Connie Bolger shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Connie, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
On the top of my list is integrity. That is by far the most important quality. Someone with integrity would have a high moral standard and the courage and conviction to adhere to them. From my point of view, being honest with yourself and others, that is a big one and is not always easy. Am I the person I want to be? Is this the real me? I would rather someone be honest in a way that is helpful, rather than be fake.
To be accountable for your actions, at work or everyday life, when you make a mistake speaks volumes about who you are. I know that I fall at times, and when that happens, I have to correct that quickly. You could be an Einstein or have plenty of energy, but that does not top or make up for Integrity.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I was raised in Brooklyn, New York, then we moved to Corinth, in Upstate New York not too far from Lake George, then back to Brooklyn. My mother was very artistic. She went to the Fashion Institute of Technology. My mom was a pattern maker, painter, and loved photography. She was the one who handed me my first Agfa Box Camera. Thanks mom! I was also into singing as a teenager and when I was 21, I auditioned for the part of Mary Magdalene on Broadway. I did not get the original Broadway part, Yvonne Elliman did, but was offered the touring lead. At the time, I decided not to take the 6-month tour. Always with a camera in hand I met my husband Mike, who bought me my Pentax Spotmatic SP. What a workhorse it was. My husband, daughter and I moved to Arizona, Los Angeles and Simi Valley. Along the way I went to school to become an auto mechanic. I did some repairs and worked an oscilloscope check-up on all different vehicles. I worked for a vinyl record distributor in Glendale, California. Our family got bigger with a son and a few dogs. We then found our way to La Mesa, California. I worked at some photo studios in town and also did Sports Photography. Belonging to several art associations in San Diego over the years allowed me to display my work and be part of the creative community. Recently I have been looking to try my hand at singing again, if I can get the courage to do so. Right now, I have been pushing forward to get more photographers to cover concerts for my Music Mavericks Blogazine, and get more into sports photography again.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
Both my parents taught me about work, although my mother was the real champion in that area. She learned early on about hard work and passed that along to all her children. My mom was an inspiration. She was ahead of her time, working sometimes two jobs and taking care of our family. Dominica Jean Barnao was driven, dependable, and motivated in everything she did. I looked up to her especially because my mom was always learning and improving. She was the one who took pictures, painted, and cultivated my love for photography. Mom would say you can do this, don’t quit, try harder.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I almost gave up when I was photographing a running race here in Carlsbad. I was very excited to do so, since this marked my first time applying and being paid quite well for such a prestigious event. It was a dream come true particularly since I was the only hired female photographer. Most of the photographers were very professional and treated me with respect except for a few nasty ones. They stepped in my way, got in front of me, gave me the silent treatment and did not share the space on the truck that followed behind the runners. I was almost pushed off the truck. That did not get the best of me, and I continued with class even though I wanted to yell and leave.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
The biggest lie for anyone is to believe that you can’t do it. It is too much of a chance. You are too young or too old. If you are told you are not enough. If you believe the negative expectations thrown at you then that will be the outcome.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace with my family and our Boxer dog, quiet moments without pressure. The feeling of being useful, needed, loved and helpful. It’s like the oxymorons, alone together, just knowing they are near me and I am near them without constantly being next to each other.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sdphotogal.blogspot.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/music_mavericks_blogazine/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/connie.bolger.3/
