Nicholas Tolson | Washington, DC | Dec 2008

An entrepreneur and an accomplished photographer, Nicholas Tolson and I met in Washington, DC at the start of my road trip. We talked about the entrepreneurial life, his projects DeGeeked and others to be announced, his background as a live music photographer in the DC area and the joys of meeting people via social media.

Nicholas is also a fellow believer in one thing I have learned to do this year:

If someone’s work moves you, reach out to them and tell them.

Truly meaningful feedback is rare in life because it is difficult to give and receive. Take the step to reach out and give unsolicited, honest, worthwhile, thoughtful feedback when you’re moved by someone’s work. Be an example and perhaps others will learn from you.

He also issued me a challenge to connect with the people I photograph: no distant, stolen frames, but instead close, personal connections with full names and a story. We’ll see how I do…