As much fun as I have poking fun at the Fong Dong (it’s just so damn easy) I have to give Gary full on props. He knows how to sell stuff to photographers. He also gets bonus points for being a generous role model for the industry when it comes to his advice and knowledge which he shares freely every other moment of the day. But all of that nicey nice stuff I just said still doesn’t mean I won’t rip on the cereal bowl on a stick every chance I get. 
If your interested in knowing more about how Gary became who he is today snag a copy of his latest book “The Accidental Millionaire“. Full press release below:
Back HomeLos Angeles, CA – - New book “The Accidental Millionaire:How to Succeed in Life Without Really Trying ” from author and entrepreneur Gary Fong humorously shows how avoiding goals and expectations can lead to happiness and success. ”The Accidental Millionaire: How to Succeed in Life Without Really Trying” is the humorous memoir of top wedding photographer and highly successful inventor and entrepreneur Mr Fong.
Recently published by BenBella Books, it reveals how the author’s decision to leave behind his goal-oriented, deadline-driven way of life and welcome fresh opportunities turned him into a happy multi-millionaire.
“In my early 30s, after seeing a bumper sticker that said, ‘Since I gave up hope, I feel much better,’ I had an epiphany and realized that the rigid goals and too-high expectations I had set didn’t account for the variables in life, and that straining to meet them left me upset and unsatisfied. As soon as I gave up trying so hard to do the things on my goal list, I became a free entrepreneur who could pounce on any opportunity. So I became a multi-millionaire in a fairly short time, due to my reacting to one improbable accident after another.”
Andy Wolfendon, story editor for “Chicken Soup for the Soul”, declares, “Sometimes hilarious, sometimes touching, The Accidental Millionaire is a series of snapshots from key periods of Gary Fong’s life. When strung together, they form a rich mosaic of a life fully lived and an adventure that is still unfolding.”
Jen Groover, television personality and author of “What if, and Why Not?” writes, “Gary’s book is a true source of inspiration, while also being very engaging and entertaining. Through his journey of life, he demonstrates that opportunities are everywhere; you just have to seize them.”
A first-generation Chinese American, Gary Fong grew up in poverty in one of Los Angeles’s toughest, most crime-filled neighborhoods and was forced to deal—often humorously—with a bad environment and his immigrant parents’ relentless aspirations. A week after reading about successful wedding photographer Rocky Gunn, Fong managed to become his aide.
Over his 20-year photographic career, Gary came up with several important inventions. One was the revolutionary “storybook” approach to wedding photography, which replaced the typical series of posed shots with images of the events of the wedding and reception as they happened—an approach which is now almost universally used by wedding pros. Next he invented the Montage software which automated the cumbersome process of designing and ordering complex wedding albums. Fong retired from photography in 2002 and then co-founded the Pictage digital photo lab, which would become the largest dedicated online digital web solution in the U.S.
“The Accidental Millionaire started as my way to share a lot of funny stories from my life and career, but it developed a self-help aspect as I offered examples of what I had learned after deciding to loosen up and be open to new opportunities,” Fong says. One tale is of a bride who ordered Fong’s photo services for her upcoming wedding, along with cake, flowers and everything else—even though she had no groom yet. Another time the groom’s ex appeared at his wedding in a bridal gown, determined to replace the bride.”
Canadian TV personality Michelle Simick writes, “Fong shows us that living life NOT according to plan could be the best plan possible.”
Fong believes in what he calls “The Law of Repulsion.” He explains: “When you set goals and expectations, you give off this repulsive energy that drives people away—and the universe then stacks the odds against you. Whether in work, sales or dating, the fact that you are driven and are focused on only one thing invariably impedes your progress. Experience has taught me that keeping an open mind leads to greater joy.”
Author Gary Fong
After earning a B.S. degree in pharmacology at the University of California at Santa Barbara, Gary Fong spent some time as a pleasure-loving slacker, before changing into a goal-driven entrepreneur. He became one of the best-known wedding photographers in the world, shooting nuptials for many celebrities. After a decade of that, he was stressed and very unhappy—until a bumper sticker saying: “Since I gave up hope, I feel much better” inspired him to change his work philosophy. Afterwards, Fong went on to invent the “Lightsphere” lighting accessory which went on to sell nearly a half million units, co-founded a digital photo lab that later sold for $29 million and expanded into owning high-end real estate, a yacht-chartering firm, a distribution warehouse and a plastics manufacturer.
1 Comment at "The Accidental Millionaire by Mr. Fong Dong"
I read this book and although I was skeptical at first it’s quite good. His stories were entertaining and larger than life, and he gives some good, practical, real-life advice for photographers at every stage of their life. Gary knows how to stay humble and down to earth even when he’s swimming in money Scrooge McDuck style.
Comment Now!