Well, sort of.

Many years ago, when I was doing nature photography and some architectural and auto racing photography for money, I met another photographer and we decided to partner up if you will. Especially in the workshop, slide show aspects of the business, in so far as nature photography is concerned. We were great friends and enjoyed being in the field together.

The friend was a female. To me that certainly made it better because often one of each, covers all bases, when teaching workshops and the like. . Also, I got to parade around with a pretty lady. As things happen some times, we became involved in a romantic relationship.

To me, that meant we would fail at the partnership. Not because of her, but I knew myself, and there was little doubt we needed to kill the workshop/slide show idea. Well, at least we would have a good time in the field creating images. I discovered, when there are two aspects of a relationship, one business and one personal. Likely both are doomed.

We did go on as friends. who just went out to make pictures and have a good time doing it. We enjoyed each other’s company, but disposed of the romance.

Life is about learning. Some things work, and some things don’t. Quite often, we have to go the wrong way before we can see the correct way.

Romances rarely work well inside of business partnerships.

Also, sometimes, failed romances can give birth to great friendships. If you truly like each other, it will often bring you to a new beginning.

A bit later, I teamed up with another nature photographer. Yes, it was a she. This time it was business and good natured fun while in the field. There was a limit to the time with this one too, but romance was not the catalyst.

I learned, that when it came to teaching the art of image making, I was at my best as a solo teacher.

Some closing words, which come from my past.

Back in days gone by, when I was in school, and I mean K-12 schooling, there was something or really someone, who helped build who I am today. The good part of me not all of those bad parts.

I went to one school Kindergarten through sixth grade, another one for 7,8,9, and yet another for 10,11,12.

I write about my sixth grade teacher. Mrs. Schmidt. Every morning, regardless of anything else, at the beginning of school, we stood up, faced the American flag, put our hand over our heart, and pledged our allegiance.

One nation under God.

Yes, it was a public school and we said the word God.

One day we were all going out together to the field to play a little softball. Girls and boys together. We were all excited but one little friend kept bugging me as we walked like I was in charge or something. This question, that question!! Finally I stopped and screamed at him JESUS CHRIST will you shut up!!! Mrs. Schmidt looked at me as though I’d murdered somebody. I quickly explained, that’s not a swear word. There’s no dirty words in what I said. Then I mentioned some actual swear words. I likely knew them all.

She informed me that using the name of our Savior, a part of the Godhead, in that angry tone, is a terrible swear word. Because I liked her, I accepted what she said and said I was sorry. I apologized to her, and it should have said the same to God as well.

I went through much of the rest of my life swearing from time to time, but I never said that phrase that way again.

Impressions children get from adults, can last a lifetime.

God Bless you Mrs. Schmidt, you’ll never know how much that meant to me in later life, and eventually, how much it helped to change my life.

Live and learn

May God Bless ,
Wayne

White Sands New Mexico

Pronghorn Antelope