”

My Grandmother always you to say, “Be careful of the company you keep!”  My Grandfather taught me the meaning of a good hand shake and my Dad always said, “You’re judged by the quality of your friends!”  So, if I’ve been lucky at all, it was in having some great role models in my family and later in life with my friends.

If my career has gone in the right direction it’s because of the wisdom and quality of my friends.  It’s because more than once a friend or two has said, “Are you sure you want to do that?”  We all watch each other’s backs.   It’s because my closest friends are the most critical of what I’m working on – maybe that’s why I’m so nervous when they’re in the audience when I’m teaching a workshop!  LOL

I guess “luck” is an ingredient, but I also believe things happen for a reason and here’s another one…everything really does always work out for the better.  It won’t seem like it when your pain is the greatest, but over and over again I’ve waited out the storm and been surprised at the path it’s taken me down.

I’ve used this quote many times in the past: 

Life isn’t about waiting for the storms to pass.  It’s about learning to dance in the rain!

Have a terrific weekend!  Enjoy the Labor Day holiday, hug your family, hug your friends and give yourself a pat on the back for all the hard work and time you’ve put into your business!