Event photography is one of my favorite to shoot, though I don’t get to do it often. Usually, organizers want to control the media from the event and that makes it difficult for me to work with the best tools I have to capture moments. However, as phone cameras get more and more powerful, you can still create some pretty stunning visuals with a decent shot and some good editing. Still though, because my approach to event shooting is to capture the feeling of what it is genuinely like to be there as a spectator with all the emotion and spectacle of the show, I would love to have full access during events so that I can shoot from whatever angles I want.
Day 21 - Omotenashi /
Omotenashi is a Japanese cultural concept of hospitality. To genuinely look after and care for guests out of respect and without expectation of reward. Despite cultural differences in upbringing and society, there are still those of us in the west who stumble upon this mindset as well. Southern hospitality is often cited as such a stereotype but even still there are individuals and families outside of that region that exude that friendliness too. I sincerely enjoy providing for others and caring for their happiness and I hope that those close to me can attest to my welcoming demeanor.
Day 20 - Dat /
Happy Birthday!
Thanks for bringing light into the lives of everyone you meet. Your mission to entertain people with a positive attitude is an infectious mindset and I hope that more people get to enjoy your exuberance! Continue being yourself but remember to check yourself frequently and don’t neglect your own well-being. It would be very sad if you woke up one day as Pagliacci.
Day 19 - Sincerity /
I believe that everyone strives to be kind throughout life. Despite how some behaviors may seem, the individual behind the action may have the perception that they are doing it with the best intentions. Unfortunately, kindness is valued differently by everyone and the receiving end may not align with your own morals.
Better is to strive to be sincere. Being genuine towards others and in your intentions mitigates that potential for misunderstanding. Listen to what is being said and speak straightforwardly, with honesty and from the heart. Often this can mean that you will have to be unpleasant in your words, but by understanding that you can help them be receptive to it while still grateful for your frankness.
Nothing exists in such black and white absolutes, and life is no exception. Better to be sincere than disingenuous.
Day 18 - Rachel & Jason /
Dear Rachel & Jason,
Many spoke to your love, life, and longevity last night describing your journey here, the affection you hold for each other, and advice for the road ahead. There isn’t much else that can be said and certainly no added credence to the words when spoken from myself. However, the union of two people is a beautiful thing, only achieved with much deliberation and sincerity and so should be celebrated for all that effort. I hope that every individual is given a chance to share that experience with another.
Maintain a strong will, a deep reserve of spirit, and a healthy amount of hope. Keeping pragmatism balanced with idealism is not always easy, but I believe it is worth it.
Congratulations!
Day 17 - Sonder /
“So where are you from?”
“Ehhh a tiny island near Guam, you probably don’t know.”
“Well what’s it called?”
“Saipan"
“Oohhh”
“Have you heard of it?”
“Nope”
“See, told you"
“Yeah, but that’s what makes it cool!”
Day 16 - Home /
One of the most striking visuals that I enjoy experiencing is witnessing people within their homes. We are typically unaware of how much our space is an extension of ourselves and with a little bit of perception and a lot of empathy, it can be one of the best ways to truly connect with someone. Everything in a home, whether deliberately or not, is placed there under the expectation that it will largely only be seen or used by those who live there. What that results in is an incredibly unique personality that describes the people, their relationships, worries & aspirations, habits & routines, and much more.
A home is often where we feel most balanced and at peace with ourselves physically, mentally, and emotionally. It is for good reason that many of the most genuine interactions and our fondest memories happen here with ourselves and others.
Day 15 - Comfort /
Feeling comfortable is never an unnoble pursuit. Everyone deserves to retain some level of comfort throughout their life and for a lot of people that’s enough. However, it is easy to become complacent with who you are, the things you do, and what you want. The same way it is fine to be content with your surroundings, it’s just as acceptable to want to seek more growth and experiences. Often times greed is accused on people who have lofty aim, but we should be supporting our friends, not bringing them down.
Passions are a difficult thing to chase, but they’re just as difficult to suppress.