My dear friend Zack Arias posted an amazing video blog for Photoshop guru Scott Kelby’s website yesterday. Photographer or not, take some time to watch this video. It speaks to me personally on so many levels, I can’t even put it into words.

It’s so easy for us as photographers to get caught up in a fast-paced life. Workshops, travel, conventions, business, marketing, branding, defining personal style; all that stuff. But as I look at my own life, I can see that I need to focus on being myself and not something larger as a photographer. I too have a lot of room to grow and so much to learn, both professionally and creatively. I don’t think that ever stops. But in the meantime, my own life comes first. My wife. My family. Myself. Not the camera.

After this coming week, my wife returns to teaching full-time. She is an awesome mom to our three little girls and a huge inspiration in my life. But now it’s my time. The next two months are slow for me. Even though I will be taking on new projects, I don’t have a packed schedule. I don’t have weddings booked. I don’t have endless meetings, errands and projects on my plate. What I do have, is much needed time to spend with my girls and time to re-invent myself as a father and husband. For that, I am greatful.

~dave