Donald Bond Designs

New Challenges for 2011

2010-12-31T10:52:00.000-08:00

With 2010 behind me, I'm looking 2011 to be productive like never before. Being a photographer and designer, I'd rather be behind a camera most of the time. It's where I feel the most comfortable. I've been a product photographer for a long time, from automobiles, food to Rolex. I enjoy it all, but I'm finding myself enjoying photographing people more than ever.

Believe me, photographing people was my absolute least favorite of all picture taking. I dreaded it to be honest. I'm finding each time I do portraits, I find myself more at ease with the subject. Whether it's a candid photo or a modeling photo. Below is one of my modeling subjects.

I've always been private with my photos, rarely showcasing my work in fear of stolen material. I take pride in my work. I'm in the process of replacing all the artwork in my home with my own works of art.

This particular piece I gave to a client of mine. I was invited to spend Thanksgiving with them. The night before I was out on the dock taking a few photos when I shot this one...

I converted this photo to art. The surprising thing about this serene photo of just a fishing pole and the calmness of the water...I didn't use my big Nikon DSLR or fancy lens. I shot it with my cell phone. Isn't Photoshop great? The original photo came out surprising awesome, but I did some art touches then had it printed on canvas to be displayed in the beach house. They loved it. It's good to encounter people who enjoy and understand art. Especially what the artist is trying to portray.

I've gotten into photographing rock bands, live shows and behind the scenes with @GuitarAsylymTV. Looking forward to what 2011 brings with this new added venture. So far, it's been a blast!

What else do I have in-store for 2011? Well, I sure hope I have a girlfriend this year. Would be nice to find a nice girl. Of course that is something that takes time, so I'll wait till that happens on it's own. Worst thing to do is force it.

In February of 2011 I'm starting a new chapter; I'm going to start designing jewelry. I consider myself to be the next Harry Winston. Oh yeah, I do. I've been a designer for so long, working in print & web. I've felt I've done it all and it's gotten old. One reason why I'd rather live behind the camera most of the time. So I'm going to start specialized AutoCAD classes to design high end diamond jewelry on computer using the latest in technology. No sketching for me! My jewelry work will be showcased at www.houstongoldexchange.com in Houston, Texas where I am during the day doing photography and as their Rolex & Watch Specialist. Just another passion of mine.

That is it so far. Busy the first part of 2011 and looking forward to the entire year.

Wishing You and Your Family a very successful Happy New Year!

I'm the Smartest Person

2010-12-31T10:21:00.001-08:00

I'm sitting here reflecting back on 2010 and looking forward to what 2011 has in store. In a few hours the Past will be behind us to start another New Year all over again.

As I reflect on the year, a small hidden memory came to me. Not one that happened in 2010 but one that happened about 35 years ago.

I remember sitting in PE class and the coach gave us a rare written test. It was a short test, don't ask me what it was about...I can't remember the minute details. What I do remember is the bonus question at the end of the test.

The question read: "Who is the smartest person in class?"

We turned in our test, while the coach graded them right then. He read out all the correct answers and made it to the bonus question.

Guess what? I got it wrong. Everyone did, except for one know-it-all kid that no really liked. Isn't that how it goes in school? Even today?

The coach made it a point to each and everyone of us. We are all the Smartest Person. Instead of looking around figuring out who makes the best grades, we were to look within ourselves to find the answer.

It had taken the coach to give us the correct answer. Well, except for the kid no one liked.

I am the Smartest Person. So are you. When you reflect on 2010, don't kick yourself for the screw-ups. Look deep within, knowing you too are the Smartest Person for triumphing over those screw-ups and your still kicking, screaming and thriving.

So go kick 2010 to the curb and go kick ass in 2011.

Retro Power Car Show - Liberty, Texas

2010-10-17T07:31:00.000-07:00

My son asked me a couple of weeks ago to attend the 1st Annual Retro Power Car Show in Liberty, Texas. His church youth group were going to help with registration and such for the event.

At the time I was going to be in Dallas on business. I decided to cut my trip short so I could make the show and see my son at the same time!

I left early Saturday morning from Dallas and made the trip to Liberty just before 1pm. The weather couldn't have been better! A great show of cars and it was wonderful to see a few old friends.

