We had the good fortune of connecting with Doug Sweet and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Doug, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Risk is a funny thing. We tend to be afraid of it, shy from it, because we don’t know. Every single time that I didn’t take a risk, I missed out. Every time I have taken a risk, the outcome has been mixed, but at least I took the risk and I know. If I failed, I learned something, if I succeed, I could then move on to the next level. Now, I’m not advocating taking every single risk that comes, weight out the risk and see if it’s worth it. To not take any risks is stagnant behavior. We don’t grow, we don’t learn, we don’t experience, we don’t live.

What should our readers know about your business?
There aren’t too many places in the city to get photo developing services, so I look forward in keeping that tradition alive. The thing I’m most excited about is the potential, I’m still growing it and in the process of not only working out the kinks but locating a place I can permanently set up shop. All the headaches and the process have been slightly bumpy, but it’s one of those things where you know you’re suppose to be doing this because it claws at your spirit to get out. Getting the knowledge to do this has been years of working in the industry and learning mistakes along the way. Yeah, you read that right, learning mistakes. When you have those high pressure, time sensitive mistakes, you have to learn quick and those quick lessons build a great foundation. You learn to be calm and think quick, so you aren’t easily rattled. Once everything is in place and go from 50% to fully functional, the way I see it, it’ll be great .

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would say a few places, but what I would tell someone visiting Houston is, explore. Stop in places you wouldn’t normally stop and find some gems . It’s so much in this city, of all cultures and walks , you can’t help but to stumble on something simply amazing.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Shoutout to every photographer who has come to me and showed me anything that has to do with this art form and the business of it.

Website: www.boxspeedphoto.com
Instagram: boxspeedphoto
Twitter: boxspeedphoto
Youtube: finchst

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