Happy Memorial Day!

Happy Memorial day weekend folks! For those of you who live in the States, this is a weekend we remember those who lost their lives while serving our country. I want to take a minute to thank all of you out there who currently serve, and protect us every day. For those of you overseas I pray for your safe and speedy return home soon!

Memorial Day is also the unofficial start of summer, and for our community the beginning of our busy season. This has always been a very busy weekend for me over the years, and I’m stoked to be out shooting a wedding tomorrow! I only have a few weddings this year, and as luck would have it they’re 6 days apart. {sigh}

If you’re lucky enough to not have to battle the traffic this weekend, I’ve put together the top 10 things you can do/learn/enjoy with our time off.

-Learn how to tie a bow tie! Come on, you knew this was coming right? In all seriousness though, how many times have you walked into a room full of groomsmen watching youtube videos desperately trying to tie this terribly easy knot.

Illustration courtesy: Need Supply Co.

-Clean your lenses! Blow off those sensors!

-Clean up your computers! Update your apps and organize your computer desktop! I always wait until the last minute, or for an application to stop working because I need to upgrade. This always comes at the worst time, and then something gets screwy. Truth be told, I spent an entire day trying to organize and update my desktop last week.

-While we’re in a cleaning mood: Shine your shoes! Men, we need to talk. I’ve seen your shoes, and a little polish goes a long way!

-Get something for free! WPPI members, have you signed up for SWPP? It’s a great member benefit, takes about 30 seconds and is FREE! https://swpp.co.uk/secure/wppi-swpp.htm

-You know what else takes 30 seconds? Making the perfect Martini!

Here my recipe:

—One ounce Vodka (Gin makes me gag!)

—3/4 ounce of Vermouth

—two olives

Fill a shaker with ice, and shake vigorously for 2 minutes. DO NOT STOP, DO NOT STIR! Pour (I like to use a highball glass) and drop the olives in. If you like it a little dirty, pour some olive juice in. I think that’s gross, but to each his own.

OK you’ve mastered the bow tie, your lenses, and shoes are squeaky shiny, and you’ve poured yourself a tasty cocktail. Now it’s time to get to the important stuff.

–Enter the 1^st half print competition! 1^st half deadline is approaching. Remember – gaining those points toward your Honors of Excellence designation starts now!

-Write a thank you note. There’s someone you forgot to thank, and this is a great weekend to do it. It’s never too late to say thank you!

-Go out and shoot something for your soul. Doesn’t matter what it is, grab a camera, and shoot something different.

-Call your Mom. No explanation necessary, just do it!

Have a great weekend you guys! Be safe, and I’m looking forward to seeing your pics clogging up my Facebook feed next week!