Instead of rambling...here are a few photos from the event.

Enjoy!

Rides & Rolexs Show

2010-10-17T07:08:00.000-07:00

Here are a few photos from our 2nd Annual Rides & Rolexs. Yes there were Rolex's there...on wrists and showcases...thought you'd enjoy the Cars and smiling faces!

I'd like to thank everyone who made it to the event! The weather was awesome! People were awesome! Great to see new faces and familiar faces at the event!

I was very busy inside the story with clients and being interviewed by Channel 39 TV for their show, Anything That Rolls. I big Thank You goes out to Jennifer Vogel, Host of the show for coming out...and cameraman, Chris! Also like to thank, Aaron Limousines for bringing out the Chrysler Limo!

For those who are hardcore Rolex...as we all are...guess which model Rolex was the most popular of the day? The Rolex Day Date.

We'll see you again in the Spring at the Original Houston Gold Exchange! I'm already working on a whole new show!

Rides & Rolexs: October 9th, 2010

2010-08-31T20:45:00.000-07:00

Here is an event that I coordinate with the Houston Gold Exchange.

The popularity of Twitter has some relationships in a twist - USATODAY.com

2010-08-31T20:26:00.000-07:00

I Talk Too Much as it is...Oh & About Twitter

2009-06-07T06:50:00.000-07:00

It's a Sunday morning and sitting here posting on my first blog, staring out my window overlooking my backyard...

I've often wondered if Facebook and Twitter (@DonaldBond) isn't just another form of blogging. I guess it is. A few of my friends refer to it as 'time-suckers', which is really is, but only if you don't use it effectively. If you feel the 'need to be needed' then I suggest you seek therapy for your online addictions. Nothing worse than trying to have a real face-to-face conversation with someone while they feel the need to virtually talk to someone halfway around the world about a neighbors barking dog. Remember the old saying? Pick your battles? Well, pick your conversations...the ones that really matter.

The way I look at it is this; Facebook is for those who want to keep up with their friends and Twitter is for those who understand the important of getting their point across in 140 characters or less. I actually prefer Twitter as I enjoy meeting new people and networking. Hey, got to keep a roof over my head right? I have had many ask me about Twitter as they simply do not understand it. Well, I have to ask them a similar question..."Why do you sit on Facebook or MySpace all day?" I don't understand that either.

Twitter is very understandable. Except for those who need to seek counseling or attend Twitter Anonymous. Oh by the way, meetings are at 7pm every Wednesday. Okay back to my opinion...Twitter can be used in many ways. I usually tell friends who ask me what you are actually suppose to do on Twitter. Well to make it easy, think of it as cell phone texting to the world in 140 characters. Take it a step further and be interesting in your posts. I've noticed since being on Twitter there are unique individuals to follow. Others are...well...not so interesting. Many throw out quotes on a constant basis from famous individuals. Oh and many now claim to be Professional Twitterer Marketers. Yeah okay, you go ahead and believe that. I'll continue to believe man will step foot on Saturn, driving a Saturn eating an In-N-Out burger. That is all fine and good, but people really want to know what YOU are doing.

Now you're asking yourself, what do "I" do that is so important to Twitter about? Good question. Pouring a cup of coffee is not breaking news. Or what toilet paper you just got through using. Really didn't want to know that. What is important is what you DO for a living. Talk about that. Talk about what is important to you. Taking a trip that is exciting? All trips are exciting, because you are going to make them exciting! People enjoy enthusiasm! Twitter is also a great place to make business contacts. Don’t be shy when wanting to ask a ‘guru’ a question. If they don’t answer, it’s their loss. It’s also a great place to promote your second job or hobby. Get to know those who have similar interests. Always remember, don’t be afraid to talk! Twitter is not about silence! Speak up! Post photos using TwitPic. Photos are a great way to engage others into a conversation. That should get your brain thinking about Twitter. Next time I’ll touch on Facebook and what I think about MySpace. Oh yeah, that was an experience.

I’ve already met several wonderful people on Twitter. I haven’t met them in person yet, but that is the next step. We are now living in a virtual world, but remember our roots when TV was black & white, the imagination was in color and the only time you visited with others was on the front porch watching the neighbors kids running through the sprinkler.