Here I am, in London, Ontario, Canada. If you aren't familiar with my location, London is not a tropical setting. You won't find a beach. Or palm trees. Or crystal clear waters of the Caribbean. But, I made the decision to take action and start a project around the tropical fruit we know and love: The Pineapple.
This is still a project that can't support itself on its own and it's growing into much more than just fun photos of a pineapple. But, I'm not about to quit. We've reached millions of people through our pineapple photos and they've been downloaded over 500,000 times now. We are working on other ways to spread good vibes.
I had to take a bit of a break for the first half of 2017 to focus on my architectural photography, but the pineapple project never left my mind. In fact, ideas and plans continued to build up until I could put some of my attention on the project again (which is why you're seeing a burst of activity right now). But, the real danger is in the excuses we come up with to potentially never even start.
No Excuses
Excuses to never start Pineapple Supply Co. were plenty. The biggest excuse being my location. I would think about how I couldn't take photos of the pineapple in a tropical setting and I couldn't afford to travel much. For someone that wanted to promote good vibes and the sunshine, being in Canada with 6 months of Winter was going to be a climb. Put me in the Caribbean and the images and inspiration would be everywhere. Instead, where I am, I'd have to really dig for content to share.
I started anyways with a $3.99 pineapple and an iPhone photo.
In 2015, I was fortunate to visit Mexico and took full advantage. As imagined, a tropical setting allowed for imagery that came far easier than at home. But, I appreciate the difficulty and challenge the project puts on my creativity. At home, I've had to get very creative and I continue to work at creating what I can for you. Eventually, I'll be able to travel more, my social feeds will be more exciting, and I'll be able to reach more people all around the world.
Don't Hesitate
I took action and started where I am. No waiting til I was in the perfect location or waiting until it was a perfect time.
Unknowingly the pineapple took hold of me with it's positive, welcoming symbolism and connected with my creativity to make me come alive. The other times I feel such flow is when I'm photographing architecture and tinkering with websites. I do anything related to these fields the moment the urge presents itself to me. I try not to hesitate at all.
If I didn't start where I was at the time, I'd never have the types of pineapple images I've got today. For example the urban pineapple on the payphone to the left.
I want for you to do the same. This is the most amazing time to be alive and start pursuing whatever makes you feel like I've described in this blog post.
Maybe your dream is to start a Yoga Studio in Aruba like Yoga Girl because doing yoga is the thing that springs you out of bed. Start where you are now, even just a micro-action, and don't quit.
Now is Perfect
Start where you are now, stay positive and be optimistic that good things are happening!
If you've been waiting for the perfect time, this is it!
And as always, Stay Golden.
