Hey

I meant to say something on this topic a couple of weeks ago, but that's how things have been lately :/ I'm sure you can relate.

Most of you know one of my big "causes" is Scouting. On February 8 each year we celebrate the Boy Scouts of America being chartered...so in honor of this I'm gonna let my nerd show!

Most people in the Scouting world have heard of Baden-Powell: the English dude who started the whole movement. Most in America know the name William D Boyce - the lawyer who brought it to America. But less-known Skipper Gidney is one of my favorites.

Gidney was known for being charming, enthusiastic, and had a bit of a juvenile sense of humor. He loved stunts and tricks. His charisma led to him being chosen as one of the first trainers of adult leaders for the young Scouting movement, and was known as a "genius trainer." He was able to take B-P's theories and convey them in a way that made them practical. This single-handedly shaped what Scouting has become in the past 116 years.

WHY DOES THIS RELATE TO A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY?

Gidney was - effectively - a translator. He translated what Baden-Powell wanted into a form that resonated with youth and adults and was able to coach them to fulfill the dream.

That's kinda what I do as a photographer.

I take the laws of physics, and the theories of art and translate them in such a way that my clients can use them with me and we create timeless artwork they treasure. HOW COOL IS THAT? The bonus is that my clients tell me that I - like Gidney - am charming, enthusiastic, and charismatic: making the process more fun than they expected.

I can't mention Scouting without acknowledging the "Be Prepared" aspect...anyone who has seen me at a wedding knows I've got everything I need, and at least one backup plan. I'm also kinda known for my Mary Poppins (or Oh $h!+) box of extra stuff...I've rescued more than one wedding with the stuff I carry. I'll go through that in a future blog post, so stay tuned there.

YOUR TURN:

I'm curious - who inspires you? Why?

Hope you're having a great week!

Until next time,

Matthew