The Bucket List

The trouble is, you think you have time.

Buddha

The Bucket List

I recently watched The Bucket List staring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. It’s a thought provoking story about 2 men from disparate places, (Jack is a billionaire… – and Morgan is a teacher) sharing a hospital room and similar terminal diagnosis, that decide to spend their last days pursuing a bucket list including sky diving, flying over the North Pole, dinner in France and so on. In the end, Jack’s character reconciles with a long estranged daughter, and Morgan’s character rediscovers the love he felt when he was first married.

I just wonder what would happen if more humans realized that our journey together spans a pretty small slice of time relative to something like the formation of our solar system and we are all share a terminal diagnosis, if the world would be a nicer place.

Any thoughts on that? See the comment box below…

and moving on…

The Beauty of Professional Portraiture

The beauty of professional portraiture is that it preserves a single moment in that extremely small slice of time that we walk on this planet. And when printed can be left behind for historical reasons and becomes a part of your legacy.

These photos (taken this week for a new staff member at the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce and Industries) were captured at 1/125th of a second exposure time. Think about that, dividing a second into 125 pieces. Such a small slice of time but both images capture the person and reveal one tiny facet her personality – and that’s the beauty of a professional portrait.

I could imagine that twenty or thirty years from now, she might pull these prints out a drawer and reminisce about the good old days of her youth. It’s even possible that many decades from now, after she’s passed, that her family and loved ones could enjoy these photographs.

And since my name is on the image, that’s my legacy.

Legacy

I think legacy is important. That’s why I documented my 70th birthday with an official photo. I’ll print a couple 5x7s to be enjoyed today and discovered by my survivors after I’m gone.

And since I was “at it”, Patty and I updated our couples portrait.

Wrapping It Up

I hope I’ve inspired you to add a professional portrait or family photos every year or two to your bucket list.

And if that is something you already do and enjoy, please leave a thought or two in the comment box below.

Finally, this is a great time of year to get outdoor family photos including senior portraits. It is not to soon to be thinking about Christmas Cards or Holiday photos. Maternity and boudoir can happen, no matter the season. If you have an idea for yourself or family give me a shout and let’s kick it around.

Best,
Mike

Ps. And here’s a gentle reminder to get busy on the bucket list… 😉