I have some of the most interesting “row partners” when I fly. This last trip home I had an aisle seat. I was prepared to get up to let the person take the window seat next to me, but I wasn’t prepared for what was coming! She walks in and the first thing I see is three carry-ons which instantly sends up warning signals in my mind. I get up to let her in to hear, “Can you take the window seat, I’m scared of heights!” And said sure as I think to myself, “Why did you buy that seat?” cause I knew from her action she wasn’t a frequent flyer being given an upgrade. It’s then I text Sharon, “I’m sitting next to a whack-a-doo, oh boy!” We then place drink orders, she a red wine and me, a gin and tonic. They come back with the drinks, just two on the tray and she grabs the gin and tonic and takes a swig (a SWIG!) and says,”That’s not red wine!” One is clear and the other is red wasn’t enough of a clue, gotta drink too know. It’s a night flight so the cabin lights go out and she screams, “No one told me they turn out the lights!” I’m really trying not to burst out into laughter as for the next two hours, the antics continued. As we’re getting off the plane she turns to me and says, “Wish they informed me of all of that, I thought I’d never make it!”
There are so many parallels I could draw from that lady to photographers! I think the majority of you can do that all on your own and that is what truly proves my point. You guys are really smart! What I don’t understand about photographers, such an intelligent, engaged, fun loving and passionate group that when they put a camera in their hands, they simply go stupid! They know better but as soon as they read something on the web, well that must be the way it is. They’ve learned hard lessons at the camera they don’t apply later because … I don’t know why, they just don’t. Photography … write with light … our pursuit is pretty darn simple, keep it simple, enjoyable and use the most important tool you can ever have and improve on daily, our mind connected to your heart. Don’t be that lady in the dark with her drink afraid of heights. You have the power!