Pay it Forward

Sunday, September 16, 2007

It is better to give than to receive...we all know this right? Or we should. Giving can be contagious! You start giving money, time, talent, whatever you can. Just to be a blessing to others. Then you find out that when you give you are blessed in return. There is a key to this whole giving thing. When you give, don't expect anything in return. Be a cheerful giver. Make sure that when you give it is out of a genuine desire to enrich the lives of other people. I guarantee you that if you will give...great things will happen in your life.

Have you ever seen the movie "Pay it Forward?" If not, run out and get it right now. Watch it. Then re-read this post. Pay it Forward is one of the best movies I've ever seen on giving. It's a little sad at the end but the story is remarkable.

So here is my story on giving and blessings:

Because of my hectic schedule, I cannot always find the time to meet with everyone that requests an appointment. At least not in the time frame I am likely given. As a matter of fact, I do my best to answer all the questions that people email me about photography. At one point, it became so hard to keep up that I finally decided to organize a workshop on photography, the KNIGHT experience: My Passion for Photography (scheduled for early 2008).

When I felt led to meet with Vada Michelle (up and coming photographer extraordinaire), something was different. We first connected through email and then decided to have coffee to talk further. We sat for almost two hours (mostly me rambling) sharing stories about our great passion for photography and our spirituality. Recently, she invited me out to see her shooting in action and I was like, sure (more on the shoot later)!

I did not have the free time for our initial meeting, however, I obeyed my spirit. I shared with her tips on business and what I have learned as a professional photographer. In the following week I ran into a very difficult situation. One that was so difficult, I did not see the light at the end of the tunnel. Was this going to be the end of Ross Oscar Knight Photography? No, because God had more plans for my business (which I see as my ministry). Vada and her husband had a pivotal role in working out this situation for me. You may remember me blogging about that blessing here. You never know why someone has been brought into your life. Whether it is for a season or a lifetime, be confident in knowing that your steps are ordered and if you follow a path of giving and remember to be humble - every person and every thing and every situation in your life will turn out just fine. I'll bet you some camera equipment on that one!

Vada did a post on her shoot that I attended. Here is the link.

Also, check out a few of the shots I took below.

- KNIGHT



It started raining in the middle of the shoot...! We had to move.

New location...good to go...





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10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Good post Sir Knight. ;-) That movie, and concept, is great. It really showcases the biblical principal of sewing and reaping.

Anyways...glad to hear you're going to keep going. My wife and I just found your site and we love your photography. I'm a novice photographer (just do it for fun) and I LOVE great pics.

All that to say...congrats and rock on!

Unknown said...

Ross,

You are a living, breathing blessing and testimony to us all. I appreciate you and I thank you so much. You have definitely paid it forward BIG TIME!!!

God Bless You,
Vada

Anonymous said...

Beautiful photos and a wonderful testimony!

Anonymous said...

You are a true inspiration :)

asm

Arlene Hope Photography said...

That's right Ross, Paying it forward is certainly the sowing and the reaping is an ongoing press down shaken together and running over experience.

As the unseen wars rage, and try with all vigor to knock us out of court, we are upheld by the one who can overrule....S U S T A I N E D!

~HOPE

still waters said...

Thanks Ross for this reminder I saw the movie a while back and thought it would be cool if all the world lived it!!!! I been having a rough go at work lately this put things back into perspective...

one love Still

Unknown said...

I have been reading your blog for about a month and you have inspired me to take the next step.
You said your gift will make way for you. Well I did a friends wedding for free. She blessed me with 100.00 I thought wow.Then a friend saw them and asked me to do a wedding. Now someone esle has asked me. I am a little scared but exicited at the same time. I always feel this way then I start shooting and forget about the people and I am in my zone.
Thank you for your encouragement

Michelle said...

hi ross:

i'm starting to read your blog entries on a regular basis...it helps me keep [my] hope alive! i first learned of your work from the infamous ritz carleton engagement slideshow that took place on my birthday (not a coincidence!) Don't remember who emailed it to me but following life and the work of ross oscar knight will remain part of my source of inspiration. i have many questions to ask you but i'll reserve most of it for your workshop in early 2008.

thank God you are a child of the King. please take a look at my work... http://www.passionpopphotography.com/

phoetic said...

When you give, don't expect anything in return. Powerful words souljah. But that is what faith is expectation. We expect God to do what he says he will do. Because his word can never return back void. When we put a seed in the ground, cover it with dirt, water it, fertilize it, keep pest away from it, we expect to have a harvest. Just heard Mike Murdoch teach on expectations. Keep the movement souljah you are a true inspiration.

Phoetic

Anonymous said...

You are the bomb! I've been reading your blog for about 6-months but never posted a comment. Your pictures tell stories. I'm from Berkeley, CA and when I look at your pictures, I feel all mushy inside! Because of you, I just purchased my first Nikon D40 and now I want to learn how to take breath -taking portraits such as yours. Keep up the good work!