Thursday, December 27, 2007

The Nations Capital

I was in Washington DC this past August for the Black Data Processing Associates (BDPA) national conference. I was able to get away from the workshops and festivities to take a few shots; unfortunately nobody told me that you can't use a tripod while inside the mall. That reality became very apparent to me when a cop rode up on his bike and told me that it was illegal and that he could have confiscated all of my precious equipment. So here are a few of the legal shots I took during the daytime. The evening shots didn't turn out as well so I'll have to find another option the next time I visit.






















Sunday, December 23, 2007

Strolling Through The Park One Day

Meadowbrook Park






The Things We Take For Granted

While not necessarily inspired by the season, it's always good to find "center" by reflecting on the many blessings we have around us each day. I have wireless internet access throughout my house but it has been acting up for the past few days so I am sitting in front of my router with my ethernet cable in order to publish this entry. Having anything other than stable internet connectivity each day never crosses my mind because its been so reliable. Now that I actually have to get off my butt and move to a different location to access the internet has made me realize how lazy I've become; God forbid I lose the remote to the TV. Being challenged with this internet issue makes this blog even that much more appropriate.

This little guy and his friends were outside of my garage almost every day this summer. Without anymore then a passing glance from me, they went about their task of adding to the beauty of the neighborhood. I on the other hand was too busy running to work, kids to sports and traveling to other places to notice their handy work. It wasn't until they were literally in my way one day that I had no choice but to pay attention. I then ran and got my camera to capture their beauty but waited until today for a reason to share them with the world and acknowledge my shortcomings. There are a lot of beautiful things in this world that are blessing us each day. Learn from my example and don't wait till they interupt your routine before you acknowledge their presence.








Thursday, November 29, 2007

Becoming

A very successful counselor once said to me” I’d like to think we are always in the process of becoming”. Her words hit home to me as I look at my own life over the last 3-4 years. For those that know me well, I am very critical of myself and can always tell you what I should have done versus what is. As I was reminded this week about this state of “becoming” I thought about this picture from a photo shoot I did with a family of three. The picture depicts a mothers care and the innocence of youth that exists in all of us while we’re in this state. Look at the exchange between the two, the eyes and the smiles on their faces. The innocence of youth and an outlook for a very blessed and prosperous tomorrow.

It’s not about a “beginning” or an “end” but about the journey on our way towards “becoming”. After the turkey has been carved, presents opened, we will go through that ever so familiar process of resolutions for the year ahead. Let this picture and these words help guide you for the New Year ahead. Be blessed!!!

Preparation



Innocence



Outlook

Saturday, November 17, 2007

Courage and Destiny

How do you measure courage? Is courage measured by the limitations others put on you, by the wind they take out of your sails or by the lack of support and encouragement as you step into your destiny? No, it's just the opposite and so much more!!!!! We are not who other people say we are because we have been given favor to overcome obstacles on the journey towards destiny. Don't ever let anyone tell you that you can't be something great or try to put their limitations on you because "your" promise is in "you" not "them".

I did a photo shoot with a good friend a few weeks ago and asked her permission to post a few photo's on my blog. She specifically asked that I not associate her name with the photos. I accommodated her and said that I would refer to her as a personal coach, close friend and mentor. She asked me when did I become a mentor? She didn't realize that how much I admired the courage she exhibited on the road to her destiny. How much I benefited from her formal and informal counsel through the challenges in my life. When she had no choice but to give in to her destiny, people around her made up their own minds about why she was stepping out of the corporate model. Their thought process was very much a product of the limitations they placed on themselves and their dreams. Others like myself admired her courage and wondered "if"....... Here's to courage and destiny yet realized.






Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Bok Tower

I was in Winter Haven Florida on business a couple of months ago and took a drive up to Bok Tower on my last day. I heard so much about Bok Tower that I decided to brave the temps and humidity to see it for myself. Here a few of the shots I took as I walked around the tower.





Sunday, November 11, 2007

Cultivating Your Seeds of Greatness

I was listening to T.D. Jakes this morning as he was talking about "cultivating your seeds of greatness". This very simple yet significant message made me realize how blessed I am with the people (family and friends) God has chosen to surround me with that are helping me "cultivate my seeds of greatness". God has a way of putting people and circumstances in our lives that are there to serve a greater purpose; a purpose for which he will reveal to us when we're ready to receive it. I have been struggling with some things in my life lately and T.D. Jakes' message helped me put things in perspective and focus on my passions. So I challenge those bloggers reading this message to examine your circumstances and do the necessary repositioning in your life to "cultivate your seeds of greatness". You will be very pleased with what emerges.


Thursday, November 8, 2007

Colors of the Season - Part 2

Here are a few more colors to end out the fall season. It's amazing what you find if you are deliberate about pursuing it. With all that we have going on in our business and personal lives, how much of what God has blessed us with are we passing by each day without an acknowledgment of the grace we've been given. I hope you enjoy these as much as I enjoyed the journey.













Saturday, October 27, 2007

Colors of the Season

Can you believe it's only 60 days till Christmas and this wonderful time of year we call "Fall" is almost over. Well I am now on a catch-up mission to start shooting some of the colors of the season. Some of these photo's are from different parts of the country during my travels. Here are some lovely red's, yellow's, green's and yes purples for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy!!!







Friday, October 26, 2007

The Dragon

This is the very picture that validated my decision to scrap my cheap lenses for Canon's professional series lenses. I was at a family reunion and this buzz went past my ear. I looked out into this murky water and saw this dragonfly perched on a stick. I whipped my camera out and was able to take a few shots before this little guy took flight again. You find beauty is some of the most unsuspecting places if you're not afraid of the journey.




Friday, October 19, 2007

Sky on Fire

I was out driving around with my sons yesterday early evening and ran across this sky. The clouds had been moving fast all day long and this sky was no different. I quickly pulled into a parking lot, and started shooting while my sons ran to the playground. I didn't get a chance to set the camera as I just got out of the car and started shooting. The rainbow in this 3rd photo only lasted a few minutes. Enjoy!












Sunday, October 14, 2007

First Shoot

Yesterday I completed my very first photo shoot with a beautiful family of eight. The weather was a bit cold and the sun evaded us for most of the day but my the spirit was good and I had as much fun and the family did. Here's one of my favorite shots from the afternoon with the four men of the family.