Meet MaryLou Schindler

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful MaryLou Schindler. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with MaryLou below.

MaryLou, so great to have you sharing your thoughts and wisdom with our readers and so let’s jump right into one of our favorite topics – empathy. We think a lack of empathy is at the heart of so many issues the world is struggling with and so our hope is to contribute to an environment that fosters the development of empathy. Along those lines, we’d love to hear your thoughts around where your empathy comes from?

As I reviewed all the questions to respond to, I thought about my life’s decisions and choices I made.
All my mistakes and what I could have done differently. I realized now that I made choices that were available at that time with the circumstances I had. Now in retrospect, I could have made better choices for me and the those in my life. I always tried to please everyone and do what was best for them and not for myself. My friends called me “An Angel” because I helped so many people with errands, getting groceries, Dr. Appointments that I forgot about myself and what was best for me. Now I spend time photographing the Wild Horses in Washoe Valley. I love the interaction of the horses in their bands and how they interact with themselves and their environment. It gives me peace and understanding of how nature continues to survive and hope for the future. The horses have to navigate through fences, humans, cars, and weather to find food and water. They are a family unit and protect each other and suffer loss just as we do. I hope by my photos to show this to the viewers so they can understand that we need to maintain and protect life in all forms, all species everywhere.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I have always love to take photos. I didn’t realize that there was a difference between snapshots and fine art photography. Through many webinars, workshops and searching, I finally realized this subtle difference and try to incorporate that into my photography. I try to discover what makes a viewer like my photos because there has to be a connection that makes them look twice at my photos. I have also expanded from just the Wild Horses to anything that I think is special… the way the light hits the subject whether it is people, landscapes or animals. I want the viewer to see the beauty that I see and to feel an emotion that brings back memories whether good, bad or sad. I can spend the whole day waiting for that one shot rather that do my housework or yardwork because it gives me such happiness and peace. I am a member of the Art Co-op of Reno and have displayed my photos for 6 years. I have also entered statewide contests and have been honored with winning and merit photos. I am also the current president of the Carson City Photo Club and my goal is for everyone to “Have Fun at Photography and Shoot Their Best Shot!” We have so many talented photographers and to share our experiences and knowledge with each other.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

One on the most important attitude is interest or empathy with another person. One must listen to what they are saying even if you don’t agree with their views. You can listen and learn from every person you meet or observe from their actions. You can reach new levels by thinking “Outside of the Box” A different perspective, a different viewpoint, or a different angle. Do not judge another person because you don’t know what that person is or has gone through. Be Happy! It doesn’t cost anything and if you smile at someone, that might be the one thing that makes a difference to that person… Someone cares!
You can make an effort to include someone who is feeling outside the group and make them feel special. One thing I finally recognized as a foreman in a Sign Shop was… we all have different paths to get a job completed… there is the right way, your way or my way and they all work as long as the job is completed in a professional manner. So one must realize that we all do not travel the same path but we must all find our path to be a happy and caring person.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

I have two special friends that encourage me to be a better person and leader. Cathy saw something in me and pushed me into volunteering at the Photo Club. She said I had the skills to lead the Club and make it better. I had no idea what she was talking about! I was secretary for several years and then had to substitute as President. It was very difficult for me to get in front of the Club and talk…but each time it got easier and better. I improved so much that they even laughed at my jokes. Today we have 28 current members and 22 photos for competition…we have grown so much with many field events and activities. My other friend is always encouraging me to take photos and gives me the critiques I need to improve my technique. She also reminds me to take time to care for myself and do what is best for me whether it is my personal or professional life. Plus I have to acknowledge my Mom and Dad who gave me the essentials for good work habits. Always do everything to the best of your ability, if it doesn’t work, try a different approach. Always be on time and Always complete what you have promised to do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://marylouschindler.zenfolio.com
• Facebook: Marylou Schindler

Image Credits

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