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It has been said that in the last few seconds of your life a movie plays with all the most important moments flashing before you. I certainly don’t know if that is true, but for the sake of argument lets assume that it is. I saw a part of that movie yesterday. No, I wasn’t at deaths door, I was actually cleaning out my offices and darkroom. About a week ago my wife announced that we were going to “de-junkify” our home, (I’m pretty sure that’s not a word!). Anyway she was right and my office, darkroom, equipment storage area needed it the worst. Since I needed to straighten out my consignment, and important Nikon files I’ve spent the better part of several days on that task.

In the process of trying to figure out what to throw away, I had to go through my rediculously large book collection, several hundreds. Over a 40 year career as a photographer I’ve bought and acquired a lot of books. The process of pulling them off the shelf and looking through them brought back a ton of memories. Before I start, please know that I am not name dropping, or bragging. The simple fact is that God has richly blessed me to have the opportunity to work side by side with some of the greatest shooters of our age. In the process of working with these people many have become good friends. I was brought to my knees in thankfulness as I re-read some of the notes written to me by my friends and people that I still admire so much as photographers
and friends.

John Shaw wrote, “Bill, thank you for your friendship and all the help over the years, John.”

Jim Brandenburg wrote, “For Bill, it was an honor working with you, in admiration, Jim.”

Chuck Summers wrote, “For Bill, with gratitude for your friendship and support, may God bless you and keep you in his care. Psalm 34:8. Chuck.”

Frank Daniti wrote, “Live your dreams everyday, Frank” From Frank’s wonderful book, Let Me Be Frank With You…..

Mark Boris wrote, “For Bill, thanks for years of friendship, fellowship and inspiration. Mark”

Bill Atkinson wrote, “For Bill, with great appreciation for your encouragement and friendship, Bill.”
Bill Atkinson was one of the five original founders of Apple.

Lynn Rue Jr. wrote, “For Bill, I want you to know that I highly value your friendship. Lynn”

Art Wolfe wrote on a print of Cheetahs , “To my friend Bill Fortney, with great respect. Art”

Pat O’Hara wrote, “For Bill, thanks for including me in the GAPW, my very best, your friend, Pat”

Galen Rowell wrote, “For Bill, thanks for letting me share my backyard with (Yosemite) you and even more thanks for all you’ve done for photography. Your friend, Galen”

John Netherton wrote, “For my good friend Bill, thanks for everything, John.”

Len Rue III wrote, “For my very good friend, may God be with you my friend, Len.”

Jack Dykinga wrote, “For Bill, Just imagine what another what another 500 feet would do! Looking forward to your book, my best, Jack”.

Freeman Patterson wrote, “For my friend and fellow photographer, all my best, Freeman.”

Anthony Cook wrote, “For Bill, I thank you for the wonderful inspiration and your friendship! Anthony”

David Muench wrote, “Dear Bill, sharing these images with you is what brings me great joy,
and keeps me alive and well, walk in beauty, with much love, David .”

From Bryan Peterson, “Bill There is coach and then there is first class, you are definitely first class,
the pleasure has been all mine, my best my friend, Bryan.”

Galen Rowell wrote on a print of some peguins in Antarctica , “These guys are rushing to sign up, can you get them a cheap flight! your friend Galen, you’re a great photographer and human being! Galen.”

Don Nelson, former Nikon great, wrote on a print of him standing on the photo stand at Reagan’s inauguration with hundreds of cameras all set and ready to go , “For Bill Fortney, who always knows which button to push! Don.”

Joe McNally wrote, “Bill, you’re an inspiration to us all, a leader in the industry, and a dear friend to Annie and I, my best, Joe.”

Scott Kelby wrote in the acknowledgements of The Digital Photography Book , “I owe a special debt of gratitude to my good friend Bill Fortney for agreeing to give the book the “once over” and it’s definitely infinitely better because of his comments, ideas, and input. Bill is just and amazing individual, a world class photographer, a testament to how to live one’s life, and I’m truly honored to have gotten the chance to work with someone of his caliber, integrity, and faith.”

