Hello fellow bloggers and friends. It's vacation time -(you know how it goes-You work 50 weeks and get 2 weeks off a year) And I'm getting excited about VEGAS!! I think the best part is the planning and the talking about going. I hope it lives up to its hype.
It's been busy in the photo business (so how come I'm still broke?) I do have enough money to eat out once a week or so but it's still a far cry from not worrying about money. Soccer season is about over and baseball is just around the corner. I need 2 more employees I think. One to print pics, and one to keep up with all the late orders and call people about bounced checks :( I guess its just a part of business. So you still wanna be a photographer??
Still waiting for my government check for buying a house! I am soooooo in need of that money! (see previous blogs) We're gonna call the IRS Wednesday. Wonder if they'll ask who I voted for? It'll either rile 'em up or get results. Guess I'm gonna try PROACTIVE. (no not the face stuff for acne) I might even try that in my work life too. I ain't getting any younger. If all fails, I might consider a run for office. LOL
Have any of you won the Publisher's Clearing House sweepstakes yet? I keep entering and entering and entering........... Sounds like my acquaintance on election day who keeps voting and voting and voting.............. (just kidding Dennis) Speaking of Miracles, the aforementioned acquaintance has a girlfriend(no no I know what you are thinking! They were out of blow-ups) But, he actually met an old classmate from high school on facebook. And they have hit it off. WOW! that's great! Hope it all works out so he can know how wonderful marriage can be. I have been married now for 27 years. 7 of the happiest years of my life. Take it how you want to.
But anyway, I am tired and always have to worry if the photo supplies are gonna get here on time and then am I gonna be able to deliver on time. But NO WORRIES. It all works out! AIN'T LIFE GRAND!!!!
Monday, April 26, 2010
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Life Changes
Hello fellow bloggers and friends.
I have recently had a big change in my life. My day job has changed and I guess change is good or is supposed to be. So, I will embrace it since everyone is nice, although I do miss things the way they were.
The beautiful wifey is studying again. I picked up a can of Red Bull for her so I guess that means an "all niter" studying. Just got back from delivering basketball photos and of course I got orders for more pics. It's good when you get business. In fact, ITS GREAT!
I'm hearing about the nuclear option on the TV. Did someone threaten to bomb us? It's amazing how excited these news people get when something bad happens or is about to happen. Of course, I know what they are talking about. Healthcare! Something all of us need or will need one day. Some of us just like it a lot more than others. I should really go to the doctor but I'm afraid of those guys in the white coats. Ok, Ok! I'll go tomorrow if I can get an appointment. Too many sick people in the world. I felt a little depressed today but I kept chugging along anyway. I am definitely the odd fellow since I am on no medication except the aspirin I have started taking daily.
I went to visit my mother recently. It's about a 3 hour drive and it was a nice day to drive although a little cold outside. I like to drive sometimes. It gives me a chance to think and sort out my thoughts. I started counting all the properties for sale on the trip home. I counted 82 For Sale or lease signs on the main roads of my trip thru the rural countryside of Tennessee. I don't believe I have ever seen so many... Whether we know it or not, whether we recognize it or not, these are historical times. When I was a kid I remember things like landing a man on the moon, the Kennedy and King assassinations, Elvis singing Hound Dog, the Beatles on Ed Sullivan. I remember hard times. But we all survived and really didn't know they were such hard times. Hopefully, we will survive these times.
When I was that kid, I believed I could BE or DO anything. So why did I grow up and let that feeling drift away?
I like going back home. It recharges me and I feel renewed. Part of that feeling comes from the love of my mother. She is the best mother anyone could ever have. I kinda get that feeling on the way back to my adult life that I can DO anything again. Thanks Mom!
I have recently had a big change in my life. My day job has changed and I guess change is good or is supposed to be. So, I will embrace it since everyone is nice, although I do miss things the way they were.
The beautiful wifey is studying again. I picked up a can of Red Bull for her so I guess that means an "all niter" studying. Just got back from delivering basketball photos and of course I got orders for more pics. It's good when you get business. In fact, ITS GREAT!
