Dateline Calgary!

(Play ominous intro music here) ... Lol!

Those of you that know me well, know I had been studying with Buddha for quite some time before photographing His Holiness, The XIVth Dalai Lama. In my quest to get the #1 on my top ten list, I put myself through a rigorous discipline. I gave up all of my favorite things, caffeine, chocolate, steak, dating, etc. and added daily 3 or 4 hour meditation, happiness, and more compassion and empathy to my life. I lived the regimented life of a Buddhist monk for many years so I could get that photograph and I achieved my goal. What I learned in the process, became even more valuable than the amazing photographs I took.

Since then, I have been slowly easing back into the guilty pleasures of life, one at a time. Wow, I had no idea how much I missed chocolate... or steak. The only one I seem to have had any real trouble re-introducing to my repertoire is the dating thing. My outlook has changed dramatically so my previous default date type has become obsolete. I thought I knew what I wanted in a date/mate but every man I am introduced to seems to be lacking in one department or another. I had a heart to heart conversation with a very down to earth and dear male friend the other day. He told me very honestly, that I needed to stop thinking I can have anything meaningful with regular guys. I was a little shocked at first, as I have always considered myself a prairie girl from small town Alberta, and I am just a regular girl at heart. He reasoned that my life has been anything but regular, my experiences are over the top, and most regular guys seem a little dazzled by the shiny glamour of the industry. At first, they try to keep up, but in the end, they slink away with their tales between their legs.

I have recently had a few brushes with some men that were on the margins of the celebrity industry, and they really just wanted to connect with me to get closer to some of the names on my client list to further their own agendas. There is something to be said for networking, but just dating to connect to circles that are way above your station and ability to converse is a little slimy. I have returned home from a few of these encounters feeling like I should burn my outfit in the fireplace and throw on some sage for good measure! Seriously thought about bringing in a priest to do an exorcism on my belongings after the last one! Lol!

In the photography industry, you meet a wide cross section of the human race. You work with other artists, athletes, business executives, homeless people, housewives, celebrities, children, seniors, singles , and animals. Rocks, sticks, trees, and plant life can look pretty friendly after a long day of photographing active teenagers. In this cross section of the human condition, I am blessed to work with some very gifted   and giving human beings also. It's in these moments that I really feel I know what I want out of the rest of my time here in this life. Not too long ago, some one I know and respect made a facebook comment about how you can have everything in life you could possibly want and yet still feel lack of satisfaction. This is something that really hit home with me. One thing I do know, I refuse to waste another minute of my precious time unfulfilled.

 So I decided I'm not going to search out Mr Right, Mr Right Now, or even Mr Kinda Cute. I'll maybe put the dating idea in the box in the back of my closet, ( under my favorite pair of ripped up college fraternity sweats). If a man with a pure heart, who knows what PURE LOVE means,  drops out of the sky, maybe we'll go for Chai and it will just all make sense. Until then, I think I'll stick with my camera cause it came with instructions and I can return it for a new one if it starts doing dumb things! Lol!

Have a great Sunday and don't forget to check your Compass!
Cole

The business of running a business...

When I first decided to be a photographer, I was about 14 years old. Those of you that know me, well ... let's just say that was a really long time ago. 

It wasn't something that anyone did or said, not really, it was more about the camera. It was like a natural extension of my hands. I liked the feel of it, the sound of the shutter clicking continuously. I liked being able to catch the light just right on some random subject. Mostly, I enjoyed showing someone or something in a situation they/it wouldn't normally be seen in. I still love it. 

The pay is marginal at best, most people don't understand what it takes to make a picture a sellable image so they don't value the work. I recently was chastised by a stranger for having high prices, when I did my research, I was on the low side of the range compared to my colleagues with the same years in the trenches.  In another life, I can make $15,000 per image. I was told by an agent when I was in my 20's that I 'didn't have the right equipment for that kind of paycheque'. I was still a little innocent and checked my camera bag against all the big name pro gear at the time. Back then it was still the good 'ol boys club and women in the competitive sports and wildlife field were rare. I really didn't have the right equipment. Lol!

I don't really worry about the paycheque so much anymore, although I do like to get paid for my work, I love photographing the events for not-for-profit, they tend to treat me really well and appreciate my work. I've photographed some pretty impressive people, almost have my 'Top Ten' list covered. Everything I set out to do, I usually get it done in a short amount of time. 

After I captured my most current 'Top Ten' subject from my list, I am looking for something more from this profession. I have decided to organize all my catalogue and find my best stuff. I have 5 BIG boxes of film negatives and slides to sort through. Hundreds of hours of digital files to peruse. This may be a big project! 

My agent in Toronto suggested a Gallery show. I thought this was a little funny coming from a guy who doesn't really try to hard to get me work. 

Honestly, if I did a gallery show, I'd have to go after a new subject. Most of my work is editorial and historical, not splashy enough for a full on show. After thinking about it, meditating on it, and sleeping on it, I have found my subject. It is risque, controversial, and could get me black listed from some circles. I must do it! 

I will keep my blog updated every step... I promise to wake you if you snore! Lol!

Hey, don't forget to check your Compass!

Cole