I know I've mentioned my photography top ten list before, but for those of you that don't always have time to read the blog, every photographer I have ever met, has something of a top ten list. It's the top ten people you would like to photograph. I have one and have had to revise it every time I get one of those people or places on film. The original one I had squirreled away in my jewelry box for quite a few years was tattered and worn from reading and daydreaming and only recently, I have been able to make it a reality.
There are only a few notables left on my current list from my original list. One of course, had passed away long before I was in a position to get to India to photograph her. It was Mother Theresa. She will now be on the list at the top for all time as a reminder to never walk away from an opportunity when it's presented to you. That's a story for another time.
The two other original names are Nelson Mandela and Fidel Castro. I may just get my opportunity yet. I have put in my paperwork for Fidel Castro's office and I'll keep you posted how that goes. Nelson Mandela may be a bit trickier. I have friends looking into that avenue and hopefully we'll see some light on that soon.
The original #1 on my list was of course, His Holiness, The XIVth Dalai Lama. After the two day assignments were over, I went to Tiffany's and bought myself a Tiffany's signature key. It was my reward for accomplishing my goal so swiftly and with little fuss. My experience with the RCMP gave me a little head start in that regard. I had already had security clearance done while in service so the process was quick for me. Take note anyone who has big names on their list, it's not that easy for everyone. It was streamlined for me as I had all the details in place for years, acquiring security clearance requires a lot of patience.
Back to the rewards part. As I mentioned, each major assignment that has lead me to reaching a photography goal is rewarded with something special. It's like a right of passage for me to manifest my dreams into reality and I feel this deserves a token to remind me of the work and preparation that goes into attaining these lofty goals. Some of the people on my list may not have any meaning or significance for the average reader, but their names and personalities may have touched my life at different times with something they said or did publicly that changed my way of thinking. I won't be specific about who they are for this reason alone, as I'm sure some of you would be surprised or looking at me cross eyed saying 'Huh?' or 'Really?' In just under the last 2 years, I have photographed one of my top 10 not just once but he has become one of my favorite clients and his staff are also part of my favorite team to work with. I just completed an assignment for him where a business associate of his, that became a recent addition to my list, was in attendance. Later in the evening, another female member of my list arrived and I photographed her as well. I noticed that most of my accomplishments in photography since I have been in Calgary, can be traced back to my favorite Top Ten client. Whether someone has seen the work I did for him and brought me onboard, or they heard I had worked for him and decided that was all the reference they needed. I wrote a note to thank him for all he has done, because sometimes, I think people don't realize how one little kindness can change a person's entire life as he has done for me.
With my portfolio of work I have done for him, and other's that have opened their doors to me because I photographed for him, I was recommended to get an assignment for Tiffany's of New York. Tiffany's has also been on my list for many years. At the end of the assignment, I was going to follow the tradition and buy something little from Tiffany's to celebrate my successful career moment. Tiffany's covered that for me and gave me a small pendant on a chain. It's an adorable trinket that I would have worn often and remembered the day with fondness.
This June was my daughter's 22nd birthday. We went to a movie and celebrated quietly. I gave her this pendant, as much as it was my gift, I wanted her to have something that was a milestone marker for me. I though it was important that she see how I am realizing my dreams, even at this late stage in the game. That pendant is a symbol of what's possible if you just believe and make a plan to get where you want to go. I hope it serves her well and I hope she reaches for the stars everyday because she can. I hope she can look at that pendant and have gratitude for the path to get where she's going. I hope it reminds her to always express gratitude to the people that reach out to open doors for her as she makes her own milestones.
Don't forget to check your Compass!
Cole
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