I'm hearing about the nuclear option on the TV. Did someone threaten to bomb us? It's amazing how excited these news people get when something bad happens or is about to happen. Of course, I know what they are talking about. Healthcare! Something all of us need or will need one day. Some of us just like it a lot more than others. I should really go to the doctor but I'm afraid of those guys in the white coats. Ok, Ok! I'll go tomorrow if I can get an appointment. Too many sick people in the world. I felt a little depressed today but I kept chugging along anyway. I am definitely the odd fellow since I am on no medication except the aspirin I have started taking daily.
I went to visit my mother recently. It's about a 3 hour drive and it was a nice day to drive although a little cold outside. I like to drive sometimes. It gives me a chance to think and sort out my thoughts. I started counting all the properties for sale on the trip home. I counted 82 For Sale or lease signs on the main roads of my trip thru the rural countryside of Tennessee. I don't believe I have ever seen so many... Whether we know it or not, whether we recognize it or not, these are historical times. When I was a kid I remember things like landing a man on the moon, the Kennedy and King assassinations, Elvis singing Hound Dog, the Beatles on Ed Sullivan. I remember hard times. But we all survived and really didn't know they were such hard times. Hopefully, we will survive these times.
When I was that kid, I believed I could BE or DO anything. So why did I grow up and let that feeling drift away?
I like going back home. It recharges me and I feel renewed. Part of that feeling comes from the love of my mother. She is the best mother anyone could ever have. I kinda get that feeling on the way back to my adult life that I can DO anything again. Thanks Mom!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
A Trip to the Grocery Store
OK, so sometimes I rant a little. Here goes for any who cares.
I still haven't got my Obama Check! Sure my liberal friend says he's probably writing out that check right now! But I haven't seen it yet! I bought a house in 2009 and followed the rules but still NO CHECK!! Local property taxes are due the end of the month and here again I am about to run outta' month before I get more money. My current retirement plan (playing Powerball) hasn't paid off yet so guess I have to keep my day job!
And, to top it all off we needed groceries. So, we made a list and made sure to eat before our trip to the grocery. NEVER, NEVER go grocery shopping on an empty stomach! We decided to go to the BIG W. It was late and that was one of about 2 solutions to our grocery needs.
It gets pretty weird at the BIG W late at night for those who have never ventured out at that time. The things you can see will make you understand why our country is going down the tubes! Where do all these people come from? I REALLY think there are aliens among us!
So, we start on our list going down the appropriate aisles. Hey GUESS WHAT! They actually have BIG signs on each aisle telling you what's in that aisle. It's a good thing because you can't find anyone who works there! Once I did, but he told me that wasn't his department, he was only on his way to the break-room.
So we get our bread, eggs, milk, lunch meat, and splurge and get a roast! And then we picked up our bottled water. I was trying to remember when I first started buying water. My grandfather once laughed me out of the house for buying water. Next thing you know they'll be charging for air he said! If he were only alive today! I think that's what the CRAP AND TRADE bill is about isn't it! Funny thing about my liberal friend, he's really tight with his money but he's very free with mine. I think we need to remind our politicians that our money is ours and not there for them to spend as they see fit. I believe I know better how to spend my own money. So anyway, I go ahead and get a case of water and head for the checkout. As luck would have it, there was only one lane with a real person checking people out. I really don't like the self scan registers, but I'll save that for another day. The lady in front of me must have been shopping for an ARMY! She had two buggies(shopping carts for you northerners) and they were filled to the brim with any and everything you could imagine. After I had thumbed thru every tabloid available(did you know Brad and Angelina are gonna break up? And Jennifer will take him back?) she was finally ready to pay. What is this SNAP card thingie anyway? I gotta get me one of those! Who paid for all those groceries? I think we all just did..... and still no Obama check.....
I still haven't got my Obama Check! Sure my liberal friend says he's probably writing out that check right now! But I haven't seen it yet! I bought a house in 2009 and followed the rules but still NO CHECK!! Local property taxes are due the end of the month and here again I am about to run outta' month before I get more money. My current retirement plan (playing Powerball) hasn't paid off yet so guess I have to keep my day job!
And, to top it all off we needed groceries. So, we made a list and made sure to eat before our trip to the grocery. NEVER, NEVER go grocery shopping on an empty stomach! We decided to go to the BIG W. It was late and that was one of about 2 solutions to our grocery needs.
It gets pretty weird at the BIG W late at night for those who have never ventured out at that time. The things you can see will make you understand why our country is going down the tubes! Where do all these people come from? I REALLY think there are aliens among us!
