Riverfront Park & NCO Club

The Springdale House

What does it matter?

My husband and I share many things in common and there are things that make us twitch about each other.  He is an optimist, I’m mostly a realist; he is outgoing, I’m generally reserved (until comfortable); he is so confident, and I find myself in need of constant validation. 

I am a person that must wear glasses in an effort to function through life on a daily basis.  My husband believes that he only needs glasses for driving at night (of course I disagree).  As a result, he leaves his glasses around the house and asks rather frequently, “Honey, have you seen my glasses?” Well, I spotted these glasses after a shower the other day and made a mental note of where they were in anticipation that he would enlist my help to find them.  As his wife I know that there are extended times where I won’t be able to find those glasses, not because I’ve lost my own, but because they won’t be there.  Extended absences are either a welcomed relief, or a time where strength is a requirement for getting through everyday life.  On this day I found his glasses I realized how precious our time is together and that no matter if he needs my help to find his glasses everyday, that’s what I’m there for.  What does it matter that I take a few moments of my time to find his glasses?  Why be present if you cannot lend a hand to help? 

I am comfortable assuming the role of helper now.  I know that I possess inherent glue that helps keep my home, husband, daughter, and both jobs together which may not be the easiest task, but it is well worth the effort.  And whenever my realist tendencies poke through, I remind myself that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13), otherwise, none of it would work, and none of it would matter.

Limitations

In a world that has made so many advancements in communication it is easy to access what someone else is doing, saying, and thinking.  While this ease of access may be great for an “iron sharpens iron” mentality, it also shines light on what others are doing, saying, and thinking, that you are not.  It is almost first nature for me to observe what others are doing, focus on what I’m not doing, and therefore become more aware of where I fall short.  The photography business is saturated with photographers from every end of the spectrum.  Some provide careful insight, well thought out composition and a plethora of quality photographs that are simply timeless.  Some other photographers provide knock off ideas that can be seen almost anywhere.  The ideas are well executed; nevertheless, they are executed as a replica.  The majority of photographers are simply unaware of their limitations and therefore their work shows how limited they are.  When we are aware of our limitations we are better able to address them, and ultimately learn from them.  Turning your supposed limitation into a professed opportunity alters the perspective and ultimately dismantles the walls of limitation you place on yourself.

Earlier this year, I did a basic SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis of the business and discovered ways to strengthen my weaknesses and seize perceived opportunities.  What are some weaknesses that you feel are necessary to accomplish your dreams? Most importantly, what are reasonable and realistic ways you can capitalize on your opportunities? Whether you are a 35-year veteran photographer who has published photographs with National Geographic, or a novice who just purchased your first SLR camera, remain open-minded and continue to discover how you can continue forward movement with your craft.  As for now, it’s time for me to move forward with my weekly photography exercise!

Once we accept our limits, we go beyond them.

-Brendan Francis

Down Time

I’m learning that juggling work, parenthood, and a photography business is not the easiest task.  My husband left home for two weeks on business leaving me to serve as Mrs. Everything for our little family.  On a day-to-day basis I found myself completely wiped out after putting our little one to bed.  I literally could not bear to keep my eyes open past 10 o’clock pm.  Upon my husband’s return, I realized that not only did I take two weeks off of my normal me-time, I also took two weeks off of research and creative brainstorming.  Of course I read blogs and viewed photographic work of fellow photogs, but I failed to take time to “shoot around,” explore, and develop.  I recall the words of Pastor Duncan at my home church, “Your down time is your prep time.”  Constant preparation is necessary for preventing dust settling on your passion.  It is my goal to stay at a place of constant preparation and inspiration.  My me-time is necessary for me to keep the fire of my passion ablaze.

In an effort to provide my passion with the fuel it needs to stay ablaze, I have decided to commit one exercise a week to my passion.  My exercises will include exploring interesting scenery inside and outside of the house and reading magazines and blogs with instructional information.  It is necessary for me to establish a routine in the same way it is necessary to set mini goals on the way to an overarching goal.  I look forward to sessions of “show-and-tell” from my exercises during my down time. Stay tuned!

It's So Simple

Last week I had an amazing experience at my first bridal show.  I stressed for the entire week prior to the show about more business cards with a new design, a backdrop that fit my budget and simplifying my wedding packages to fit the needs of the growing digital age.  I drove my husband nearly nuts by placing my anxiety on him.  Thankfully, he graciously (and ever so sweetly) cheered me on.  Most of my nerves were not about my presentation, but more on what my presentation said about me.  While I wanted to present as a professional photographer, I also did not want to come across as a snob who was out of touch with meeting basic photographic needs.  At the end of the day, I decided to put forth my best effort.  During the show, I talked with many different brides and I was proud of my presentation and truly began to believe in my work and my skills. (It’s amazing how long you can do something and still grapple with your ability.)  As a result, I was able to relax and be myself.  I found myself at such ease discussing brides’ weddings with a desire to help them capture the most important day of their lives.  The simpler I made my verbal presentation, the better response I received.  It was such a pleasant experience.  With greater confidence (and hopefully less stress) I look forward to the next show and am determined to make it an even better one.

*Here’s a picture I took with my phone. It doesn’t do it justice.*

The Balancing Act

Since I have been a mother I have learned more than I ever thought possible in this short amount of time.  Since I’ve been back at work (2 weeks and counting), I have learned one of the most important things to master, is balancing time and attention to my work, my other work, my daughter, my husband, my home (chores), and myself.  If I fail to purposely balance my tasks, something becomes deficient, and then everything is out of whack.  Designating time and attention to myself is of primary importance because I cannot care for anyone else, if I do not first care for myself.  For me I must devote time to my relationship with God first and as I allow Him to be of primary importance I find that I am able to have peace and everything falls into place.  God must be the heaviest weight on the scale in order for me to have success in any area of my life. 

--Matthew 6:33