In this episode of Reflections, Chris explores the philosophy that defined his journey for years: "I am just a passenger on the road of life." While this mindset once felt like a shield against stress and a way to avoid the pressures of control, a sudden reality check from his oldest daughter, Alyssa, forced him to rethink everything.

Catch up on previous episodes, including Episode 18: Leading by Helping.

See the visuals and learn more about the philosophy behind the lens at footprintsinnature.ca

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the show on Spotify or Apple Podcasts and share it with a fellow creator!

In this episode of Reflections, Chris explores a fundamental trait that defined him long before he ever picked up a camera professionally: the drive to help, lead, and motivate people.

While it’s easy to get caught up in the idea of "competition" in the creative industry, Chris explains why he views other creators as fellow travellers on the exact same road.

From organizing neighbourhood street hockey games as a kid and working at the Calgary Saddledome as a teenager, to a simple analogy from the golf course, discover why community and lifting others up will always come before the bottom line.

Main Takeaways

• A Lifelong Default Setting: Tracing the natural instinct to lead and help back to childhood street hockey games and teenage years supervising at the Calgary Saddledome.

• Playing Your Own Game: Why photography and the creative industry are a lot like golf, and why choosing community over competition is the healthiest way to grow your business.

• The True Measure of Success: Exploring a powerful quote from Kobe Bryant and understanding that a lasting legacy is built on the people you inspire and help along the way, not just the invoices you send.

Links & Resources

• Catch up on previous episodes, including Episode 17: The Black Hat (The Power of the Uniform).

• See the visuals and learn more about the philosophy behind the lens at footprintsinnature.ca

• If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the show on Spotify or Apple Podcasts and share it with a fellow creator!

In this episode of Reflections, Chris shifts the focus to his literal daily uniform. We often talk about the "many hats" required to run a creative business, but in real life, Chris really only wears one: a basic, black ball cap.

From childhood habits and 25 years of competitive darts to wearing a special fuzzy winter edition in the snows of Churchill, that black cap is a constant companion through every pivot of his journey. Discover why putting on a black hat every single morning is more than just a wardrobe choice; it is a strategic ritual that protects the creative energy needed for the wild.

Main Takeaways

• The Power of the Constant: Why finding a physical anchor in your daily routine can help ground your business, your family life, and your time in the field.

• Defeating Decision Fatigue: Understanding how removing mundane daily choices, like what to wear, preserves your "mental battery" for the complex creative decisions that actually matter.

• The Hat as a Tool: Moving beyond fashion to see headwear as essential gear, whether framing a shot at a dartboard or blocking the glare while tracking wildlife and operating drones.

Links & Resources

• Catch up on previous episodes, including Episode 16: The Steps In Between A-Z.

• See the visuals and learn more about the philosophy behind the lens at footprintsinnature.ca

• If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the show on Spotify or Apple Podcasts and share it with a fellow creator!