Checkpoint!

Take a moment to check out the updated Indelible Adventures website and store.  As well, here are a variety of links to my social media if you'd like to follow me or "like" my work.   

    Facebook -  Google+ - Twitter - Instagram - LinkedIn - ImageBrief - National Geographic

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This week marks the first anniversary of the founding of Indelible Adventures Inc., so its somewhat expected that I would evaluate where I am with my business versus where I thought I would be at the end of this first year.  My management consulting background continues to influence my thinking and thus my inner voice wants to constantly measure my progress against hard metrics…oi vey mate!

The initial plan had three simple objectives: 

1. Write, photograph, and travel – check!
2. Have flexibility so that I could continue to spend lots of time with Zach & Sami – check!
3. Have fun along the way – definitely check!!!

My journey so far has been devoid of a traditional management consulting approach or hard metrics, yes quite the departure really!  Now to be fair, I haven't gone completely cold turkey in terms of consulting and still have small or part-time contracts on the go which, pragmatically speaking are good in terms of paying the bills, but also keeps my hand in the consulting business but not in it enough to completely monopolize my life.

Perhaps it's ego, but putting your work out there for others to see, read and critique is a tad nerve wracking let’s be honest.  I get a lot of feedback on my photography but only a little on my writing. Perhaps its because I have a very conversational manner to my writing versus a more traditional style and would love to get more feedback.

One lesson that I learned this past year is that you need a thick skin to deal with rejection. Pitching my writing and photography on an ongoing basis has been a humbling experience, but a necessary one to continually hone and tune my skills in both areas.  The big “ah-ha” moment for me was when I realized that often it’s not so much about the content per see (although important), but more about the timing of pitching your work. Staying focused and being consistent and disciplined are critical to ensuring that I'll be ready to pitch at a moments notice. 

The other interesting observation I've made is that everyone, me included, has a fixation with labeling and categorizing others, I guess its human nature.  For example, a question I often get asked is “so exactly do you do?”  It seems that once people understand that then they can slot me into a neat little category in their heads.  However, when I respond that I’m a writer, photographer, speaker, travel concierge and consultant it often confuses the heck out of people. ☺

I must admit that sometimes it’s nice to mess with them and see the look of confusion wash over someone’s face when I respond that way, albeit I already know what they're going to ask next “but how do you make a living?” they often ask pleadingly.

It’s also interesting that by piecing together various revenue streams it’s often perceived as less than a “real job”, perhaps only temporary until you find another full time gig...  Trust me, there have even been a few times this year that I've wondered what the hell I'm doing and that I should just resign myself to getting a job and abandoning my dream of following my passions and building a business around those.  But I know that by doing that I'd be selling myself short and would ultimately regret it - no question!

It takes an enormous amount of patience (more time than you'd expect or hope for) and perseverance to build a business.  One of the wonderful things about my eclectic business is that I get to help people and see the enjoyment in their faces, whether it be in a one-on-one or small group Urban Art Photography tour or building one of a kind trips for people - it's been amazing.

Recently I developed an itinerary for a friend of mine as she wanted to take her son to Italy and France as a high school graduation gift. They had about fifteen days and had a host of places they wanted to see but without roughing it, nor spending gobs of money in the European high season.  It was a wonderfully thoughtful graduation gift and I was thrilled that she asked me to create the trip for them.  Its been so gratifying to see her reviews this past week as she's fallen in love with all of the locations and hotels that I arranged for them and they seem to be having a wonderful time.  

Now if that isn't amazing what is???

All in all it's been a great year with lots of fantastic experiences, new friends, broader network and stronger core skills. The only thing to do now is continue to focus, and work hard at building my brand and seeing the goodness that will continue to grow.

Thanks for all of your support, I couldn't have done it without you!  ☺


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“Hanoi Posting”

A series of micro-stories by Terence Wallis

Episode 7: Torturous

The look of desire in her eyes was mesmerizing; it had been some time since he had felt like the prey in an encounter but clearly she was a master in the art of seduction.  

Her hand lingered on his ass before she slowly ran her index finger up to his belt and deliberately traced her index finger toward the buckle, their eyes locked, the sounds of the room silent around them.  He watched transfixed as she seductively brought the cigarette to her lips and slowly drew on it as they continued to gaze into each other’s eyes.  She tilted her head slightly and blew the smoke away from him.

"Ah, so what’s your name?" he asked clumsily.  She smiled the most gorgeous smile of perfectly white, straight teeth and in impeccable English said I’m Mai, and you are…other than handsome?

He blushed as he held out his hand, she took it and felt his strong grip embrace her beautifully manicured hand.  Bill’s pulse quickened as she leaned into him and whispered into his ear — “find me”.

With that she withdrew her hand, smiled and took him in with one long seductive look, before turning and floating back into the sea of people that surrounded them.  

Bill stood there, not believing what had just happened.  He quickly scanned the room into which she had disappeared but was unable to see her.

"Jesus" he muttered to himself as he downed the scotch in one large gulp.  

Slowly regaining his composure he leaned back against the bar and shook his head, "find me huh".  A mischievous grin slowly spread across his face, he knew the perfect guy that could help him do just that...

Next week:  Episode 8:  The Star Cafe 

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This weeks photos are a composite from a night photo shoot last Saturday night, and an early morning shoot on Sunday morning with my girlfriend Aimee - enjoy!

The vibrant CN town that dominates the downtown Toronto skyline

Loved putting the camera on manual focus and purposefully bluring the shot :-)

Experiment in "ghosting' with a time lapse setting - 30 sec

On the Front & Bathurst street bridge with time lapse - a truck with trailer were the high lights

Amazing colors with a 30 sec time lapse

The high green lights were the streetcar...

Perfect geometry and beautiful night sky make for a nice shot -
if you look closely you can even see stars

Sunday morning fire escape on Bathurst street

I tend to gravitate toward urban art and Sunday was no exception
this new piece is gorgeous by Young Jarus

Remnants of the rainstorm still puddle in Toronto's graffiti alley - cool reflection btw!

Nothing says Italy like an old style scooter - downtown Toronto

Bright Lane off King Street West - funky!

Condiments in a window...

Cool urban art is everywhere!

Can you say gritty?   

I love this shot with such a contrast of colors and lines

I will be very sad to see this stunning mural demolished when they begin construction of a new condo tower
later this year.   This is one awesome piece of street art!