Hello everyone, this is Sheree. I’ve hijacked the computer to write my first blog!
You may have noticed on our studio’s calendar that we’re shooting portraits in San Antonio, TX, soon. Does it seem odd that we’re traveling to San Antonio, in February, to shoot? Bill wouldn’t mention why we’re going when we are, but I will. He’s been preparing for nearly a year for this trip, and spending alot of time alone lately, collecting his thoughts. He gave me his first preview today, and now I know–we’re going so that he can brag about you!
Bill is the first to deflect any credit for his work, but you should know that he is a very, very serious student of the industry. It’s no accident that his work improves dramatically every year! Bill is his own worst critic–he says that he’s only created about 6 portraits that he thinks are truly “great.” In almost 9 years! (He has incredibly high standards. A “great” photo to him is one where he wouldn’t change anything at all). Each year he spends several thousand dollars investing in his education, and he reads constantly. (CONSTANTLY! He gets worse when we go on vacation. I think that I need to set our computer’s SPAM filter to block Amazon.com.) I’ll bet that he has about 5 books–right now–that he’s reading. He is such a bookworm, he even writes notes to himself in the book! (I think he does it so that I can’t resell the books). Anyway, a few years ago Bill attended a class in Texas taught by the Homans–a couple from San Antonio that have become dear friends. They’ve watched the growth of our business, including the ironic growth from closing the storefront. Almost 1 year ago, Trey Homan asked Bill to speak to the San Antonio guild of professional photographers. So–February 17th (the day after Bill’s 37th Birthday), he’ll address a crowd of other Professional Photographers.
As Bill reviewed some of his notes with me, I realized something that he kept coming back to–GRATITUDE. He kept mentioning (sometimes without even knowing it) how we’ve been so blessed by the clients who choose us. We know very well that any success we enjoy is because of people like you. So ultimately, Bill is going to San Antonio to brag about you!
And while I’m bragging . . . . Our photo lab is the largest in the country (I think. I’m pretty sure–if not, it’s close) that serves professionals only. Bill and I were driving to Dallas (for another meeting with his Mentor; more education) several months ago when the lab called Bill’s cell. They invited Bill to be a member of their speaking team! They are now sponsoring Bill to speak, and giving out his contact information to other Photography guilds. That’s my Hubby! Another thing you may not know about Bill: I think that his truest gift is teaching. He taught Sunday School for 6 years when we first married, and it was always a great class. Before then, even when he would preach, he would ask questions to the congregation to engage them in his sermons! He never asked a question to someone directly, unless he got permission first. But when he did–you should have seen everyone else perk up and pay attention!!!
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So thank you! Bill and I are so thankful to all of you who have chosen us. We know that there are plenty of other Photographers you could pick, and we don’t take for granted that you call us. We know that our success is YOU.
-SHEREE
P.S. I just asked Bill about the books he’s reading now. Wanna know? Why She Buys, Basic Economics, My Stroke of Insight, What the Dog Saw, Your Attention Please, Photography (it’s like a textbook that I bought him), Personal Best, The Death of the Grownup, The Age of Napoleon, Memory Power Plus, blah, blah. I love my Nerd. There were more books, but I tuned him out.
February 2, 2010

Horaayy..there are 5 comment(s) for me so far ;)
Sheree, this was a beautiful post. We are proud of both of you, and we are even more proud to call you friends. Congratulations on all of your successes!
Congratulations Bill!!! You are truly a talented artist!!! With a wonderful wife that supports your every move. :0)
The love and commitment you have for people shows in all your art. You are a great storyteller and your artistic talent shows.
I had the privilege to hear Bill’s presentation at the PPA meeting in San Antonio last night. He captivated the room there is no wonder that Miller’s lab called to sponsor him. He is a talented teacher.
Thanks, Sheree, and thanks to the others for the kind comments. We had a great time in San Antonio! The folks at the guild meeting were really hospitable, and very kind. I enjoyed preparing and giving the presentation, knowing that the whole thing benefited me more than anyone else.