Learn What It Takes to Be One of Only 30 Masters of Photography in the World
Living in the Zone Podcast world-renowned photographer Bob Davis
On this week’s episode of the Living in the Zone Podcast, we sit down with world-renowned photographer Bob Davis. With over 25 years of experience behind the camera, Bob has captured iconic moments from the golden era of the Chicago Bulls to some of the biggest celebrity weddings in the world. His work has been featured in People Magazine, Time Magazine, and other prestigious publications. In addition, Bob is a Canon Explorer of Light, a title bestowed upon only 36 photographers in the world, recognizing his exceptional mastery in the art of photography.
What sets Bob apart is not just his technical expertise, but the mental framework he brings to each shoot. In our conversation, Bob reveals how he applies the principles of the S.C.O.R.E.® Success System—Self-discipline, Concentration, Optimism, Relaxation, and Enjoyment—to his craft, allowing him to consistently capture the perfect shot. These five markers, the foundation of the S.C.O.R.E.® system, discovered by Jim Fannin, guides Bob in navigating the challenges of high-stakes shoots and producing images that evoke emotion, tell a story, and stand the test of time.
In this blog post, we’ll explore how each marker of the S.C.O.R.E.® system plays an integral role in Bob’s approach to photography, and how applying these principles can help anyone—from professionals to hobbyists—reach peak performance, not just behind the camera but in all aspects of life.
Self-Discipline: The Key to Consistency
For Bob, Self-disicipline is the cornerstone of his success. Photography, especially at the level he operates, requires a deep commitment to preparation and a relentless pursuit of perfection. Whether he’s shooting an NBA championship celebration or a high-profile celebrity wedding, there’s no room for error. Self-discipline ensures that Bob is not only physically prepared—with his gear ready and tested—but also mentally sharp, ready to adapt to the unpredictability of each shoot.
Bob shares in the podcast how, early in his career, Self-discipline helped him establish a reputation for consistency. He recalls spending countless hours studying lighting techniques, experimenting with angles, and practicing different shooting styles. That dedication laid the foundation for his ability to produce high-quality work, regardless of the situation or time pressure.
In photography, where timing is everything, Self-discipline also plays a crucial role in managing the technical aspects of the craft. It ensures that Bob is always aware of his camera settings, the lighting conditions, and the composition of each frame. When you’re disciplined, you can act swiftly and intuitively, making the necessary adjustments on the fly to capture the perfect moment.
Concentration: Focus on the Subject, Focus on the Moment
When Bob is on set, whether it’s for a portrait, an event, or a wedding, his Concentration is razor-sharp. Concentration in photography goes beyond just keeping the subject in focus; it’s about being fully present in the moment. Bob explains that great photography is about seeing what others might miss—the subtle gestures, the fleeting expressions, or the perfect interplay of light and shadow.
During a wedding, for instance, Bob needs to be attuned to the emotion of the moment—whether it’s the couple’s first look, the exchange of vows, or the celebration afterward. Missing these moments could mean losing the heart of the story he’s trying to tell through his images.
Bob uses the S.C.O.R.E.® system’s focus on Concentration to maintain complete awareness of his surroundings. He mentions how easy it can be for distractions—be it time constraints, environmental challenges, or logistical issues—to derail the shoot. By keeping his mind clear and focused, he ensures that these distractions don’t pull him away from the task at hand. Concentration helps Bob stay in the creative flow, capturing spontaneous moments with precision and artistry.
Optimism: Capturing Positivity in Every Frame
One of the most inspiring aspects of Bob’s approach to photography is his Optimism. He truly believes in the power of positivity and how it translates into his work. In our podcast conversation, Bob emphasizes that Optimism isn’t just about having a positive attitude; it’s about seeing possibilities where others might see limitations.
When Bob is working in unpredictable conditions—whether it’s less-than-ideal weather at an outdoor event or technical challenges—Optimism allows him to stay calm and adapt. Instead of seeing these conditions as obstacles, Bob sees them as opportunities to capture something unique and unexpected. His Optimism fuels his creativity, helping him think outside the box and experiment with new techniques that often lead to stunning results.
Bob gives the example of a wedding shoot where a sudden downpour seemed to ruin the perfect outdoor ceremony. Instead of panicking, Bob shifted his mindset. He used the rain to create romantic, atmospheric shots that the couple ended up loving. “The rain became a part of the story,” Bob explains, “and it added an unexpected beauty to the day.” This is a perfect example of how optimism can transform a potential setback into a creative opportunity.
Relaxation: The Calm Amidst the Chaos
Photography can be a high-pressure job, especially when you’re capturing once-in-a-lifetime moments. Maintaining Relaxation is critical, and it’s a skill that Bob has mastered. As he discusses on the podcast, staying relaxed enables him to stay composed and clear-headed, even in chaotic environments. Whether he’s surrounded by thousands of screaming fans at a sports event or managing a fast-paced wedding schedule, relaxation allows Bob to avoid the mental clutter that can interfere with his performance.
Bob credits relaxation techniques like deep breathing and visualization—tools also emphasized in the S.C.O.R.E.® system—for helping him stay grounded. He often takes a few moments before a big shoot to center himself, visualizing how he wants the day to unfold and preparing for the challenges that may arise. By doing so, he creates a mental environment that is conducive to staying in the Zone.
Relaxation not only helps Bob manage stress but also allows him to be more in tune with his subjects. When he is calm, those around him—clients, assistants, and even the people he’s photographing—are more relaxed as well. This creates an atmosphere where creativity can flourish and where subjects feel comfortable being their authentic selves in front of the camera.
Enjoyment: Passion Fuels Excellence
Finally, Bob’s photography is driven by a deep sense of Enjoyment. He describes how much joy he finds in the creative process, from the initial planning stages to the final editing of images. For Bob, Enjoyment isn’t just a byproduct of success—it’s a fundamental part of the journey.
This passion for his craft shines through in every project he takes on. Whether he’s photographing a high-profile celebrity wedding or a personal portrait session, Bob approaches each job with the same enthusiasm and excitement. He explains that when you genuinely enjoy what you do, it reflects in your work and connects with your audience.
In the podcast, Bob shares stories of how his love for photography has kept him inspired through decades of work. “When you enjoy the process, the long hours, the challenges, and even the mistakes become part of the fun,” Bob says. “That’s when you capture your best work—when you’re in the Zone and loving every moment of it.”
Conclusion: Applying the S.C.O.R.E.® System to Your Own Life
Bob Davis’s approach to photography is a masterclass in applying the S.C.O.R.E.® Success System to achieve peak performance. By balancing Self-discipline, Concentration, Optimism, Relaxation, and Enjoyment, Bob has crafted a career defined by excellence and creativity. His story is a powerful reminder that the principles of the S.C.O.R.E.® system can be applied not only to photography but to any area of life where peak performance is the goal.
As you listen to this week’s episode of Living in the Zone, take note of how Bob’s journey can inspire you to apply these principles in your own work, whether you’re behind the camera, in the boardroom, or on the field. By living in the Zone, you too can unlock your full potential and achieve greatness in whatever you pursue.