Why I Love Joe McNally For More Than Just His Photography
For years now I’ve felt that Joe McNally is literally one of the best photographers on the planet, and I know there’s probably a lot of folks that share that very seem feeling, but for years now I’ve also felt that Joe is one of the best people on the planet, too. He genuinely just loves people, and you can see that in his work and they way he lives his life.
A couple of days ago Joe sent me an email and the subject line was “The Reach of KelbyOne” and he’s what Joe wrote:
“Was in Prague recently, and had been contacted by a young man and his family. High school kid, very passionate photog, wondering if they could meet with me. They drove 4 hours, with an interpreter to Prague, and Annie and I bought them dinner, and had a wonderful meal, and talked about his pictures. I gave him an impromptu PF critique at the tables outside the restaurant. He was very thankful for Kelby Training, as they use it in his school. I did a little (vertical) video of him which is coming to you via my acct. at YouSendIt. Just thought you’d enjoyâ¦.
While I honestly think it’s awesome that this young man (his name is Luk¡Å¡ Kala) is using our online training in his high school in Europe (he attends SSPOS Brno [http://www.ssposbrno.cz/] High School Food Trade and Services). I think it’s way more awesome that Joe, one of the busiest guys in the world, took the time out of his schedule to not only meet with this young man, but that Joe and his wonderful wife Annie (who is the perfect match for Joe, because she is one of the most awesome people I know) took them to dinner. Joe does stuff just like this all the time. He helps photographers along their path, and he genuinely wants the best for them personally and in this career. Joe honors the people that helped him along the way by helping so many others along their path, and by passing his knowledge, his passion, and his heart to anyone he can and he touches people’s lives in ways that go way beyond his incredible photography.
I know many of you have met Joe in person, and I know many of you have been touched, helped, guided or inspired by Joe along the way, but for everyone that hasn’t, I wanted to share this small glimpse into another side of Joe and the grace he shares with others. I could fill a hundred posts recounting the kindness Joe has shared with others, but I’m happy that today I at least got to share this one.
Luk¡Å¡ recorded a video message to me on Joe’s iPhone (I’ve embedded it below), and it’s really sweet. He seems like a great kid, and Joe told me Luk¡Å¡ has a really good eye, so I imagine we’ll be hearing a lot about him soon as he makes his mark on the photographic world.
Have a great weekend, everybody, and here’s to the Joe McNally’s of the world who help make this all a better place. :)