Something New for the Summer...$$$ Savings!

Sunday, June 17, 2007

For the past few weeks I've gotten some strange looks from my clients (and some friends too) when I show up to photo shoots or meetings on my bike. With rising gas prices and the constant struggle to find free time to exercise, I thought I would try something new this summer.


First, I calculated how much I spend in gas per month and per year:

$3.29/Gallon --- $42.24 full tank --- 4 tanks/month --- $168.96/month --- $2027.52/year

Next, my gym membership:

$35.00/month --- $420.00/year

Last, my time for exercise:

5 hrs/week

So I visited my neighborhood bike store with a budget of about $350 (about 2 months of gas). Now, it has almost been a month since I filled up my gas tank!!! I use my bike to go to photo shoots, scout new shoot locations, lunch, the post office, the coffee shop, meet with clients, the gas station (now for a water break!) or wherever I can get within 15 minutes.

How much have I saved? $84.48 thus far! However, in a year that should escalate to $1013.76 (paid for my bike three times and enough to buy a new lens!). In addition, I have lost 10 lbs (nearly tripled my time for exercise)! I'm telling you honestly, when you are a photographer in front of the computer for hours at a time, you can add pounds really fast. I still have not come to the point where I can part with my gym membership but I am increasingly blessed while riding my bike. Check out the images below to see what was happening around Atlanta yesterday. I would have missed all of this if I was driving my car or relaxing in the air condition at my home.


Concert in Little 5 Points. This was a cool find!


Interesting people in Atlanta and inspiration for an upcoming book!


An Ethiopian wedding in the park. This was beautiful! Everyone was singing and dancing. The couple was married on a pier overlooking the water at Piedmont Park.


Location for a future lifestyle photo shoot with one of my clients? I think so.

Beginning photographers: Stay tuned for info on this shoot location - lighting, composition, and camera settings.

rk
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6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Your photos give me a new appreciation for life. I check your site almost everyday to see what's new. It makes you want to live everyday to the fullest..Smile and have no worries...fall in love again...and again...and again.. :) Thanks for your inspiration. You're work is truly a God sent blessing.

asm

Anonymous said...

Thanks asm for articulating my thoughts online. I check this blog daily and I thought I was alone. I have a new appreciation about life, people and love. Thanks Ross! God is really using you in ways that you just cannot fathom. God bless you!

c.

Anonymous said...

This is so tight. Imagine if everyone did this! Proud of you!

Unknown said...

Today, June 21, the first day of summer, is the first time I have seen your site. This is truly amazing and your work is divine. The engagement photos of Robert and Keisha were out of this world. What God has made beautiful in this world, He has given you the talent to help us see it more clearly. Continue to be blessed.
P. Smith

Bakari said...

Just discovered your site after viewing one of your slide shows. I'm working to build my skills and business as a wedding photographer, and your work is inspiring. Glad to see your blog. Will keep in touch.

Anonymous said...

YOUR WORK IS ABSOLUTELY AMAZING, AND MY YOU CONTINUE TO GROW AND PROSPER IN YOUR ROLE AS A PHOTOGRAPHER. THE WORLD NEEDS MORE INDIVIDUALS LIKE YOU, WHO CAN CAPTURE THE REAL BEAUTY OF LOVE AND LIFE. CONTINUE TO DO YOUR THING AND BE BLESSED!!!