March 11, 2009
Attitude
"The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, the education, the money, than circumstances, than failure, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude.
I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it. And so it is with you... we are in charge of our Attitudes."
My friend, David shared this quote.
His wife, Lisa had clipped it out for him and slipped it under his office door, which she often did while he was at work. He loved her inspirational quotes. David had gotten home late on Sept 10th after our Photography Convention Trade Show. He owns a Photography Business in Boston and has been a vendor at the show for many years. Lisa left their house the next morning at 5AM for her flight.
She was on Flight 11, flying from Boston to CA for her TJX job.
David read this quote that Lisa had cut out for him later on Sept 11th.
David shared this quote in his 911 Thank you notes to others across the country and the world. He said this was a message from Lisa for all of us and wanted to share and inspire others.
David is now remarried, his wife, Debra was a single mom with 2 children, David had 2 young girls and now they have a baby together. David made a choice for himself and his kids to not have anymore of his 'time' taken away as a result of 911.
As I was shuffling through Jeffrey's high school papers this week, I noticed the same quote. The quote by itself is very powerful. Combined with David and Lisa's story it is inspiring for us to remember the importance of attitude and how we can make a difference in others lives.
January 26, 2009
Time For Change
Although the below post may not seem directly related to photographic skills, it has helped us focus on mind, body and spirt. That is our reason for sharing and helping others. In order to work towards our 'Why' as an artist, we needed to focus on solutions for a healthy lifestyle.
As some of you know Jeffrey came down with Lyme-Meningitis 2 years ago in Sept '06 (first week of school was diagnosed, he was 15 years old). After 5 days in the hospital, he was on an at home IV for 4 weeks....through the entire golf season! He was determined to play with the team against all odds. Jeffrey was medalist once during the '06 season when they played against Falmouth at Ocean Edge. A great achievement considering all he was dealing with. Since we were told by the doctors and Lyme specialists that he was young and we caught the Lyme's early enough that he would have no long term effects. If I only knew then what I know now.
Lyme's disease has a mind of its own. So little is actually known about it. Jeffrey's constant symptom was the tiredness. One week, turned into one month, 2 months, 1/2 year and then a full year. Jeffrey could literally fall asleep anywhere at any time, even driving. On Aug 1st after a number of visits to doctor we decided to try nutritional supplements. I had heard a number of stories of people with CFS and Fibromyaglia(sp) and Lyme's that had excellent results with these supplements. Dr. Ben Lo, a well respected doctor from Michigan had researched and tried the products as well. As stubborn as I was that:
A. Jeffrey did not have any long term effects from Lyme's and
B. That supplements can be expensive and don't always work...
We decided to give this a try.
It is now 4 months later since Jeffrey started the supplements and Jeffrey had an incredible golf season. He practiced or played 7 days a week. He was focused, determined and worked very hard as a committed athlete. He shot a 70 at the MA State Sectionals in Oct 08 and won the individual title at the MA State South Sectionals. The NRHS Varsity Team placed first at sectionals.
The following week Jeffrey went on to win the MA State DIV 2 Championship and the NRHS team placed second overall.
Jeffrey is taking LifePak Nano twice daily, along with additional Marine Omega supplements and Cordy Max (promotes healthy stamina). This has definitely made a huge difference in his life. It was a challenge to introduce a 17 year old to a daily regimen of supplements. But it would be even harder to try to take the supplements away from Jeffrey now. Now the whole family takes them...expensive...no way...we are saving so much money without all the extra doctor visits and prescription meds, not to mention the healthy lifestyle we enjoy on a daily basis.
To borrow a famous line, "I liked the product so much, I bought the company. "
Here is some additional info:
www.mduggan.NSEdreams.com
Please call Marcia for wholesale pricing and ADR
508-247-8294
Product info:
www.TeamCapeCod.agelessway.com
For info on Pharmanex and LifePak Nano and Scanner:
www.nuskinUSA.com
October 30, 2008
Jeffrey Duggan Div. 2 State Golf Champion
"A better kid could not have won today,""He eats, dreams, and lives the sport and he works harder than any kid I've ever coached." said Nauset Coach Brian Hicks
Nauset's, Jeffrey Duggan Div 2, MA State Golf Champion
By CAPE COD TIMES
LYNN — Nauset Regional senior Jeff Duggan captured the Division 2 High School individual golf title yesterday with a 5-over par 75 at Larry Gannon Municipal Golf Course.
