Skip to main content
Skip to footer

Home
Books
Photography
- Commercial
- Exhibitions
- Portraits
- Reportage
- Travel
- Close
Gary’s School
Events
Blog
- Photography
- Personal Development
- Close
BUY IMAGES
Contact

Optimism – How To

6 April, 2020

Developing Optimism

Share this:

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Footer

CONTACT GARY

+27 83 608 2194
gary@garyhirson.com

STAY CONNECTED

Upcoming Events

No events

SHOP INFO

MY ACCOUNT
0 itemsR0.00

STUDENT INFO

FIND ME ON FACEBOOK

GH Photography

FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER

Tweets by @garyhirson

FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM

garyhirson

Play-Lead-Create

The better we become the less competition there is

The better we become the less competition there is.
It's been said that if we operate within the top 5% of what we do the competition is considerably less.
However getting into the top 5% takes work, discipline, a new way of thinking, a change in habits, drive, and motivation.
Is there an easy way?
Probably not, but there are options.
1. Learn from and mirror people that have already tread that path.
2. Work with a mentor or coach - to be there with you on your journey.
3. Go it alone, and don't give up?

Which option works for you?

This photograph was taken on a cold, wet, and grey winter day. Only a small band of fishermen were selected to work the nets because they were the best at what they did. They had the whole beach to themselves.

#motivation #successlife #collegelife #studentlife #success
#habits #top5% #inspiration #photographylover #keepgoing #reportagephotography #fishing #artisan #exhibition

Father's Day memory creations @saggystonelakes. Co

Father's Day memory creations @saggystonelakes.
Comr and enjoy a lunch out, create memories with a family portrait, and checj out unique gifts available - signed coffee-table books.
#fathersday #familyportrait #coffeetablebooks #funday #portraitphotography #gifts #memories

In remembrance of the brave Youth who stood up to

In remembrance of the brave Youth who stood up to an evil regime on this day in 1976.

On this day...and every other day, why not enjoy life as a child does - be curious, have fun, hop, skip, jump, ride bicycles, fly kites, use our imaginations, and PLAY..!

This picture was taken at Dalebrook Tidal Pool one early Sunday morning. For me, it encompasses what it's like t be young.
This picture forms the cover of my coffee table book Down the Line.

#youthday #youthday2021 #downtheline #playleadcreate #coffeetablebok #happyyouthday #reportagephotography #travelphotography #photooftheday #portrait #wimhof #coldwaterswimming

Father's Day Special. 2 unique coffee-table books

Father's Day Special.
2 unique coffee-table books personally signed.

Not sure of what do get your husband, father, friend, uncle, grandfather...for Father's Day.

How about 2 personally signed unique coffee-table books?

🚂* Down The Line is a 📸social documentary coffee table book covering the Southern Line - the trainline that runs between Cape Town and Simonstown.

🚋*Changing The Lines is a 📸reportage photo coffee-table book about the annual maintenance shutdown that happens on the slopes of @tablemountainca and the cables high above.

Both books are the only ones covering their related topics.

DM me for details or check out the 🔗 in the Bio.

#fathersday #coffetablebook #tablemountain #gifts
#reportagehotography #fathersdayspecial #trainline
#trainsplanesandautomobiles

Sometimes we just need a hug... The beauty of a h

Sometimes we just need a hug...
The beauty of a hug is that it's equally beneficial - there is no "giver," and no "receiver."...it's a gift for both - once embraced, it becomes synergetic.
Sometimes we might just need a hug...to be a part of one that is.

This portrait was taken at the first Afrikaburn in 2007.
Two people hugging in the middle of the playa, separated from everyone except themselves. I enquired with a gesture if it was ok to capture them. She blinked, I clicked and silently left them to their moment. A short while later I turned back to look and they were still there holding on to each other.

#afrikaburn #hug #hugging #connection #timealone #photographylover #givingandreceiving #portrait #contributing #love #gentleness #photooftheday #bnw #blackandwhite

THE INGREDIENTS NEEDED FOR US TO GET AHEAD... I w

THE INGREDIENTS NEEDED FOR US TO GET AHEAD...
I was invited to speak o the 2nd and 3rd year students @theinternationalhotelschool.
I chatted with them about the ingredients needed for us to get ahead.
I know that there are more than are mentioned in this video, and I'd love to hear from you via the comments section about your ingredients.

