The Things That Matter
Scott Kelby is a well known name to Photographers and Photoshop users everywhere. His blog is a great read, and he regularly features guest writers. The most recent post, by Rick Sammon, really struck home for me. He talked about his son and not forgetting what’s important – about the richness his son brings into his life and his work.
My son, Dillon, recently started playing soccer. In fact, yesterday was his second practice and he is playing in his first game on Saturday. He is a little late to the game, because of his surgery a year and a half ago, but he is catching on quickly and puts every ounce of effort he can into practice. It’s a kick watching him run around, all smiles and determination.
One particular moment he found himself in the middle of the action, at his own goal, during a scrimmage game against his own teammates. They were about to score and he found himself in the right position at the right time. He managed to block the ball and it immediately went rolling the other way. The crowd of kids rushed after it, sending it toward the other goal and leaving him and his coach in the dust. He was smiling ear to ear and after a moment turned to his coach.
“I blocked it with my knee!” he said, and he pointed at his knee for good measure.
His coach enouraged him and Dillon turned back to the game. It was a perfect moment, and it reminded me of our basic needs and desires – of working hard and wanting to share in our success with someone else. Of our wonder, surprise and contentment when we succeed. As a father, there’s few things better than watching your son run around, trying his best, improving, and most importantly, enjoying every minute of it.
Sometimes, as artists, photographers, designers, we’re so concerned with producing something great, that will stand tall against our peers, that we’re missing some of the best work we could ever do. Sometimes the best images are the ones no one else will ever see or care about. Sometimes those are the ones that mean the most.
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