August 2006

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President's Message

Redesigning Your Photographic Style

For some time now I’ve felt that my photography was stuck in a rut and I needed to redefine my style.  I see other photographers’ work and wonder, “What magic lamp are they rubbing?  What fancy camera features didn’t come with my digital cameras? Or, did Adobe leave out some of the bells and whistles in my version of CS2”? While brainstorming with one of my team photographers the cause of the problem became apparent.  I was so caught up in handling the day-to-day traffic in both my business and personal life I’d devoided myself of time needed for personal growth.  In plain vanilla, this “old dog” needed to be taught some new tricks! 

Last month I decided to ernestly commit myself to attending more eduacational seminars.  I started by attending a one-day workshop in Orlando featuring Bambi Cantrell and Jerry Ghionis (awesome photographers).  Fellow Photographers, I must confess that I was reborn during that session.  I cannot put a price on the residuals I’m already reaping.  Take a look at an image I recently created using the tools and techniques learned from Jerry and Bambi.

Two weeks later I had the priviledge of attending the Guild’s training session featuring Krystal & Matt Radlinski.  Their presentation on how to market to high-end clients inspired me to take a different approach in capturing this elusive cliente.   What both of these learning experiences have taught me is that all photographers share a common passion:  The need to master lighting, composition, storytelling, and the functionality of our equipment.  If you operate a business you probably should toss in achieving financial success too. 

The other benefit I’ve discovered from redefining my photographic style is that fun and excitement has returned to my workflow.  Lately, I’ve found myself not getting sufficient sleep (the side effects) because the creative juicies are flowing into the wee hours of the morning.  I can’t wait to work on images I’ve recently shot, a new promotional piece, or the design of a new sample album.  So, how do you temper the desire to make changes in your “photographic ultra ego” with a ton of information you’ve discovered?

I’ll close with a bit of advice Bambi Cantrell shared during her seminar:  “Keep doing what you’ve been doing, but with each new job implement a change that you like.”  Makes a lot of sense to me and that’s exactly what I’m doing to turn up the quality within my photographic style.  Finally, it is PPGF and my goal that you experience all the success and excitement that professional photography has to offer its members.  Yeah, you CAN teach an “old dog” new tricks.  Bow, wow!!

Keep learning!

Willie

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Raw Print Competition

The winners of the Raw Print Competition were Tom Collins and Willie Hill, Jr. Raw Print Competition is a great way for newer members to "test the waters" prior to entering Salon Competition. Members earn a point towards the Photographer of the Year and the Jim Swallow Service Award simply by entering. The winner receives an additional point.

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