"A better kid could not have won today," said Nauset coach Brian Hicks, whose Warriors finished second as a team out of 11 schools. "He eats, dreams, and lives the sport and he works harder than any kid I've ever coached."
Duggan was also medalist at the Sectional tournament at Easton Country Club last week with a 1-under 70.
"This was one of my goals at the beginning of the season," Duggan said.
With the greens at lightning speeds to make the 6,100-yard course more difficult, Duggan said keeping the ball below the hole was key to scoring well.
"I didn't have any 3-putts, which really helped," he said. "I didn't think my score would hold up when I got in with all the talent in the field, but I'm pumped."
Tyler Labonte (78), Paul Ecker (80), and Mike Quill (88) helped the Warriors to their most successful finish in the state tournament since they won the title in 1999.
"With Jeff and Paul at the top, it was absolutely a goal of ours to win the title," Hicks said. "We kind of wondered about it in the middle of the season when people were struggling. But we came together."
http://www.capecodonline.com/September 9, 2008
How Big???
This photo was taken off of Stellwagen Bank/Ptown. I think it would make a great Cell Phone commercial. Nothing like being in the right place at the right time for this 'Canon Moment'!
Got Canon?
Happy Clicking,
marcia
August 21, 2008
Jo Mama's
Jo Mama's on Route 6A, not only serves great breakfast bagels and coffee, but have wonderful sandwiches all day long. Come see the artist of the month (August), CapeCodSoul.com display of Local Scenes on Tile and Canvas.
More Canvas Giclees from CCSoul on Display at The Reef Cafe at Ocean Edge in Brewster.
Looking for Cutting Boards too, check out Jalbert Designs on Massasoit Rd. in Eastham, 508-255-5920 (Lucy, call for directions and hours)
Aerials of Sesuit Harbor, The Cafe at Sesuit Harbor
Selection of CapeCodSoul.com Tiles, Cutting Boards and Great Gifts, By The Bay Designs in Lemon Tree Village in Brewster.
Want to meet the artist and visit 'The Studio'...Call 508-247-8294, Marcia Duggan
August 1, 2008
Integrity
Click on the link above to watch Randy's last lecture. He lost his battle last week, but left us all with wisdom like Walt Disney, living his life with powerful visualizations, achieving goals and taking action, and living his life with integrity even in the face of terminal adversity.
Thank you Randy for reminding us, that life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you choose to deal with it.
July 15, 2008
212 Excerpt and Video

At 211 degrees, water is hot.
At 212 degrees, it boils.
And with boiling water, comes steam.
And with steam, you can power a train.
One degree. Applying one extra degree of temperature to water means the difference between something that's simply very hot and something that generates enough force to power a machine - a beautifully uncomplicated metaphor that ideally should feed everything we do.
Two-twelve serves as a forceful drill sergeant with its motivating and focused message while adhering to a scientific law - a natural law - reminding us how seemingly small things can sometimes make tremendous differences.
Two-twelve.

Thomas Edison said...
"Many of life's failures are men who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up."
Vince Lombardi tightened it up with...
"Inches make the champion."
212 distills it even further.
From 2000-2006, The PGA Championship winner took home an average of $1,060,714. The second-place finisher averaged $460,657. less. The margin of difference.1.71 strokes. Less than a stroke a day.
At NASCAR's Daytona 500 from 1997-2006 (10 years), the winner took the checkered flag by an average margin of 0.175 seconds. less than two-tenths of a second. For the winner it meant $509,000. more.
How often do we miss an opportunity to create better results because we don't apply a small amount of effort beyond what we normally do? Consider, the impact of making an extra contact each day at work... a sales call... a customer follow-up... a brief discussion with a colleague... an encouraging talk with a member of your team. With contact comes opportunity. At the end of a year you'll have opened more than 200 additional doors of possibility. On the personal side, imagine the exponentially positive results of investing an additional 15 minutes of quality time each day with your children or spouse - an equivalent of more than two weeks each year at work.
No longer will you be able to do only what is required of you, only what is expected of you. Because with awareness comes responsibility - to yourself and others.
And you are now aware.
The excitement has begun. Are you smiling yet?
