to move up and down
Michael Lopez Photography
View my portfolio at M329.com
View my portfolio at M329.com
I was inspired by Matthew Jordan Smith with this photo. Thanks for the inspiration!
REL-A-TIVES.
Breanna.
Pasqual.
Alex.
Monic.
Tia Katie.
Aunt Gloria.
Aunt Mary Lou.
Carlos.
Angel.
Dominic.
Crystal & Sophia.
Alex.
Rebecca.
Keli.
Mom. (Diane)
Each one of my family members have contributed something to me in my life. Each has a special place in my heart. I hope I have given them something to be proud about and have given some type of joy in their life.
I have been so busy lately that I have not had any time to post. I usually use this time to focus on something that is going on in my life. But this post is strictly about basketball.
For those that know me, they know I am a die hard baller at heart. If I am not taking photos I am shooting hoops. I enjoy the competition and the friendships that I have made over the years.
Basketball has taught me so much about life. How to deal with others(co-workers, clients,etc.), when to pass someone the ball(assignment), and how to take criticism(Coach yelling at me). You see they are all intertwined.
Basketball has also taught me to practice really hard and to visualize. I need to see the ball going through the net(Which happens all the time with me!). I take this same approach to photography. I practice all the time. I visualize the shots in my head before I take them. This is how I create images for myself.
I shoot what I love and more importantly I love what I shoot.
Peace…
Friends. How many of us have them? I personally have a handful of friends that are part of my “wolfpack”. My friend Mass is in my “wolfpack”.
Mass and I go all the way back to high school. We both grew up with very little money, yet we both have risen from our poverty stricken days. Where we once used to have to worry about how we were going to be able to buy something, that is no longer the case. We both have been very successful at our careers.
I remember a few years ago when Mass bought his new home and as I was walking through the doors, I felt so happy for him. I remember crying a little because of the joy to see him come so far from his grandma’s house on the east side of Bakersfield. I felt like a proud father. Not that I look at him as a son, because he is his own man, but seeing the smile on his face and hearing the joy in his speech made me very proud.
He is a loving husband and father. He is also a really great friend who I love dearly. Although we don’t hang out as much as we used too, when we do get together, it is always enjoyable and fulfilling.
The other day I ran into a young man who I had not seen in many years. He came over to me and started talking. I sensed some pain in his voice and could see the confusion in his eyes. I gave him my number and told him to give me a call. Maybe I could show him something or encourage to look at the brighter side. I don’t know.
I found out the other day that this young man took his life. He shot himself in the chest. He was only 20 years old. He could not handle the pressures of life.
It made me wonder who his friends were. It also made me think of my friends. Who will be there for me when I need them or when they need me. If I am your friend I am going to push you to be your best and I want you to do the same for me. Push me hard! I want to be the best at what I do. I want them to be the best at what they do.
Take inventory of your friends. My favorite quote is, “Show me your friends… and I will show you your future.”
Peace…
The Covenant Messengers. I took these photos a couple of weeks ago.