Charles Stanley wrote as the dedication to his book, A Touch Of His Joy, “To Bill Fortney, One of my favorite photographers whose friendship has brought me a great deal of joy.”

My daughter Catherine wrote on a print of her and I together after she helped me run the GAPW and traveled with me to a number of workshops, “Thank you for providing me such a wonderful experience, I’m so happy to see your dream being fulfilled, no one deserves it more. Thank you for being such a wonderful father, but also my friend, I will miss you next year, love Skeeter ”

and maybe the best……..

David Middleton wrote, “NOT FOR RESALE, David”

O.K. once again, this is not boasting, this is genuine thankfulness for all that God has placed in my
life. If a man gives his heart to God, and if he commits to honor him in all that he does, this is the result, and it is available to any man, anywhere, anytime. I have been blessed beyond measure because of Him, because His ways are higher than our ways and His actions bring love and peace into a life. So I guess that it is boasting, boasting about what a wonderful God I serve……..

Father, May all the glory be yours, forever and ever…..Amen

the pilgrim

*Photo Note: D700 and the Nikkor 85mm f 1.8 AF lens. ISO 3200, F11 @ 1/2 second.

I was thinking this morning just how much of a joy it is to be a photographer. On the way out to St. Louis last Friday, I stopped to get my car washed. Sitting in the car while the car wash was doing it’s thing, I started to see the various patterns on the windshield, I grabbed my camera, (always on the seat next to me when I travel), and started to enjoy capturing the moment, sure hope no one was watching! The point is I really enjoy life. I have come to a place where I can laugh at things that happen, that used to make me cry. I’ve learned over time that most things that happen to us, even when they seem terrible at the time will later be a source of laughter so why not just laugh when it happens.

I think this is the direct product of a moment to moment relationship with my heavenly father. He has promised us that he will never allow anything to happen to us that does not benefit us. Even though the process of learning and growing can be painful at the time we are going through it,
later when it really matters, we are better and wiser because of it. Think of it this way, life is going to have it’s share of troubles, would you rather have to endure them with no benefit at all, or would you like them to always be good for you in the long run, I’ll take the later.

Father, thank you for giving me such a wonderful life while here on earth. You’ve allowed me to meet and work with some incredible people, see awesome things, and be part of a fantastic family. I could never say thank you enough. Thanks most of all for helping to learn your ways and become more dependent on you each day, and for forgiving me for all I have done that has grieved you. Amen.

the pilgrim

Below a few shots from St Louis.

*Photo Note: All images D7000 and the new 24-120 AFS VR f4 lens.

Weight In: Down “just” 1 more pound to 230 Started at 239 1/1/11 – Need to get more serious…….
Goal is at least 8 lbs. per month.

Richard Small sent me the link below. It is one of the most amazing things I’ve ever seen. As a pilot I can’t even imagine flying a plane with my feet. This young lady shows all of us just how far we can go even with the greatest handicaps. Though it does not address her faith anywhere in this Power Point presentation, I can’t help but believe that she has a deep faith.

If you think you’re having a bad day, or think you’ve been dealt a tough hand, watch this before you take that thought too far down the road of life.

I thank God that with all the things that hold me back, I’ve never had to face anything like this
and I thank him that he has used this young woman as an example of how wonderfully he made us that we can overcome anything!

Be blessed,

the pilgrim

This morning I got an email from my dear friend, Captain Steven W. Young. Steven is a 767 Captain for United Airlines, usually doing the LA to Hawaii flight each weekend. Tough job, but somebody has to do it….. Steven and I met through the world of ultra light aviation. Steven and I both fly Part 103 ultralights and find incredible joy from it. I’ve also been blessed by his friendship and mentorship as a pilot.

This little clip is a great way to start your day, actually everyday. Take a moment to watch this little video clip and think about it’s incredible message. I pray it blesses you as much as it did me,
and Steven for one more favor, thank you!

the pilgrim

I dedicate this entry to my son Wesley, who has the deepest respect, and heart for our service men and women. I’m proud of you son………

Check the Events page, it has been updated!

No Post Friday, traveling to St. Louis, may post Friday evening…..