365 Project - Day 178

When my son asked if I would take photos at his senior prom pre-party, the request seemed simple enough. I was anxious, but I am always anxious. As the days grew warmer, my anxieties lessened and I was assured that we would take the photos outside. No need to make this a big deal and all official, particularly given there would be swarms of parents taking photographs as well. I considered my role to be as much an organizer as a photographer.

Then it snowed. I couldn't get my head wrapped around what would come next. My anxieties returned; my blood pressure soared. To top things off, my son was not ready on time and "someone" neglected to bring the corsage, sending one car back home about 5 minutes away from our destination. In the end, we took a mix of indoor and outdoor photographs. The lighting and space was difficult indoors and it was cold and cloudy outdoors.

I have heard it said that photographers should pick and stick. Choose an area of specialization and be that photographer. This evening was proof enough for me! I have lost a lot of sleep the last few days thinking about the Prom experience and its meaning. My favorite photog things are headshots and shows. Those and what I learn during this 365 Project are pure joy. All else just adds stress and feelings of inadequacy to my life. Yet, each time I try something new, I learn and grow.

I have often counseled colleagues about the virtues of stepping out of their comfort zones to follow different paths to arrive at their ultimate destinations. I am a firm believer that even a specialist is wiser, more innovative, more creative and stronger when they have lived wider lives. These alternative, often awkward events inform, instruct and serve as foundations for future innovations. On the contrary, a narrow, singular life is restrictive, lacking context, color and contrast where growth can be limited or at best, difficult. So I say, live your life full of off-beat, awkward moments. They fan the flames that help your mastery flourish!

"It's impossible!" said pride.
"It's risky." said experience.
"It's pointless." said reason.
"Give it a try." whispered the heart
(as seen on Pinterest)

Blessings!

Today's Photos: It's Prom: Live, Love, Laugh, Smile ... Be Elegant and Have Fun!

"When you find your path, you must not be afraid. You need to have sufficient courage to make mistakes. Disappointment, defeat, and despair are the tools God uses to show us the way." Paulo Coelho