For anyone out there that is at all familiar with wedding photography or this industry you’ve probably at some point heard of Mike Colón. Mike has made a name for himself in this business catering to the ultimate-high-end bride and clientele. He’s photographed some top notch celebrities like Usher and most recently Timberland. I’m not going to go into the phenomenon he actually is….it’s apparent in his work….you can check that out on your own. However, what I find incredibly admirable is that this man, who literally is “big time” (per his own wife, Julie, in his most recent post on his blog) is what was reeling through his head the next night as he lie in a hotel room plagued by jet lag after she had pegged him, indeed, “big time”

“Something Julie said to me last night before we went to bed is still
ringing in my head. It was something she has never said to me before
and it kinda felt weird hearing her say it. She said “You’re big
time.” She’s always told me how proud she is of me but has never
straight up told me I am “big time” before. I have to admit that for
a second it gave me a big head, but I quickly realized that everything
we have accomplished in our business and in life has been 100% by the
awesome and undeserved grace of God. Although we have worked extremely
hard, I simply can’t forget about the dozens of times God bailed us
out of sure financial disaster! “

Take the time to read his entire post here…. it will surely humble you.

I’ve not been in the industry long enough to remember what it was like before this new breed came along. I’m not old school. I’m VERY new school…..I don’t know what it was like once upon a time when pro guys & gals alike were so uber competitive that everyone held onto their deep dark little secrets and certain claims to fame, never sharing or taking the time to network with other industry pros. I’ve heard about this…..and I will say that occassionally and unfortunately I think it probably does still exist on some level…or maybe it’s a raging out of control problem that i’m just too naive to realize. But I’ve expereineced so very little of that….an occassional snub or someone not bothering to return an email when I’ve tried to reach out but overall I’ve been super lucky to connect with some amazingly talented photographers who have been more than willing to share their insights, mishaps and dreams when it comes to their photography business.

I just think it’s so refreshing to see people, regardless of how “big time” they really are, completely and utterly be humbled by what it’s really all about. Giving praise and glory to He who is really at the root of that success. Guys like Dane Sanders, Becker and David Jay are all in that “big time” circle but who continually humble themselves and show without mistake, what it truly means to be a success. And when you’re getting paid 20k for your mad photography skillz I think it says alot when you can sit back and really be at peace with what that actually means….and Who is actually responsible for it. And find time to share that with other professionals, openly and without this pretentious, selfish idealism that it’s all because of something you did or you’ve controlled.

Pretty cool stuff.