Inspiration

One of the many things I love about photography as a profession is the many amazing people I’ve met over the years. An assignment I shot in May for Fitness Magazine introduced me to another amazing human being. At the age of 16, Hilary Hopkins was involved in a horrific car accident that killed her sister and left Hilary basically a paraplegic. Through hard work and positive attitude Hillary is now able to stand without support, lift weights, and even walk for 60 minutes with some assistance. I can’t even begin to imagine all that Hilary has been through but am thankful to have met someone so remarkable. Hearing her story made our photo shoot that much more inspiring. It was clear that her positive energy and strength have a huge effect on those around her. You can read her story on Fitness Magazine’s website and in the July issue.

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Hawaii

Aloha! I just returned from a two week shoot on Maui and wanted to give you a sneak peak at some of the new work. Tons more on the way, so be sure to check out my site next week.

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Regret

Recently there has been a great deal of discussion between my wife and I about moving to a new part of the country. Where and whether or not we end up moving is irrelevant to this post, but our talks have made me think about living in Salt Lake City for the last several years and the potential for regret that is staring me in the face. One of the things that initially drew me to the city was it’s proximity to world class skiing and great access to the Wasatch and Uinta Mountains. The countless other opportunities within a half day’s drive were also a huge perk. Living here, there is rarely a week that goes by when I don’t get some sort of vision or idea for a new image or project.

The problem, though, is that when you live in an area long enough it is common to take it and the opportunities that exist locally for granted. Getting caught up in day-to-day life and the other aspects of running a business, it’s easy to put things off and direct energy elsewhere. Regardless of whether or not my wife and I move, our discussions are challenging me to cross more of those locally-shot ideas off my “to-do” list before those opportunities pass me by. After all, little in life is more painful than regret.

To quote fellow adventure photographer Dan Patitucci, “For many reasons we often dread going, but never dread having gone.” I couldn’t have said it better myself. The challenge is to get out there and grab the opportunities that exist in life right now. To stop putting them off and making excuses. I can let life pass me by because I’m too distracted to make my ideas happen, too bored with where I am at, and too focused on the future. Or, as they say, “seize the day” and take advantage of what lies before me. I choose the later. Today is that day to push myself to new limits. That day to try a new idea. That day to take a risk.

I will regret the opportunities I don’t take. Will you?

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