Your new target is 212. (watch video)
July 8, 2008
CapeCodSoul Summer Shows
We are liquidating all of our stock Tile/Cocktail Plates, so shop early for best selection. Want to view our entire selection online, CapeCodSoul.com
508-247-8294

June 17, 2008
M.I.H.
Jeffrey Golf Update:Jeffrey finished sixth in the Division II State Boys tournament last fall.
He qualified for the New England High School Championships
Only 10 MASS, HS Students from each state were selected to play
on June 16th at Bretwood Golf Course in Keene, NH.
Jeffrey shot a 79. Congratulations!
Official results are still not in this morning.
After placing second for the third season in a row, he went home and wrote 'M', 'I', 'H' on the palms of his fingers on his right hand. These letters stayed permanently on his hand all through his summer training and into the next wrestling season.
Adults and kids alike constantly asked him, "What is MIH."
His reply, "You will know after the state meet this year."
John once again competed for the State Title his senior year. Knowing that this was the last chance to Make It Happen, he did exactly that and came home with First Place at States.
MIH to all,
Marcia
June 6, 2008
Fundraising Event
Hi,
I will be donating items from CapeCodSoul for the Fundraiser and happy to assist if you would like to donate raffle items. As I mentioned I lost a few items in the fire, however a few is nothing compared to what these families are dealing with now! Please join me in supporting these families. Would you like to leave a message for the Jalbert's/Langston's. Please feel free to show your support and leave a comment below.
Jalbert/Langston FUNDRAISING EVENT:
Due to a house fire on Memorial Day Two Local families have lost their homes in Eastham:
* David & Lucy Jalbert
* Stan & Danielle Langston and children, Emma & Annie
Jimmy D’s Restaurant / Sports Bar
Rt.6, Eastham, MA
Sunday – June 22nd – 3 till 6 p.m.
Or mail your support to:
Jalbert-Langston Fire Recovery Fund
c/o Cape Cod 5
P.O. Box 86, Orleans, MA 02653-0086
Any ???’s or raffle donations :
Sarah@ 508-280-3013 or Laurie@ 508-237-1269
Donations can be made at the door
Thank you for your generous support
Join us for Excellent Raffles, Door Prizes, food And lifting of spirits!
See you on June 22nd :-)
June 4, 2008
Jalbert Design
Featured in the above photos from Jalbert Design:
- Lucy's Jewelry, Custom Fused Glass and beautiful one of a kind Stained Glass originals.
- Arthur Jalbert of Orleans, owner of Turn Me Knot at 4 Academy Place, Unique Burl Bowls and Hats with a touch of Texas!
- Marcia's, (CapeCodSoul.com) Fine Art Photo Tiles and Cocktail Plates featuring many local scenes and Coastal images.
- Max Jalbert who was outside during the fire and is safe!
May 30, 2008
CapeCodSoul at the Reef
(Limited Edition on the canvas series is currently: Limited & First Edition)
Take home a CapeCodSoul original Canvas and enjoy the Cape year round!
And enjoy Cocktails on the patio....ahhh.... Cape Cod in the summer!
May 21, 2008
The Reef Cafe and CapeCodSoul
For More Info on The Reef Cafe: www.oceanedge.com
May 13, 2008
Cape Cod Tulips
"I am beginning to Learnthat it is
The simple things of Life
Which are the real ones after All."
Laura Ingalls Wilder
Technique:
Zoom in on the flowers and have your F/Stop wide open to keep the subject sharp and the background out of focus.
Have u BU'd today?
marcia
May 5, 2008
Brewster in Bloom
As I drove along Route 6A, these daffodils caught my attention. At first I photographed the daffodils closeup without their surroundings. I photographed them from the front, and the side but still did not have the image I was looking for. Then I added a few shots of the daffodils as they framed the church that was on the same side of the street as the flowers. The sun was behind me and it was casting very contrasty shadows on the church. I knew the final image was going to have too much contrast so I stopped, and looked around for a different point of view.
It wasn't until I turned around that I found the image that really showed off the beauty of the daffodils....backlit, with the sun adding a 3 dimensional look. Since I had to contend with the pavement running right through the center of my photograph, I decided to crouch low and have the daffodils camoflouge the road. The barn with the bikes was not staged!
marcia
April 30, 2008
Tulips at Orleans Town Hall
Have u BU'd today?