#publicspeaking #collegelife #studentlife #addingvalue #contribution #futureleaders #inspiration #igtv
#theinternationalschoolcapetown

Standing outside of the noise. At times it's those

Standing outside of the noise.
At times it's those quiet moments alone when we can shut out the noise, go inwards to analyse the data and opinions, which allows us to come out the other side flying with inspiration.
However, we do need to still trust ourselves and our decisions.

This portrait was taken at the Harkerville Forest Market of an artisanal jam and cheese maker. Moments before, customers were crowded around tasting and ordering his wares. As soon as they were gone he stepped back for a quiet moment.

#trust #artisan #introspection #creativity #solace #recuperation #transformationcoaching #photographylover #portrait #blackandwhite #bnwportrait #fujixt3 #bhfyp #inspiration #mentalhealth

Whenever we go about doing something we have a pro

Whenever we go about doing something we have a process. There is inspiration, implementation, and experimentation which involves habits, routines, high energy time, low energy time, and downtime.
The process will differ from person to person, and from undertaking to undertaking, but you will see that it is there if you look closely.
The secret is to find it, tap into it, and make it as fun as possible. This creates enthusiasm and longevity.

This photograph was taken at Tofo, Mozambique.
Every morning these fishermen would check the weather, the tides, their boats, sail out to the area where the currents and water temperature would suggest the best catch. That was their process.

#process #creativity #artist #leader
#portrait #bnw #bnwportrait #travelphotography #reportagephotography #collegelife
#studentlife #enthusiasm #transformationcoach

Those overnight successes we hear about, usually t

Those overnight successes we hear about, usually take years...

The storefront, artwork, entrepreneurial venture, a transformed self, etc, is only the outcome for all the work that goes on behind the scenes to make it happen. It's the hours, days, weeks, months, years, of work that no one else sees that determines the outcome.

This portrait was taken of a baker at @lamaisonducroissant. Working alone in the back kitchen, she kneaded the dough until it was the right consistency to ensure a perfect croissant.
#portrait #portraitphotography #bnw #reportagephotography #working #commitment #art #artist #leadershipskills #creativity
@_createfulness_

We all might be looking at the same thing but we m

We all might be looking at the same thing but we may be seeing it differently. One of the reasons we need to listen to other's opinions, viewpoints and interpretations.
It's the same with creative expression it's different for all of us.

This picture was taken in Faro Portugal.
4 people watching a flock of seagulls floating above. I wonder what they all saw?
#leadershipskills #individuality #creativiy #_createfulness_ #portrait #portugal #faro #travelphotography #blackandwhite #bnw #bnwportrait

When last did you play? To "play," ✨🎈is to do

When last did you play?
To "play," ✨🎈is to do something with no purpose, agenda, or prescribed outcome. If it includes movement all the better. It's been said that it's as important as eating and sleeping as it too rejuvenates the body, mind, and soul.
But also, it allows for new ideas and inspiration to flow - key elements for creativity to blossom

What can you do to get up and play?

This photo was taken on the Sea Point Promenade. I was doing a series on what people do to get out and have fun when a group of skateboarders - of all ages, came gliding past.

#play #creativity #fun #inspiration #studentlife #mindset #portrait #bnw #blackandwhite #leadershipskills #skateboarding #photographylover #lifestyle

Get up, get out, get moving! So much has been sai

Get up, get out, get moving!

So much has been said about the health implications related to sitting too much.

But also how inspired does one feel after looking at a screen for the day?
We need to make time for activity and exercise; outdoor activities with fresh air are always a bonus.

I took this portrait of Deon Botes - a friend of mine of @poise.consulting. It was s taken on a sloping road in Plettenberg Bay
Not one for the gym, his daily dose of energy and activity was harnessed while either skateboarding alongside his trusty companion, "Nimae," or catching a wave when the surf's up.
#health #mentalhealth #mindset #exercise #skateboarding #photographylover #portrait #dogs #portraitphotography #blackandwhite
#motivation #inspiration #bnw #creativity #studentlife
#wellbeing

Dance to your own Rhythm. On a dance floor full o

Dance to your own Rhythm.

