Atlanta PUG :: Dane Sanders

Yesterday I had the privilege of hearing Dane Sanders drop some photography knowledge inspiration at the Atlanta PUG (Pictage User Group). If you’re a photographer and you don’t know about him, then you need to be schooled. He does a free weekly podcast about different aspects of photography.

Some of the thought provoking questions Dane asked at the meeting were: Why did I start taking pictures? and….What am I in the game for now?

It was like he was reading my mind about certain things…he talked about getting off automatic and being intentional about photography (and I’ll say LIFE). He stated some assumptions he had about us that are deep truths, if we would only believe them.

1. You are NOT what you do.

2. You are NOT what you have.

3. You are NOT what people say about you.

4. You just ARE.

He talked about not giving in to fear…fear of failure, specifically…the fear of standing out.

The truth is, I really like who I am. I am totally quirky and nerdy. I laugh too loud, dance too much, sing off-key, do too much, want too many kids, do too little laundry, have too many books, etc…

ps. I definitely cried in front of all those strangers (~50) after sharing my story to Dane…haha. Typical.

Here are 20 truths about me (no assumptions here). You can totally laugh at me (or get totally grossed out)…and I don’t even care!

1. People describe me as: silly, fun, feisty, supportive, assertive, faithful, inspiring, creative and initiative. (Those are the good ones, at least).
2. My faith in God is the one thing that’s kept me happy & hopeful…and at peace…during the storms I’ve endured.
3. One of my favorite things to take pictures of are hands and feet, ironically (see #16).
4. I enjoy picking my childrens’ noses. I know it’s gross, but whatev. It’s better than them eating them.
5. I’m in love with LOVE. Love for God & Jesus, love for my family, love for my friends, love for those hurting & helpless. All you need is love.
6. I am a night owl. I struggle to go to bed before midnight (and usually can stay awake until 2 am).
7. I’m the person who has a hard time saying “No”. Mainly because I just enjoy doing lots of stuff and serving lots of people.
8. I married a man (who was the best husband) with cancer, and am now a widow. When asked if I’d do it again…absolutely.
9. I LOVE teeny-bopper movies. I’ve seen Clueless, the High School Musicals-and many more-way too many times to count. Slightly embarrassing.
10. I’ve laughed so hard I’ve peed my pants (more than once).
11. One of my most favorite things to do is snuggle with my children…and get big kisses that involve the “Mmmuuuuwwwaaahhhh” sound.
12. I despise brushing my teeth and blow-drying my hair. (I still do these things, I just would rather not do them).
13. I HAVE to read before I go to bed. It’s like some genetic flaw(?) that I have. Thanks mom. (ps-I just love to read in general).
14. I secretly wish I was a professional singer/dancer. I still dance and sing…all the time…but I’m just no good.
15. I’m a Twilighter. Team Edward all the way…until I watched New Moon and was tempted to change teams.
16. I despise my feet. End of story.
17. I {heart} being outdoors–hiking, snowboarding, backpacking, rock-climbing. It makes me feel close to God.
18. I love being at the lake/ocean, but am TERRIFIED of getting in the water…Overactive imagination (aren’t there alligators in all lakes?)
19. I really like chocolate. I just bought a Hershey’s Symphony bar today (but restrained myself from eating it all).
20. If I could travel anywhere in the world, it would be New Zealand…who wouldn’t want to go here?!?

Dane Sanders having a conversation with us.