Cheers,
marcia
April 13, 2008
NEIPP at Ocean Edge Resort in Brewster

This past week over 300 photographers gathered at Ocean Edge Resort for NEIPP (New England Institute of Professional Photography). (NEIPP is an annual event, www.ppane.com for more info.) I had the opportunity to sit in with a few of the instructors as I was volunteering with the models this year. This photo of Samantha was taken at Rock Harbor for her senior photo in 2006. We had a great time making the photos and not only does it show in Sam's expressions, but we also have the great memories from the portrait session we shared. This photo was not the one she chose to use in her Yearbook, but as a parent I love this image of her as she twirls her hair.... it captures a look I have seen her whole life and evokes so many wonderful memories! I have always felt that the final image from a portrait session is a blending of the subject and the imagemaker. .....All professional photographers are not the same!
As a professional photographer I have seen so many changes as we have transitioned from film to digital. Regardless of the end result, the physical process of having a professional photographer capture an event such as a wedding or a family portrait has remained a constant. A professional photographer still has to have professional skills, the technical ability, the business sense and the passion to separate them from an amateur photographer. So does the end justify the means? These days if all else fails during the actual session it is possible to do some damage control in Photoshop and quite possibly provide a 'decent' image. In my opinion a professional photographer is a professional not only because they can repeatedly create and produce professional images, but because they have the skills to provide a professional experience from start to finish.
I remember at the end of each beach portrait session or wedding I photographed back in the 'film' days, my customers would often comment on what a great 'job' I did that day, however at that point they had not seen a single image from their session. I had accomplished what I set out to do during the actual event and that was to provide an enjoyable experience while creating the images. To lose this mindset just because we have digital tools today that can influence the final outcome is to lose what makes us professionals. The final image is very important and still must be of the highest quality, but the journey to create the images including the feelings, the emotion and the passion must still be a top priority of the professional photographic process today.
The journey is the gift,
marcia
April 2, 2008
March 27, 2008
PALMS!
Remember, it's not IF your computer will crash, The question is WHEN?
Day One: You buy a new computer, bring it home/office, Plug-N-Play.
Day Two: Install additional software.
Day Three: Download your digital files from your camera. Erase your camera card because it is full, including photos from two Christmas' ago. Now that the files are on the computer you are safe and can delete the images from the card. NO WAY!
Day Four: Back to work as usual, email and potential viruses.
Day Five: Send in warranty info for 365 days from purchase.
Day 366: Your computer crashes. Did you ever find the time to BU?
In addition to downloading photo images to the computer you will also want to copy them to an external hard drive. As I mentioned with a PC, I have used Maxtor One Touch Back UP with Restrospect Software (The software came with the drive). The external drives can be purchased online or locally at most stores that sell computers and accessories.
On my Mac Laptop, I BU to a LaCie 120GB Mobile Disk, which again can be purchased online or at your favorite computer store. This disk is so small. It does not even have to be plugged in to an AC outlet, just the computer. Easy for someone on the go or for a college student.
However I prefer software (like Restrospect) that you can set up a daily or weekly schedule to backup your computer. For my Mac I just purchased Leopard which has Time Machine, an automatic BU system.
I also BU my business digital files with my professional color lab and BU all my personal family photos at www.mduggan.myphotomax.com. In the event of a fire, lightening, or a natural disaster, I have peace of mind knowing my photos are BU somewhere other than my computer/office/home. I like Photomax's online storage system for a variety of reasons:
1. There is no time limit to how long they will keep files in storage
2. There is no limit to how much you have to buy to keep your files in storage.
3. Files are all BU and stored as a hard copy in a vault in addition to online storage.
4. Services are offered to scan and BU all 'traditional photos' at 300DPI (excellent quality)
5. These images can be stored online printed and shared with friends and family via the web.
6. A CD with all the scanned images is also available.
7. Videos can also be BU to DVD's and an additional 200 still images are created from these videos during the backup process. The DVD's are a more stable storage device than Video Tape.
8. Photo gifts and novelty items can easily be purchased once the photos are online.
9. Peace of mind knowing that I have my most valuable photo memories BU permanently.
Have you BU'd today?
PALMS,
marcia
March 24, 2008
Have You BU'd Today?
Jeffrey at Captains Golf Course preparing for the 2007 Division 2 State Tournament.
Have you BU'd Today?
