Characters

That perfect shot. Oh, the time we’ve poured into planning, trekking, stalking, calculating, positioning and finally focusing in order to capture it. And often it's in a remote location, in extreme cold or heat, at inconvenient hours of the day or night. That's followed by the endless hours of editing, tweaking, education and skill development to coax it into perfection. And let’s not forget the small fortune we’ve poured into procuring the toys and tools that fill our multiple camera bags to help make that perfect shot even possible. So we’ve captured the images — lots of them, if we’re lucky. And they’re gorgeous. Now what? How can we move them beyond our computer monitor and out into the world? How might they help enrich the lives of our friends and families and those in our community? And how can we ensure our photographs — the product of our time, passion, creativity and cash — will outlive us and become a legacy for future generations? My grandfather was a career...

After hours of planning and shopping, days of cooking and baking, your family table is ready for the big feast. Time-honored recipes will be savored and new tastes explored. A mixture of stories, laughter and even a few tears will season the meal. Some chairs will be empty and new additions celebrated. Whether it’s an expensive digital camera, a simple point-and-shoot or iPhone in your hand, why not curate the beauty, the warmth, the intimacy of the moment? Looking back, I wish I’d captured more images of my dad drenching steaming mashed potatoes in turkey gravy, of my sister slicing her artfully crafted pecan pies, of my young daughters eyeing the mile-high plate of homemade cookies with ardent hope. I wish I’d captured my mom’s hands as they kneaded  dough, my brother-in-law’s shoulders as he hunched over the fridge door looking for one more bite of cold turkey. I wish I’d photographed the warmth of candles, the sparkle of crystal, the gleam of mom’s “good china” alongside my...

Here he is. The man who inspired me to live today and tell the people I love how much they mean to me. He's accomplished more in his lifetime than you and I could dream of... so far. He doesn't do anything quietly or cautiously. He does it in CAPS. There has to be more for him. There has to be more for me, and for all of us. Get busy folks. Do a few card tricks. Amaze the people who know you best. Catch some crazy fish in Russia or South Africa. Collect fine wines. Cherish some singular, inspired artistic pieces. Love the second love of your life with all your might. Savor memories and dream a new dream. That's what Bill is doing. If he can do it, I can.

Now that father’s day has come and gone, I can finally write — not because the calendar says so, but because I mean it. My dad’s a real character. Everything about him proves that — his enormous musical talent, his corny sense of humor, his magician-like ability to create a masterpiece out of trash can lids, kazoos and power tools, his unending love for his bride. He’s not a demonstrative man, not apt to give casual praise or deliver prepackaged sentiments just because it’s “time to.” But he is very likely to look you in the eye, wait a beat so you know he really means it, and then say with voice breaking, “you did great” or “we’re proud of you” or “that was your best ever.” He taught me about value, purpose, honesty, humility, pride, and perseverance. He taught me to work hard and long, and to do it with passion. He taught me that excellence is worth pursuing. He taught me that heart is even more valuable than excellence. He taught me never to settle, never to give ...