Saying Thank You Is Easy

What ever happened to manners, kindness and courtesy? What a shame if these ways are getting lost in the shuffle of cyberspace.

I give thanks for the good people out there. Three cheers for the considerate ones!

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

On Courtesy and Professional Ethics

Years ago a famous photographer (one I admire) called to ask if he could start using sepia in his work since he liked my use of sepia. "Of course, " I said, "Go for it."

The reason I am relating this situation is because I was impressed. He was respecting me and my work. He was being considerate and professional. We knew each other, we competed, and he was, and is, an honorable person. He taught me a valuable lesson.

Suggestion: Remember to ask before emulating a friend's work, or style.

Asking first is the ethical and responsible thing to do. It doesn't matter if the technique, setup, style or whatever is covered in a book. Instead, be inspired by the work of others, then work, shoot and develop your own style--be different whether playing with photography, drawing, sculpting, crafting and painting; or being serious about the art, craft or skill. To take info from someone and use it without giving them credit, is unforgivable. Ask, and the answer will most likely be "yes." If the answer is "no," then you can to go in a different direction saving yourself a ton of time and aggravation. Also, be advised: you can never be as good as the person you copy. They are unique and have worked long and hard to be where they are.

Remember: Ignorance of the rules is no excuse.

After reading a book from the library on photography, which changed my life, I wrote the author. He sent me a copy of his book (then out of print and stored in his attic). After receiving a couple of awards, I sent him copies of the winning photographs and thanked him for his valuable contribution to my work and my life.

Do not underestimate how much you have been given. You may have received much more information and support than you realize, i.e. books, titles and quotations, settings, equipment with settings included, observations, tips and helpful suggestions, etc.

Giving credit to those people who help you along the way is the thing to do. No one succeeds without help from a variety of sources.

Saturday's Soapbox Soundoff

Time to sound off. The topic is: LATENESS

What would you do with someone who is late all the time? Now, I don't mean a few minutes late...I mean up to 2 hours late. In my opinion, this is an insult--a slap in the face--disrespectful and discounting. What that person is saying is: "I would rather be doing something else, than be with you. You are not important to me."

Also, they may be extremely disorganized. If that disorganized, then perhaps it is time to get their act together and Plan Ahead.

So...here is the bottom line: If you don't care enough to be on time, you may lose what could be, or have been, a valuable friendship.

WHOOPEE!!!! FEELING MUCH BETTER NOW.