PATIENCE
Effective communicators, whether they might be working on a photography project, publishing/book project, or even a PowerPoint presentation need patience. Photographers are known to wait for the right light, pose/expression, and the "decisive moment." As an accidental oral historian, I learned to be patient with subjects who decided to stray somewhat from the topic being discussed. Many times, this proved to be valuable additional information.
Patience and the ability to see the goal in the distance and keep working diligently rather than haphazardly is sometimes difficult, but a key in successful projects. Impatience can lead to mistakes.
On a time-crunched Saturday morning, I tried to save some time and vary my approach in talking and photographing a rancher for "Florida Soup." I had no other appointments to keep, but I thought it was necessary to complete this work as soon as possible. I started to fumble with my camera equipment, made a wrong light meter reading, and generally, was making a fool of myself in front of this rancher. I apologized over and over. Finally, he said, "It's a beautiful day. I've got plenty of time. It's okay."
I stopped, gathered my thoughts, and said, "You know, why don't we just sit a talk awhile, first?" We talked for nearly three hours. I listened to some fascinating stories that I might have otherwise missed due to my impatience.
"Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish." John Quincy Adams