On a dance floor full of Latin American dancers, this couple glided past my lens. In their world, it was just the two of them moulded together, sashaying across the floor to the music, living the moment - unconcerned of the audience and their opinions.

#leadershipskills #_createful_ #creativity #photographylover #motivation #inspiration #dance #dancing #artist #bnw #portrait

How do artists go about creating? One of the reas

How do artists go about creating?

One of the reasons some feel that they're not creative is because they're not a published author or don't have a picture hanging in a gallery. To dispel that myth I speak with artist Gordon Ros of @ideacircus1965 about;
his creative expression,
his opinion on creativity,
his daily routine when it comes to creating,
and his opinion on how creativity and leadership skills are connected
...which is what #_Createfulness_ is about.
⁠
The link s in the bio.⁠
⁠
I hope you enjoy it.⁠
⁠
#inspiration #artist #podcast #_createful_ #art #transformationcoach #leadershipskills #creativity #mindset #instagood #imagination #imagineur #creator #contribution #community #tips #bhfyp

Going it alone...seldom works.⁠ Whether on a #_c

Going it alone...seldom works.⁠
Whether on a #_createful_ journey or leading a team very seldom, if at all, success comes from working alone.⁠
Whether someone to talk to, creative input, bouncing ideas, or sharing the load, asking, delegating, or collaborating is always a suggested option.⁠
⁠
This photograph was taken in the #saatchi gallery in London.⁠
A grandmother leans on her granddaughter for assistance while they enjoy the art together,⁠
#collaboration #creativity #leadershipskills #lifecoaching #portrait #photographylover #portraitphotography #art #artexhibition #reportage

"As long as we're creating, we're cultivating mean

Nothing in Life is certain! The only thing that i

Nothing in Life is certain!
The only thing that is certain is what we can do now, and consistently, to get us closer to what we want...⁠
⁠
This picture was taken during rush hour traffic in Hanoi, Vietnam. No matter the time, weather, or amount of traffic these traders peddled furiously to get to the market on time.⁠
⁠
#motivation #action #inspiration #lifecoach #creativity #mindset #goals #instagood #art #artist #imagination #imagineur #creator #contribution #blackandwhite #photographylover #portrait #bnw #tips #bhfyp #Vietnam #Hanoi #_createfulness_

A photographic exhibition by invitation only. I've

A photographic exhibition by invitation only.
I've been invited to exhibit at @bokeh_creative_studio this Thursday 1st April.
Due to the intimacy of the venue and Covid rules only a limited number of people can attend.
If you're keen for an evening out, sipping on wine while viewing photographic art please DM for an invitation.
I look forward to seeing you there.

#photoexhibition #bnw #photographylover #artist #creative #portrait #portraitphotography #artexhibition #art

Shooting portraits the easy way out. Not often do

Shooting portraits the easy way out.
Not often do I have pictutes taken of me while I'm taking pictures. And how is this for a classic. Corporate and social media pictures taken of 2 clients from the comfort of a chair... in the middle of a street.
The results are shown too.
#portraits_ig #portraits #streetphotography #reportagephotography #creativity #_createfulness_ #fun

Transformation is seldom easy but If we believe i

Transformation is seldom easy but If we believe in "us" and what want enough, we keep on going. ⁠
Sometimes it feels like we're trying to walk through treacle or swimming through quicksand but when we do get through it, look back - we will notice what we've been through, how far we've come, and how much closer we are to our destination...⁠
⁠
This photo was taken in Bilene, Mozambique. A young man riding around his village. Sometimes he pedaled, sometimes he freewheeled - but ultimately he kept on going until he got to where he was going.⁠
⁠
⁠
#inspiration #transformationcoach #creativity #mindset #goals #instagood #artist #perseverance #tips #bhfyp #photographylover #bnw #travelphotography #africa #portrait #alberteinstein

Load More... Follow on Instagram

© 2019. All Rights Reserved | All images & original text | Gary Hirson. Website by Terri Love Designs