So, we start on our list going down the appropriate aisles. Hey GUESS WHAT! They actually have BIG signs on each aisle telling you what's in that aisle. It's a good thing because you can't find anyone who works there! Once I did, but he told me that wasn't his department, he was only on his way to the break-room.
So we get our bread, eggs, milk, lunch meat, and splurge and get a roast! And then we picked up our bottled water. I was trying to remember when I first started buying water. My grandfather once laughed me out of the house for buying water. Next thing you know they'll be charging for air he said! If he were only alive today! I think that's what the CRAP AND TRADE bill is about isn't it! Funny thing about my liberal friend, he's really tight with his money but he's very free with mine. I think we need to remind our politicians that our money is ours and not there for them to spend as they see fit. I believe I know better how to spend my own money. So anyway, I go ahead and get a case of water and head for the checkout. As luck would have it, there was only one lane with a real person checking people out. I really don't like the self scan registers, but I'll save that for another day. The lady in front of me must have been shopping for an ARMY! She had two buggies(shopping carts for you northerners) and they were filled to the brim with any and everything you could imagine. After I had thumbed thru every tabloid available(did you know Brad and Angelina are gonna break up? And Jennifer will take him back?) she was finally ready to pay. What is this SNAP card thingie anyway? I gotta get me one of those! Who paid for all those groceries? I think we all just did..... and still no Obama check.....
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Digital vs. Film
I remember when digital cameras made their debue. But, I was well entrenched in film and all the nuiances of working with film. I had just spent $150k plus on new equipment and was working day & night to make ends meet. ALWAYS more month left at the end of the money! And when I thought I had 'em all satisfied, here would come another tax or something I hadn't counted on. Oh the joy of being a business owner!
I realistically thought I would have 3-5 years to change the way I did business before things would change. But change always comes whether good or bad. People quickly accepted digital (much to the astonishment of Kodak-Remember the APS camera-still a few around) The initial quality and ease of use was lacking but things improved quickly and digital has been embraced by this entrepreneur picture taker.
Things are pretty good now as long as I have my day job. I see no way a small mom and pop type business can make it today unless they have a highly sought after product or service that people are willing to purchase.
If you haven't gone digital yet, What are you waiting for!? Just jump in with both feet. It's only money! Buy the best digital camera you can afford. If you are a vacation/snapshot kinda person, just get a digital point and shoot. Buy a brand name such as Sony, Canon or Nikon, anything over 3 megapixels. That should give you decent photos. If you are a picky person like my friend (who was told he is picky just a couple days ago by a person that didn't know him) then you are doomed. You never wanna buy because you think the price will go down after you purchase or the technology will be so much better with the next model. Just jump in and make memories!!
The Patient Photographer
I realistically thought I would have 3-5 years to change the way I did business before things would change. But change always comes whether good or bad. People quickly accepted digital (much to the astonishment of Kodak-Remember the APS camera-still a few around) The initial quality and ease of use was lacking but things improved quickly and digital has been embraced by this entrepreneur picture taker.
Things are pretty good now as long as I have my day job. I see no way a small mom and pop type business can make it today unless they have a highly sought after product or service that people are willing to purchase.
If you haven't gone digital yet, What are you waiting for!? Just jump in with both feet. It's only money! Buy the best digital camera you can afford. If you are a vacation/snapshot kinda person, just get a digital point and shoot. Buy a brand name such as Sony, Canon or Nikon, anything over 3 megapixels. That should give you decent photos. If you are a picky person like my friend (who was told he is picky just a couple days ago by a person that didn't know him) then you are doomed. You never wanna buy because you think the price will go down after you purchase or the technology will be so much better with the next model. Just jump in and make memories!!
The Patient Photographer
Monday, February 1, 2010
The Journey Begins
This is the start of my blog, The Patient Photographer.
I have been a photographer since 1985. Let me rephrase, I have been in business since 1985. I am really an entrepreneur who just happens to take photos. I intend to cover many topics here over the next few years.
How I started:
I come from a good southern family. We never had a lot but we always had enough to get by. We worked for what we got and we appreciated it more for that reason I suppose. I went to college and worked for a local printer as a 3rd shift janitor. Tried playing basketball my freshman year but after numerous splinters in my butt, decided I was not gonna be in the NBA. Got married the Sophomore year (!!!!!!) and really had to work but what did I know? I was young and the world was mine for the taking. I was making $1.91/hour at my job(had more money than I knew what to do with!) You see money went a lot farther then. I graduated in 1972 with my degree in Accounting(didn't really like accounting but EVERYONE said that's where the jobs are!)
