We had a group of about 25 photographers who gathered to hear Bob Rosato is the Chief Operating Officer of USA TODAY Sports Images.

To start our time, Gibbs Frazeur Atlanta-based freelance photographer, opened us up with a moment of reflection.

A good number of those attending have lost jobs due to budget cuts over the past few years. Gibbs pointed out how this can be a “fresh new start” for each of us. A fresh start is a much better way to look at our new situation than just Wallowing in Self-Pity.

Nikon D750, Nikkor 28-300mm, ISO 12800, ƒ/5.6, 1/320

Bob Rosato gave us a peek behind USAToday’s Sports Desk curtain. He helped us first to see that no matter who our clients we need a system that must be in place that meets their needs.

Bob walked us through the workflow that they have designed for covering events. First, using PhotoMechanic, they ingest images into their computers and go through a filter that puts the best photos into a picks folder. Then from their narrowing down those images, they will move to their online Content Management System.

Fuji X-E2, 18-55mm, ISO 6400, ƒ/3.2, 1/250

Continuous Quality Improvement is built into the system to improve speed and efficiency. Using “Code Replacement” is a way to improve the accuracy of spelling players’ names and saving keystrokes to get images in a timely fashion. Want to know more about “Code Replacement?” Here is a link where you can learn how to use this tool with PhotoMechanic here [http://wiki.camerabits.com/en/index.php?title=Speeding_Up_Captioning]

Nikon D750, Nikkor 28-300mm, ISO 12800, ƒ/5.6, 1/320

“Bob, what happens when Murphy’s Law strikes? Can you tell us of a time when things didn’t go as planned?” was asked to Bob and his response was you learn the most at those times. You are not as likely to get better when things are going well. It is when things go wrong that you learn from those mistakes.

Bob and Gibbs’s messages at that point collided with me. When we hit bottom, we can look at our world differently. We can choose to see our world differently.

Later during our 5-Minute shows, Jason Getz, who was laid off last December from the Atlanta Journal and Constitution, shared a photo that he would have never taken had he not gone through this experience.

He had to shoot weddings and, in the process, learned some new skills that he applied to one of the games.

When you feel like things are all coming apart and you are hitting bottom, you have an opportunity for a “Fresh Start.” First, take a good look at what brought you to this point. Not every time we hit bottom is it because we failed–sometimes those we produced work for can no longer afford your services.

Like a tornado that hits without warning and destroys a home, that family now has a “Fresh Start” and has to rebuild. You may, however, see that maybe there are things you did that you will avoid or handle differently in the future–you learned something valuable.

The most successful most likely have failed a few times. If you haven’t failed, you are not taking enough risks and will most likely produce mediocre work. So take risks and push yourself.

Nikon D750, Nikkor 28-300mm, ISO 7200, ƒ/3.5, 1/60

Why talking to other photographers is a great way to learn?

Gibbs Frazeur and Johnny Cochran had not seen each other in 27 years when they were both students at Ohio University. Gibbs lost a great job years ago and can relate to what Johnny Crawford went through after being downsized out of a job at the Atlanta Journal and Constitution. Having someone come beside you while you are going through a tough time makes the journey not as lonely.

We learn from each other than just from making mistakes. Our colleagues can help shed light on things that they have experienced.

Hopefully, we will meet again soon and catch up with each other. The best part is seeing people who have overcome those “Murphy’s Law” moments.