July 2007

President's Message

Timing Is Everything

If you’ve lived long enough you’ve learned the truth in this statement.  As of lately it has truly struck a cord in the scheme of things that I’m doing digitally.  I want to start off this month’s article by thanking D.J. Tomchay (the Guild’s June speaker) for a great presentation and for making me revisit this old adage. 

For the past months just about every speaker that has lectured to us has made reference to Corel Painter.  I’ve also noticed that in every photographic magazine that I subscribe to the editors are giving lots of printed space to this software.  I personally have been trying to figure out what all the fuss is about because I just didn’t see how the software could affect the bottom line of my business.  However, after sitting in on D.J.’s lecture, another point of view hit me between the eyes:  Why not just use the software for FUN!!!  How novel could that be?

As novel as the idea was it jogged my memory and I realized that two or three years ago I owned the Classic version of Corel Painter, but I deleted it from my hard drive. The other reason I didn’t pursue use of Painter is because it was a little daunting; sort of like your first five minutes into Photoshop.  Not being an artistic painter by birth didn’t help either.  Somehow though, D.J.’s simplistic lecture about only using three tools made it seem so…well, so easy!  He sparked an interest in me that made me want to give the software another try.  If I succeeded in overcoming the learning curve this time perhaps I’d even be willing to withdraw the bad rap I initially gave the software.  Here’s where “timing is everything” comes into play.

The following day after the Guild meeting, I went online and did my research on the software.  Ummm.  Kinda pricey.  Now that I think about it, the price was another reason why I haven’t whipped out my credit card to buy Painter X.  While online, though I noticed Corel offered a version called Corel Essentials 3 and from all the specs it sounded like it could do everything D.J. had lectured about.  So, I put in a call to Corel, described to the salesperson that I was a photographer and mentioned the three tools I needed to work with (Cloners/Soft cloner, Blenders/Smear, Blenders/Grainy water, and Chalk/Square chalk).  Without hesitation the sales rep recommended Essentials 3.

Sure enough, Essentials 3 (at a cost of $79) didn’t have all the bells and whistles as Corel Painter X ($429), but it could get the job done.  Also, if I wanted to upgrade at a later date I could.  I ordered the boxed version of the software and waited in anticipation for its arrival.  Then a day later while looking through my cache of software, I noticed several discs of Corel Essential 2 that where bundled with the Wacom tablets I’d purchased.  What good timing.  I quickly canceled my order with Corel.  I then installed the software and have been sharpening my skills on it ever since.  Most nights when I get off from work I hop on the computer and PLAY.  My wife is not too impressed with my artwork, but I think it looks pretty darn…fun.

Yeah, the learning curve is still there, but this time I think I’m getting a handle on the software and can see the light at the end of the tunnel.  What’s the difference?  I think it’s timing.  First, years ago I didn’t have an interest in the software even though I had a copy of it at hand.  Second, someone added to the mix by showing me how easy it was to be successful while using the software.  Third, investing in the purchase of the software was simple…free.  Fourth, Corel Painter is the hottest digital fad out there, and who wants to be left in the dust?  So, the timing for me to get on the Corel bandwagon was perfect. 

What about you?  Do you have a disc copy of the program bundled with some other software and you still haven’t realized it’s potential?  Or perhaps the Corel Painter icon is lurking in that folder titled “Unused Desktop Icons”.  Well, I recommend that you fire up the program and see if this is the perfect time for you to indulge in a little fun.

Thanks D.J.  I’m loving it.

Enjoy!

Willie

President

July Program: "Environmental Portraiture Secrets" with Martin Gutz

"We can't control the elements, but we can control the light."

Based in Madison, Florida, Martin specializes in environmental portraiture. With several on-site outdoor sets and various techniques he has learned from studying with his mentors and Master photographers, Martin has crafted a technique to produce studio-type lighting in the great outdoors. His signature style utilizes the beauty of natural surroundings, and his emphasis on customer service and building relationships within a 'small town atmosphere' provides his clients with a one-of-a-kind experience.

Martin will share his tips and tricks for seeing and controlling the light, demonstrate what to do---and not to do--- when using reflectors, and show how to create strong composition to incorporate the environment and increase your wall portrait sales.

Originally from Cannock, England, Martins career began in 1985 when he came to the United States and began working as a cruise ship photographer. In 1992 he opened Tudor Rose Photography, focusing on weddings, family and high school senior portraiture in and around the Madison County area.

Martin is a member of the Professional Photographers of America and the Florida Professional Photographers, and a two-time past-President of the Tallahassee guild. He received his Florida Service Award in 2001and his Florida Education Degree in 2006. He has chaired various committees at the FPP convention over the past several years and has been asked to serve as the Assistant Convention Manager in 2007. He will be receiving his Craftsman Degree from PPA in Tampa next year.

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