So, I stayed with the printing company and, since I had my degree, was offered a position as an assistant manager. The BIG "A" the girls called me. Lost the first wife there(my fault) stayed single a year and a half and found wife #2 there. (some advice) Don't find your 2nd wife where you found your first wife. Good advice for you beginners. Also, if they were both born on the same day, HEAD FOR THE HILLS!!!!
OK so how did I get into photography??
Well, like so many things in my life, I just kinda stumbled into it. I had taken some pics in high school as the Co-Editor of the yearbook. And then, I started helping out in the photo department of the printing company. One momentous day someone asked me to take pictures of a family reunion, then a wedding, and I was a regular photographer at employee functions. Ohhhh Lord, If I only knew!
In the meantime, Life was great! I became Department Manager in charge of a big budget, layoffs and recalls, employee counseling & training not to mention trying to keep some very new experimental typesetting equipment running. But, Life was good.
Well, the GOOD LIFE can't last forever so it didn't. I just don't remember exactly when it stopped. But, I was unhappy and although I was making good money for the time, it wasn't enough. So, I started looking around. One MOMENTOUS DAY, I found a newspaper ad selling the 1 HOUR Photo Lab. WOW!! I was hooked.
About this time, I was just getting ready to marry wife #2. It was a new relationship. I was Mr. Kool and many women desired me. LOL LOL LOL!!!
Anyway, she built me up into thinking I could do anything (and BTW I CAN!) so I quit my job COLD TURKEY and opened the first 1 HOUR lab in town.
So you see I had no choice but to become a photographer.
First installment: THE PATIENT PHOTOGRAPHER
I have been a photographer since 1985. Let me rephrase, I have been in business since 1985. I am really an entrepreneur who just happens to take photos. I intend to cover many topics here over the next few years.
How I started:
I come from a good southern family. We never had a lot but we always had enough to get by. We worked for what we got and we appreciated it more for that reason I suppose. I went to college and worked for a local printer as a 3rd shift janitor. Tried playing basketball my freshman year but after numerous splinters in my butt, decided I was not gonna be in the NBA. Got married the Sophomore year (!!!!!!) and really had to work but what did I know? I was young and the world was mine for the taking. I was making $1.91/hour at my job(had more money than I knew what to do with!) You see money went a lot farther then. I graduated in 1972 with my degree in Accounting(didn't really like accounting but EVERYONE said that's where the jobs are!)
So, I stayed with the printing company and, since I had my degree, was offered a position as an assistant manager. The BIG "A" the girls called me. Lost the first wife there(my fault) stayed single a year and a half and found wife #2 there. (some advice) Don't find your 2nd wife where you found your first wife. Good advice for you beginners. Also, if they were both born on the same day, HEAD FOR THE HILLS!!!!
OK so how did I get into photography??
Well, like so many things in my life, I just kinda stumbled into it. I had taken some pics in high school as the Co-Editor of the yearbook. And then, I started helping out in the photo department of the printing company. One momentous day someone asked me to take pictures of a family reunion, then a wedding, and I was a regular photographer at employee functions. Ohhhh Lord, If I only knew!
In the meantime, Life was great! I became Department Manager in charge of a big budget, layoffs and recalls, employee counseling & training not to mention trying to keep some very new experimental typesetting equipment running. But, Life was good.
Well, the GOOD LIFE can't last forever so it didn't. I just don't remember exactly when it stopped. But, I was unhappy and although I was making good money for the time, it wasn't enough. So, I started looking around. One MOMENTOUS DAY, I found a newspaper ad selling the 1 HOUR Photo Lab. WOW!! I was hooked.
About this time, I was just getting ready to marry wife #2. It was a new relationship. I was Mr. Kool and many women desired me. LOL LOL LOL!!!
Anyway, she built me up into thinking I could do anything (and BTW I CAN!) so I quit my job COLD TURKEY and opened the first 1 HOUR lab in town.
So you see I had no choice but to become a photographer.
First installment: THE PATIENT PHOTOGRAPHER
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