First and foremost, a huge thank you to John Cornicello for hosting 150 photography conversations over the past two years, from the first one on April 14, 2020 to the last one being held on Monday, May 30, 2022.  See the collected conversations at his website: https://cornicello.com/conversations Wow, that is no small feat.  The number of variables involved in organizing all the visual artists and getting them to share such spellbinding stories demonstrates how much impact John has had in the field; however, having said that, I'm reminded of the proverb, "All good things must come to an end," and with the final conversation in the series, John will be able to take a moment's respite and focus various personal and group projects.  Of course, I'm sorry that the series is ending, but this is only one of John's journeys in his storied career.  I'm positive he'll have many more journeys to enjoy, and that's what life is, a series of fulfilling and informative journeys.  I'm happy I was able to be his guest speaker in two of his 150 photography conversations and join John for the final conversation and express my thanks.  Jeff Schewe is another person deserving thanks for reaching out to me and everyone who had ever taken part in the photography conversation and letting us know about the final session.  If he hadn't, I wouldn't have known and read about it days later or seen the video on YouTube.  I would have been bummed about not being able to raise my glass at 2 am Japan time to say 'Thanks.' I know it was between 10 am and noon for most of North America, but for me, it was a 2 am start and a perfect time for a nightcap so I could raise my glass with a decently aged single malt scotch in appreciation and give a 'cheers' and ‘thank' John for all his hard work over the two years putting up with all of us photographers.  We can be an interesting bunch, especially when we group up together.  The banter and discussions crossed into a near-infinite amount of photography topics I am mostly well-versed in, but the final photography conversation serves as a reminder.  Each one of John's 150 photo conversations had several gems that I was able to pull out and apply to my approach to photography which is generally the beginner's mindset.  As the Zen master, D.T. Suzuki said, "I like Zen because everything is Zen." Most of my vision, over 95%, is to explore and always experience life with a beginner's mindset.  A beginner sees myriad possibilities in each theme and pursuit, which is the mindset I bring to each project I participate in.  Many colleagues of mine and fellow photographers feverishly hold onto their pride.  They feel that because they are experts, they know the best expression of a theme and therefore limit the potential of the photographic subject.  I aim to discover the emotion, personality, and connection expressed in the subject to myself, my fellow visual artists, and clients.  That subject can be wildlife/birding, landscapes, flowers, or street photography.  Virtually anything that has light cast upon it can be that subject, even if I am the author of that light source.  

I was a little saddened that some photographers overused John's platform and shared space to shamelessly oversell their photography workshops.  I to am guilty to some degree, but I am always careful not to go over the top.  I know we're all in the business of selling as professional photographers.  Still, for me, as I mentioned before, it's less of a business and more of a journey of discovery, as I most happy while leading expeditions and discovering new power spots.