Duane's Dartboard

After seven years of publishing a pictorial calendar, I’ve decided to retire the series. Here are seven reasons why:

1. For me, photography has always been a hobby, not a business. Trying to make money from my hobby distracts from the fun I have shooting, editing, and sharing pictures.
2. Printing costs have continued to rise, making it difficult to sell the calendars at a reasonable price.
3. Rising cost of postage, especially with seasonal increases during the holidays, has also become an issue. This has prompted more requests for alternative distribution methods.
4. I have not expanded my channels of distribution. In other words, I’ve never attempted to sell calendars through retail outlets or to use local stores selling merchandise unique to Kansas City. That left me with the two options–mailing the calendars or delivering them in person. (I actually enjoyed meeting with friends, but that is not a scalable way to expand distribution.)
5. Just for fun, I wrote a comprehensive marketing plan for my calendars, balancing the marketing mix of product, price, place, and promotion. That was an enjoyable exercise because a) I devoted my entire career to marketing, b) I earned a master’s degree in marketing, and c) I taught marketing for several years at Rockhurst University. Making the marketing plan work, however, would have turned my hobby into a commercial enterprise and that’s not where I wanted to invest my time and resources.
6. The calendars have never been an attempt to cross-sell or to promote my photography services. I deliberately avoid doing commissioned work and shooting portraits, weddings, special events, etc.
7. I feel awkward using my “brand voice” on social media to sell photos, products, or other items. I want to share, not sell. I have declined a few invitations to be a paid influencer, using my platforms on Instagram and Facebook to promote the businesses, services, or products of others. That’s not for me. I’m not criticizing influencers who monetize their social media presence, but that’s inconsistent with my motives for sharing my photographs.

I am grateful for the support of those who have purchased my calendars. You have been very encouraging. Thank you.
 
I will continue sharing my photos with no motivation other than to remind us that, despite the bleakness of many current events, we can always find beauty and peace in the wonderful world we share together.

My adventure with photography began in the fifth grade when I bought my first camera. Somehow the world looked more enchanting through the viewfinder of my Kodak Brownie. After shooting a roll of film, I’d take it to the corner drugstore to be sent off for developing and printing. Then, I’d have to wait several days for the black-and-white prints to be delivered so I could actually see what I’d shot.

In college, I took photography classes where I learned about f-stops, film speeds, and apertures. We developed our film in dark rooms that reeked of horrible-smelling chemicals. Then, under the red safelights, we would make prints, achieving various effects by manually dodging and burning the light as it shone through the negatives onto the photographic paper.

I learned the mechanics of taking pictures, but I wanted more. I wanted to understand lighting, composition, and perspective. I yearned to experience photography as a creative form of artistic expression.

After college, I sporadically shot photos to document events such as a volcano erupting, U.S. presidents campaigning, and babies being born. But somewhere along the way, I lost my focus and I only took pictures on obligatory occasions such as birthdays, graduations, and family reunions.

Everything changed, though, when a doctor informed me that I had melanoma. He showed me pictures of a large, well-developed tumor growing on the retina inside my eye. Within days, I was in Boston receiving treatment from a team of highly-specialized doctors, led by a world-renowned ophthalmologist from the Harvard Medical School. Over time, my treatments were successful and today I am cancer-free. But the disease took its toll. I lost the sight in my left eye.

As I adjusted to my new reality, I made an important discovery. As my eyesight gradually faded, my vision actually increased.

With the vision that remained in my one good eye, I began seeing things I’d previously taken for granted. I discovered incredible beauty that had always surrounded me, though “hidden” in plain sight.

My passion for photography was rekindled as I discovered extraordinary beauty in seemingly ordinary places. My photography hobby helped me to become more aware, more mindful, and more grateful of the wonderful world in which we live.

Today, I enjoy sharing my photos with others – not to impress anyone with my creative abilities – but rather to spark the creative spirit deep within each of us. I hope to inspire others to discover and appreciate the beauty that abundantly surrounds us.

As a photographer, I’m tempted to think my best shots can be found in new or distant locations. Yet my creativity is cultivated when I look for hidden beauty in familiar places.

In locations where I’ve been countless times, I could easily shoot another photo cliche. Instead, I return to familiar places (such as this fountain) with a commitment to discover something I’ve never seen before.

Within the ordinary, I can always find something extraordinary. And I can always discover beauty “hidden” in plain sight.

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Just weeks ago you glowed with vibrant autumn splendor. But now everyone’s attention has turned to other trees, namely those adorned with bright holiday lights.

Remember, though, that “for everything there is a season.” This is your season of dormancy, a time for rest, recovery, and healing.

Then, in spring, new life will again burst forth and birds will sing from your branches.

In summer, picnickers will again sit in your shade as sailboats float gently by.

And in fall, photographers will again admire your vibrant colors as they capture your breathtaking beauty.

But for now, be patient. Stand tall. And know that brighter, warmer days lie ahead.

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In 2020 I’ve had plenty of time to think about the pandemic, politics, natural disasters, and human rights. In the process, I’ve learned a lot about myself, and specifically how I react to others.

Three months ago I blocked a long-time friend on Facebook because he continued to post political propaganda that I viewed as negative, divisive, and verifiably false. In the ensuing weeks, I did a lot of introspection, looking within myself and examining my reactions to what others post online. I discovered some important truths about myself, including the reality that:

• I’m not as tolerant as I once thought I was.
• I’m not as forgiving as I hope to be.
• I do more talking than listening.
• Good friendships are based upon much more than agreement on political issues.

So, I sent my old friend a new request to connect. He accepted, but immediately sent a private message asking, “Did you friend me on purpose? If so, I’ll do my best to be worthy of your friendship.”

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As I approach a career transition, I am inspired by a rustic, wooden sign on the wall above my favorite chair. It reads, “And to think, some of life’s best stories haven’t even begun.”

When looking back on my career accomplishments, I am filled with a deep sense of satisfaction. I’ve been fortunate to be part of several stellar teams, and I”m grateful for the talented people I’ve met along the way. I’m also thankful for the teamwork that has allowed us to make a difference in the lives of so many people.

Sometimes it is tempting to rest upon one’s laurels. But I quickly brush away those thoughts because they conflict with my long-held belief that my best days are yet to come.

I fondly remember the good old days, and I also eagerly anticipate all that the future holds. Yet, I prefer to live in neither the past nor the future. I purposefully choose to focus on the vast abundance that surrounds me today. I am mindful of the countless blessings and opportunities that sometimes I’ve taken for granted.

As Ferris Bueller said, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

My past holds few regrets. The present is a gift to be experienced to its fullest. And the future is filled with abundant opportunities.

The best is yet to come! Today, though, I pause to express my deepest gratitude to God, family, friends, and coworkers for enriching my life.

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