Stepping out of your comfort zone...............

Life is not about walking a straight line, I mean - you can.........but is that the best way to experience life?  Probably not.  

Part of being involved in this crazy, creative Industry - photography, advertising, editorial, publishing, marketing, etc - it's kind of always being ready for whatever is being thrown at you and not letting things really shake you.

So, a straight line is not normally how things work........it's more about ducking when something comes barreling at you unexpectedly, it's making a shoot work when the talent isn't exactly "into it", making a situation turn from disastrous to sensational and somehow finding a silver lining when things kind of look bleak.

Yes, this month seemed to me to be pretty bleak, but letting things stay that way really isn't an option.  I need to (and possibly you too) need to pick myself up by my boot straps and get back on the horse and not be thrown by the unexpected.  Make lemonade out of lemons......and step out of my expected comfort zone and see what is out there.

There are a bunch of people that I run into in daily life that do this all the time - you may be one of them and I feel like many of the photographers that I work with, tend to have that kind of approach to life.  Deal with it and make it work.  So don't expect to follow a straight line........jump in or jump off - find a different way of approaching things.  It MAY just be refreshing.

www.tophercox.com

It goes on.

With so much going on in the world, I feel like I am constantly trying to make sense of it all.  Many times, I can't make all of the pieces come together to "make sense."

Recently, I had a quote that popped up that actually spoke to me:

"In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life:  it goes on." ~ Robert Frost

It spoke to me because I realized that everything does NOT make sense.  It happens.  I need to adjust and move forward as positively as I can.  So, as I approach each day, each work assignment, each issue - I try and take it one step at a time.  Don't get overwhelmed and make more of something than is needed.  Take in that moment and make it count.

Each issue needs appropriate attention.  Each project that we work on, that is our focus.  Give time to make it the best it can be and don't over think it.  It will all fall in place.

It goes on.

www.tophercox.com

Appreciation, everyday.

Yes, Veterans Day was earlier this week.  

A day that is set aside as an acknowledgement, yet we really do need to say thank you all the time, everyday.  Hard to remember to do that...........but so worthwhile.  

Appreciation:  the gratitude for something, a full understanding of a situation or the recognition and enjoyment of the good qualities of someone or something.

Topher is keenly aware of how precious each day, each hour and each moment can be.  Make the most out of life.  Choose wisely and appreciate, everyday.

www.tophercox.com

Light and Bright..........

Pure joy.

Keeping things light and bright and sharing all the goodness.  This image really captures the moment and all that exudes as she is singing deep from her soul.  I love when imagery can shout out that raw emotion and capture the true feeling.

I hope that within each day, as we face our normal schedule and busy lifestyles, that we take time to let it all hang out and enjoy the moments.  Last week was a very busy production with a number of challenges, yet there were bright spots throughout the experience.  People that I had the chance to collaborate with that were phenomenal, locations that we shot that were incredible little diamonds in the rough, weather than happened to support our exact needs and issues that tried to rear their crazy little heads were re-routed into positive opportunities.  All in all, we made the best out of what was around us and celebrated.

Keeping things on track for making the best out of all situations.  Topher used this opportunity for good.  His project was to work on a great video, he walked away with so much more than simply producing an incredible video project........he walked away with great creative product and a tighter respect for the many people he work with.  A fruitful experience for all, focused on the good stuff.

Life lived well!

www.tophercox.com

Style, humor, compassion and passion.

Staring straight into whatever lies ahead being true to yourself.........honestly, it's the best thing to do.  It might be scary, but if you dive in with the right mix of your assets, there's nothing that can really stop you.  As Maya Angelou said, "My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor and some style."

I love Topher's passion for life.  His compassion for many of the projects he works on and the people that he chooses to work with.  Topher laughs each day, whether it be as the photographer behind the camera making his subject feel comfortable or as the fantastic Dad to his children.  He's got his own style and approach and Lord knows, I wouldn't change him for anything.

Be passionate.  Show compassion.  

Laugh out loud and always, always let your style be known.

www.tophercox.com

Balance

Balance.

Each day, it's all about finding the right way to approach life. 

Work, family, friends, fun.  Lots of pressures and many pleasures, but can you make the pressure more pleasurable?  Of course.  

As I mentioned in a recent blog post, it is all about your choices and approach.  Finding your balance could be as simple as how you decide you want to approach your life.   Surround yourself with like-minded people.  Make a cognitive decision to work with people that hold the same morals and ethics.  Foster the right opportunities to put yourself in the right place so great things can happen.

Choose to find balance.

www.tophercox.com

Time to get serious

Topher seems to always keep us all on track.  Focused. 

I believe that is one of the reasons that his clients seem to fall in love and return again and again. Topher can be counted upon.  He has an ease about how he approaches projects, everyone is always comfortable and knows what is going on, yet every single detail is fully handled.  Production and prep is key to success and that is an asset that is a constant in Topher's back pocket.

Focused.  Detailed.  Comfortable and Luna often tags along too. (Luna is his best friend ~ his dog.) 

If you follow Topher on facebook, you'll learn of Luna's adventures.

www.tophercox.com

A special nook..........

The Butcher Shop............does it sound like a place that you'd want to eat?  Maybe not, but these images certainly make it look like just the place I'd like to have some lunch.  Yum.  Topher did a great job capturing the atmosphere of this quaint place.  Just the kind of place I think I may head to - right now!

www.tophercox.com

Palm Springs done and on to Mexico City.......

Topher has had a busy few weeks.........starting here in Boston, moving on to Palm Springs and heading out shortly to Mexico City. The whole time that he is out and about, he is shooting much more than just the "requested" shots. This is just one of the amazing creative talents that Topher has, when he is working on a project........he sees everything in front of him and extends the project. Gets the most bang for the buck and looks for nuances that aren't always captured by others. The way he sees and perceives things is simply amazing. Stunning work, stunning person.

www.tophercox.com

Going to the DOGS........

Topher recently did a production down in the Caribbean and it was amazing. All of the work looks so real that I think the client even questioned it! The dogs were fabulous and are heroes, but aren't they heroes almost all of the time? I have enjoyed working with animals for shoots, over the years, and give loads of credit to them and to their handlers ~ who have worked tireless hours with these fabulous dogs. That said, I am sure the trainers have gotten back the love two~fold from their special friends.

This also brings to mind how much of a role animals play in our everyday lives. Animals are SO intertwined with families and in many cases - are our families! I think of how much I love having our dog, Frasier, and recently some friends have lost their "dogs" ~ the family members. This loss is profound and I feel for them. Prayers and good thoughts are needed for our friends ~ fury and otherwise.

This post is in honor of Levi and Wilbur...........you were amazing animals ~ thank you for all you did to fill lives with love, hope and dreams!!

www.tophercox.com

Medical Stuff ~ and it's ALL produced, how cool is that???

Topher has created an incredible relationship with this medical client and is a great problem solver. When the situation needs to be just right, he and his crew can make it happen. Take a look at his work when you have a chance.

www.tophercox.com