Conference

*I tried to upload the video that I made, however - not only was it taking too long to upload, but I found an error in something and now have to fix it.

"Good, better, best. Never stop until your good is better, and your better best"

Striving for perfection on projects and obsessing until my goal is achieved is nothing new to me - except in photo projects given in class. If my professors read this they'll never believe any part of what I am saying.

I was roped in, or voluntold that I was making a pump up video for the Swimming and Diving team before they leave for NCAAs in Texas on Monday. For the past couple of days I have worked very hard on making sure this video is everything that I could make it where it is interesting to watch, able to have people to continue watching it despite its length and that'll it will pump up the team.

Now the only dilemma that I have had lately is how I have been a doormat for several things throughout the year when it comes to my time and money. I have never turned down a project that I was given by the team nor did I ever put anything on the back-burner for them. Things were always completed on a timely basis and I put as much pride in everything I did because it was not only representing the team, but the university - and all that reflected on how well I did on the work.

Graduation is coming up and things have been in a forward motion for my photography business (which still scares me a little that I will fail) but with that being said - things are now becoming a business, and on my time. I can't be letting people expect that things are going to be free especially with the time and effort that I put into everything. It's time that I stand up for myself and not be scared to ask for the money that I deserve.

That's not wrong to assume, right?

Don't get me wrong, I'm entirely grateful for all the opportunities that were presented to me this year. I was able to travel all expenses paid to California, Georgia Tech and (fingers crossed) Texas for conference. However, much of my time, materials, money and sanity has been put forth to a lot of work for the team. A little thank you surprisingly goes a long way and my day gets so much better when someone just says "I appreciate everything you've done" or just two words, "thank you!" Exclamation mark is necessary - but it would be nice just so I know for sure there's excitement in the voice, you know?!

Perhaps, I'm crazy. It's 2011 - the speed of instant technology and the lack of gratification people have makes it near impossible to ever let someone know you're grateful for their time they dedicate to you.

Maybe it is just me, I had a very tough time being a manager in high school because I felt more walked-on than noticed for my devoted time. Putting so much faith in people these days won't get you very far except a handful of disappointment - which is where I am now.

Just a couple of more weeks, one big meet to go and I am finished with it for a while and I can relax and slip back into doing things I know people will appreciate and my work will go noticed. Only thing I need to work on is ensuring that I will not hesitate asking for money for things - it's the right thing to do and I can't worry about what anyone says about it.

As someone once told me, "it's not a friendship, it's business."

Facebook Page

[Tobias Harris dunking against Alabama on Saturday, Feb 5 at Thompson-Boling Arena]

As if I didn't already feel bogged down with work every day of my life, I figure why not give me some more?

I started a facebook fan page

And as fun as I believe this new work of mine - I do believe it's going to be difficult to set up initially because I want it to be somewhat business like so hopefully everyone can see it! As of right now, 8 of my friends are fans! Thank you friendship circle!

SIU Meet / Conference

See entire gallery

This was a good shooting day, and it was also the last home meet which is always bitter sweet when something comes to an end especially something that has been so good for the first year.

Just have conference left to go, c'mon TOPS!

New Year

Wow, it's been a long time since I've written on here and that was never my intention - I took Christmas break and I tried to get well rested and caught up on everything that I've been missing.

Several new things have happened.

I was able to shoot two University of Louisville games - one at the new KFC Yum! Center in Louisville and the WKU vs. UofL game in Diddle Arena here in Bowling Green.





To see the other edits from the UofL game:

Traveled to Knoxville twice to shoot a UT women's and men's basketball game (which pictures will be uploaded to smugmug and a preview will be uploaded on here once I find the time to do so)

Also, I am in the process of starting my own business similar to what I do with AllStar. That has been where majority of my time has been spent after the break - along with still shooting swimming - SBC championships at the end of the month so look for pictures to come!

But as for the business, I just opened a business account last week - very intimidating to go into the bank and do so. Filed for my Employee Identification Number and all that jazz and I received my first bank statement for my account this past weekend. Growing up is kind of becoming real!! I'm taking an accounting class and the class may just kick my ass because it all seems to be so intricate and detailed - but my small handwriting looks good being so organized on all the homework we have to fill out!