Please Allow me to Introduce..........Myself

Would you look at that? It’s already April. Where has the time gone? Wasn’t New Years Day just a few weeks ago? I guess not.

It occurs to me that some of you might be new here, or maybe it’s been awhile. Either way, I probably didn’t do a formal introduction of who I am and what this site is all about.

• I am father of two.

• I have been a husband for the last 16 plus years.

• I am an Eagle Scout and actively involved in Scouting with a few different roles.

• I ran a 50K a few years ago (for fun) but I still don’t consider myself a runner.

• I am a photographer.

• I am someone who loves the outdoors.

So let’s break it all down. Born and raised and in Kansas City, moved to Dallas in 2016. My wife and I have two kids (boy and girl) and a house full of animals. I am a dog person at heart, but the cats in the house are ok. I am Eagle Scout and as of late, have gotten involved once again. I have been back in it since my son was in Kindergarten. I started as a Den Leader, now I have moved up to Cubmaster. I have also helped lead a few Adult Leader Trainings as well as have taken a few myself. (check out the previous posts for more information).I have fun a few half and full marathons, as well as a 50K. I continue to play soccer as often as I can, so I’m in decent enough shape, but I’m not truly a runner. Between photographing my kids’ activities, just being a dad and a husband, being a Scout, and holding down a regular full time job (not photography) I stay pretty busy. Maybe I’m too busy, but you will never find me without something going on.

Hiking, camping, playing soccer, taking photos, it doesn’t matter. I am happy when I’m outside. I’ve been to several state parks, Colorado, Minnesota, New Mexico, the Smokey Mountains. It doesn’t matter. As long as I’m outside, I’m happy. I can always find something new, something overlooked.

“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” — Albert Einstein

That’s probably the best way to describe my photography. It’s outdoors. It’s the beautiful landscapes, the hustle and bustle of the city, but it’s also the details. It’s the little things. The things you miss if you don’t slow down.

"Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in awhile, you could miss it.” — Ferris (Matthew Broderick)

When Opportunity Knocks

Sometimes opportunities come when you least expect them. Sometimes they come from where you least expect them. Whatever the source, whenever or however they come, you have to be ready. Ready to accept them, accept the challenge and be ready to possibly get out of your comfort zone. No one ever made it farther in life without embracing opportunities. Sure they might be scary, but it’s worth it if you’re strong enough.

That’s how we moved to Texas almost 7 years ago. There was an opportunity and we took it:

• YES it was out of our comfort zone.

• YES it meant getting into new career fields.

• YES it meant leaving things behind for the unknown.

• YES it meant being open to the possibilities of what was next.

BUT with all of that, we did it. Two small children, two dogs and a full moving truck later, we made it. All jokes aside, I think it has been really good for me. I have grown a lot in the last 7 years both personally and professionally. I can say that because now I am in a profession that has a lot of growth potential. I am no longer aimless in jobs that won’t go anywhere productive long term.

So a move to Texas was the opportunity I needed to jumpstart my non-existent career. Was it the opportunity I needed in other parts of my life? Only time will tell. There are things that I have done here that I would think I would have still done if I was in KC. Obviously though, besides the career, the biggest opportunity has been the friendships and relationships I have made along the way. Now my personal network is bigger and broader than ever.

“Too often, the opportunity knocks, but by the time you push back the chain, push back the bolt, unhook the two locks and shut off the burglar alarm, it’s too late.” — Rita Coolidge