Cheers, Marcia
March 19, 2008
Nauset High School Grad
This is just ONE of my reasons for backing up my digital files. I back up my files to an external hard drive which works with a PC or a MAC. On the PC, I often use the Maxtor One Touch Backup System with Retrospect Software. However, remember that an external hard drive is still a computer hard drive, it can crash and it can get viruses like your computer. For double insurance, I also back up my photos online, http://www.capecodsoul.com/workshops.htm for safe keeping in the event of a natural disaster like Hurricane Katrina and the California Fires.
March 12, 2008
CRASHED

All the King's horses and all the King's men, couldn't put these bottles back together again.
The question is not, IF your computer will crash, The question is WHEN?
The Answer:
BACKUP
BACKUP, BACKUP, BACKUP, BACKUP, BACKUP, BACKUP, BACKUP, BACKUP, BACKUP, BACKUP, BACKUP, BACKUP, BACKUP, BACKUP, BACKUP, BACKUP, BACKUP, BACKUP, BACKUP, BACKUP, BACKUP, BACKUP, BACKUP, BACKUP, BACKUP, BACKUP, BACKUP, BACKUP, BACKUP, BACKUP, BACKUP, BACKUP, BACKUP, BACKUP, BACKUP, BACKUP!
Today
Marcia
March 7, 2008
Chatham Beach Portrait
The photo below, was made into a Holiday Greeting Card to share with family and friends.
Before moving on to the 'How To' part of photography, taking the time to write down and really understand your 'WHY' will help define your purpose and goal of making a photograph. Having vision of what your photograph will look like before you actually push the shutter and why you are making this photograph will help guide you to your desired outcome.
Below is an excerpt from Bill Toth, a successful entrepreneur from Houston:
"BEGIN WITH THE END IN MIND"
"You've just been asked to put together a jigsaw puzzle. Having done many such puzzles, you're excited to get started. You pour out all 1,000 pieces, spreading them out across a large table. You then pick up the lid of the box and look at what you're putting together. But there's no picture! It's blank! How will you ever be able to finish the puzzle without knowing what it looks like, you wonder? If you only had a one-second glimpse of what it's supposed to be. That's all you need one picture of the finished product. What a difference it would make! Without the vision of the finished product, putting together the puzzle will take a really long time....
- A great way to focus your "WHY" is to ask yourself, how achieving any particular goal will benefit others."
March 3, 2008
Warm Wishes on Cape Cod
Warm Wishes!
One rainy cool summer afternoon, we decided to head to the Sandwich Boardwalk. On a sunny warm summer day at high tide this spot would be standing room only to jump from the boardwalk. Yes, it was a little cool and we all got wet...even those of us who didn't jump, and we all remember the FUN that we had that day.
This image was later reprinted as our famous Duggan Holiday Card 2000, with the sentiment 'Warm Wishes!' This photo won the 'Youth Theme award' at Professional Photographers of Massachusetts (PPAM), 2001 Convention, and was my first Loan Print from PPA (Prof Photographers of America).
When the famous mural artist Robert Wyland, www.wyland.com, was recently asked, How do you create murals?
He replied, (paraphrase)
"The question is not, How? The question is, Why?"As long as you have access to the internet you can research and solve almost any 'how to' question. The answers are only a few clicks away. So how come we don't know how to do everything? Because it's your WHY that motivates you.
If you want to have more control to produce a desired outcome when making pictures you must first ask yourself 'Why'?
- What is my purpose?
- What is my goal?
- What is the message?
- Who is it for?
- Why I am creating this photograph?
Cheers,
Marcia
February 27, 2008
Welcome to CapeCodSoul
Life is not all about the final destination, it's about the journey. The journey is what you make it....
A few nights ago the lottery was up to $275 million. I bought my tickets and visualized what I would do with the winnings. How would I change my life? Would I change my life? What would be my 'perfect day' if I won the megabucks? If you could make enough money to walk away and be done....what would that mean to you? Lottery winner or not, my visualizations always include my photographic journey.
Photography is the visual means to blend the art and soul of the subject with the creator.
This blog is intended to open our eyes and provide tips and tricks for the 'how to' of photography, and to open our minds to the 'Why' behind each click.
Welcome to the journey. Looking forward to hearing from you.
Cheers,
Marcia








