the Ideation Conference

While most photographers were in Vegas attending WPPI, I was flying high above to Long Beach, California for the Ideation Conference. Not only was I physically high above, but I also was mentally, just dreaming of what could be in my life.  The reason I chose Ideation:  ”ideas need intentional strategy, development of skill-sets, sustainable infrastructure, and a viable network.”  I love being a dreamer, but I also love putting these dreams into tangible, life changing actions.

Clockwise from top-left is Charles Lee, founder of Ideation, Ben Keesey, CEO of Invisible Children, Greg Russinger, founder of JustOne, and Scott Harrison, founder of Charity:Water. (Photos shot with the 85mm f1.8…yes, this was THAT intimate!)

This is Jake Harriman, founder and CEO of Nuru.  His story is incredible…after his second combat tour in Iraq, he left the Marines and devoted his life to humanitarian work to fight terrorism from a different angle…by combating extreme poverty, lack of education, and injustice.  Why highlight him over so many other inspiring, high-capacity individuals?  We went to lunch!

The strength of Ideation was in the numbers…20 speakers, maybe 200 participants.  Not only did we get to hear these amazing individuals, we rubbed shoulders, picked their brains, dined with, and formed relationships. I have never been in a situation where I was surrounded by such high-capacity and high-impact people…people that put their brand to the side in order to focus on changing the world.

It’s easy (at least for me) to get wrapped up in ME. The problems of our day are so much smaller than problems of others…I know that I have lunch waiting for me soon. This experience helped keep my heart in check. I, of course, pass on that challenge to you. ESPECIALLY if you are a photographer with God-given talent…be a super hero and use that talent to benefit others.