In the first part of this week’s podcast, we take a look at how working on a project is like running on a racetrack. Like lanes on a track, at any given time, you might be faster and ahead in one area of your project and behind in another. The key is to keep your eyes on the finish line and know that each step in each lane moved you closer to completing your project. It doesn’t matter which lane is ahead, but rather that you can keep focused on assign the feedback and language into the correct lane.
In part two of the podcast, we talk gifts. As the holiday season approaches, I have been asked by some friends and family members what makes a good gift for a photographer. While a lot of lists this season have great gear on them, I tried to come up with some things that might not make everyone’s list and focuses a little less on gear.
- Fenix flashlight–These are great little lights that shine a bright beam and take up little or no space in your bag or pockets. You can’t beat the light to weight ratio.
Paper for printing–If you know a photographer that loves to print at home, you can’t go wrong getting them a box of their favorite paper. Who knows maybe you get a print back.
Basic black frame–Photos love to be printed, but they love to hang on the wall even more. Giving a nice simple frame to a photographer will help them get their images up where others can see them.
Time with a lawyer or accountant–If you know a great lawyer or accountant, see if you can pre-pay for an hour of their time to give to a photographer who might be just starting out their business. When you are just getting up and running as a photography business, you can save so much time and money getting a little professional advice sooner than later.
I also have complied a list of books that would make a great gift this holiday season.
- The Way of the Writer by Charles Johnson. A great look at the creative and storytelling process from a master author and teacher.
- Chromaphilia by Stella Paul. A great art history book that uses color to teach how to understand and relate to art.
- Unseen is an amazing collection of photographs of African-Americans during the civil rights movement that were taken by the NY Times photographers but never seen before.
- Blind Spot by Teju Cole is another great book that would make an excellent addition to anyone bookshelf.
- Finally, if you haven’t given Art and Fear a read, it should absolutely be on your list. A modern day classic.
Note: Links are affiliate links a Amazon. No price difference, just a penny in my penny jar.