you're beautiful.

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Oddly enough my busy Christmas Eve schedule has been halted by a need to write an article. I'm sitting here with wet hair right out of the shower in my robe. My Aunt Lynn shared an article today, and I got to thinking about it more in the shower. Take a quick read and then come back. I've always had these feelings when photographing, but never had the right words to portray my thoughts, therefore so thankful for this well-spoken article. If I had a nickel for every time someone asked to take 20 pounds off of them during a photo session, I'd be a millionaire today. Truth is, my camera doesn't capture weight. It only captures emotion. Listen up, no one sees the weight but you. They see love, laughter, joy, sadness, etc.

I've unfortunately had many occasion of photographing people that left this earth unexpected, shortly after after their photos were taken. Old and young. Do those families left behind see weight in those precious images, the grays coming in, the wrinkle in the shirt? I don't think so. Don't get me wrong, it's a Photoshop, touch-up-world. All I'm asking is when Aunt or Uncle so-and-so asks to take your photo this holiday, give them a great big grin (and mean it).

While my hair is drying in horrible fashion, if I enabled one captured moment, one hug or great big smile that otherwise would have gone astray, then I did my job. Life is too darn precious.

Merry Christmas beautiful people!

 

Whatever it Takes

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whateverittakes Nine days away from the Philadelphia Marathon. Nine stinking days.

I got a call from my doctor telling me I can't run due to a recent MRI, and that I can cause much more injury bearing down on an additional 26.2 miles. First thing that comes to mind is my Dad always telling me that my grandfather instilled in him to do "whatever it takes".  Yes, my first impression was, "I'm still doing it. My foot is not hurting that bad, and I'm sure it can weather the storm. Let's do whatever it takes."

Then I got to thinking. What if "whatever it takes" is finding the patience to hang tight and rest my weary bones. Patience, a challenge that may impede most of our daily routines.

Ask any runner. Running the 26.2 miles is much easier than to have it be taken away nine days before the big day. Running is an addiction, and to remove it is like removing your morning coffee.

Tonight, I will rest my weary head knowing that my grandfather is looking down on me that I made the right choice. I'll put away my disappointment about not being able to participate in the marathon, and reach for every ounce of thankfulness in regards to the journey it took to get here. I'll be back to do whatever it takes in my next race.

PS...For those that aren't sure how this is relative to Silverbox and my design and photography, rest-assured running is where I find my inspiration and ideas for my business. I was once taught to keep your blog and business posts on topic, as that's why people follow you. Such a silly little rule. Running is so much a part of me, and I wouldn't be who I am today without it. Thanks for letting me bend your ear.

Thanks for reading my blog every single day Dad.

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