In second-grade, going to the dentist became the only thing I loathed in life. It ranked ranked worser than worse, perhaps started from my the experience of getting my my first tooth pulled (I fought, hard, needing a restraining jacket… I’m sure).
For the next decade, every time I would glance at the calendar see “Dentist appt” penciled in, my heart sank rock bottom… nerves skyrocketed. My worst nightmare: finding out I had a cavity. I never wanted to be that kid.
While I’ve only had two cavities in my life, that’s all I ever want. Luckily, that’s all I ever had. And my old amalgams have held up for over 20 years. Next week, however, it’s time to get them replaced which won’t be fun. But I’m not scared, because I know Dr. Sprout and his great crew at Genesse Dental Group is gonna take good care of me, just as they have for the last 10 years.
If you are looking for a gentle, painless, and fun group of folks, seriously, just go. Your smile will thank you.
Everyone got a little take home surprise, inspired by that silver filling I had once upon a time, but waaaay cooler.
Posted by R. J. on October 29, 2010
If I could hold eleven years in my hand, it would look like this:
Tonight, as I crack the spine of my new Colgate Datebook, volume XII, I reminisce how these little calendar books have helped organize my life. Each year, I order a new one from the university bookstore. And each year, I can hold a new chapter of what’s yet to come in my hand.
Since 1999, a quick glance reveals what’s on tap for my day, the next week or month, without the need to fire up a laptop. Colgate University (my alma mater) provided me with a solid liberal arts education. The daily glimpse of the seal on my notebook reminds me of those fond years.
Thankfully, time management struggles crumble at the site of my datebook. Having one calendar on paper with me at most times, keeps my life together. Daily checklists made easy… all in one place.
“Let me look at my calendar.” Who says that any more? I do, especially before committing to an appointment. As a visual thinker, the ability to see Sunday-Saturday on page offers me clarity.
To glance back at 10 years of my life: first dates, wedding planning, birthday gatherings, client meetings, taekwondo tournaments… all documented in these little books. Each winter season I count the number of ski/telemark/snowboarding I enjoyed (record: 32 days in 2001-2003). Come tax season when I’m calculating my travel mileage, the calculation process takes me less than 30 minutes as I flip through my Dateboook, reminded about the fun engagement sessions, compelling conferences, and family vacations. Tax stress melts away. Take that, Microsoft Outlook!
I’ve considered digital calendars like Outlook, iCal and was even tempted by Things, Apple’s answer to task management. However, the process of writing it down forces me remember it. Batteries don’t die, operating systems don’t crash, and I can still read & plan my time after the flight attendant states, “Please turn off all portable electronic devices.” Refreshing.
I’ve never double booked meetings (unlike a friend who double-booked a wedding after relying on a fancy online reminder program which didn’t sync properly). And there’s been only a few times in the last decade I forgot about an important date.
My only downfall: if I loose it, there’s no backup. Luckily, it hasn’t happened, yet (knock on wood).
Thank you, Colgate Datebook, for making my life easier!
Here’s to Volume XII. May it be the best year yet!
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I dedicate this post to my Grandpa Quigley (Colgate class of ’48), who continues to inspire my entrepreneurial spirit. I attended his 50th college reunion back in 1998 and it was a hoot!
Posted by R. J. on October 26, 2010
Too hot to handle, too cold to hold. Can’t wait to shoot their winter wedding. It will be bold.
(If I was a rapper, I’d be broke). But sometimes I sing these lyrics in my head while editing. So don’t judge.
Inspiration for Steven King’s ’The Shining,’ came from the Stanley Hotel where their wedding will be hosted. I personally asked and confirmed this in person with Steve about 3 years ago. True that.
My time spent with Jennifer and Steve reminded me what I’m doing is what I’m meant to do. I know it and feel it. I feel inspired, happy, motivated… energized. When you follow your heart, all questions of purpose become answered: enthusiasm, inspiration, energy, spirit…. it’s all there. And at the end of the shoot, these types of pursuits and endeavors engage my spirit in a big way. Kind of like watching a movie in which we loose track of time. Thank the right side of the brain for that. And I have a whole lot of the right side of the brain in my left side. I could shoot and explore for hours and not know it, and only become more energetic as a result (and not drained). Passion, unleashed. Look out.
Of all the engagement sessions I ever had in my own life, this one, this engagement session, is the most recent. And one of my favorites.
I’m not fan of sports, sorry. But I did manage to include Invesco Field at Mile High in the background of this image (we saw a really cute couple dressed in matching Broncos uniforms standing in front of the stadium smiling pretty. Picture perfect, perhaps. But not for my perfect client 
Unleashed a whole new weapon. UV light. On top of a place where we shouldn’t have been. Epic.
Posted by R. J. on October 20, 2010
While editing these photos on my 17” MacBook Pro, I had six strangers-looking-over-my shoulder comment, “That is the cutest baby photo in the world,” Hmmmm… perhaps that’s the last time I edit photos from a Denver family portrait session in a restaurant at the Chicago airport. Kid you not. 15 minutes another commented, “Those are the funniest baby photos I’ve ever seen.” My response: Thank you.
Most every family wants that epic “Say Cheese for the Grandparents Shot,” despite them hiring me for my ‘creative, lifestyle-oriented, photojournalistic family portrait style.’ Here’s my fave: 
And who wouldn’t like a baby like Cassia falling from the sky?
One thing I always offer during my family portrait sessions is a complimentary headshot of the parents, great for Facebook and Twitter or even a professional photo for work. And what grandparent wouldn’t mind seeing their kids and grandkids in the same blog post? Sage and Eric both have great eyes to boot (shot with my favorite Nikon portrait lens, the Nikon 85 f/1.4).
We ended our portrait session on a the greatest sugar high, thanks to a stop at The Hole, the best donut shop in Denver, Mmmmm. Our delectable treats:
Delectable treats, now starting to be devoured by Cassia:
Still getting devoured: 
Devoured.
Sugar high. Can’t… hold… Dad…. back. Must… pull…harder. Run …faster.
If you can’t wait to have your cute family photographed, contact us to get started.
Posted by R. J. on October 19, 2010
Two hour time zone changes while traveling always get me. Can’t go to bed. Can’t get up in the morning.
Which is why I headed into Walmart in the first place. To purchase legit consumables for a decent wage, of the port wine and Diet Coke variety.
At the checkout, I didn’t think twice when I bought “Body for Life” hardcover for $6. En route to Pekosky, MI I was reading Bill Phillips, “Transformation,” inspired. So to rewind 10 years just seemed appropriate. Kinda like watching Jar Jar Binks for the first time, then watching the REAL Star Wars again.
A few things running through my head:
+ How spending $2,200 for two stops of light still might be worth it. Proof forthcoming in due time.
+ How I plan to make my million, outside of photography. That’s for my next book due out in 2015.
+ How I’ve mastered my Single Flash Multiple Exposure (SFMF) technique which no longer requires an assistant… here is a huge tip:
This time of year I call my “think big thoughts on mountain top”…. a time to get away and reflect. Nothing too pontification worthy, just gaining (re)perspective and (re)creating. The first image is my favorite of the day shot at “Sand Lake Quiet Area” near Little Traverse, Michigan. I made a loud ruckus enjoying the creation of these images:
Posted by R. J. on October 18, 2010
