September 2006

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President's Message

Mentor-Link Connection

I was on vacation in Little Rock, Arkansas when I wrote this month’s Prez’s Article.  I tell you this because something remarkable happened.

One morning I awoke at 5:30A with this great idea I’ll call Mentor-Link Connection.  If you’ve been watching the growth of the Guild’s membership lately you’ve noticed that we’re attracting young, new photographers who are eager to learn the profession.  Ever since becoming President I’ve felt that in order for the Guild to revitalize itself we needed to attract new photographers to our training sessions. Sidebar:  Here’s how to make an organization grow:

1. Win new members,
2. Offer educational opportunities, and
3. Care for members’ personal needs.

I feel the Guild is making tremendous strides on the first two points.  Now it’s time for phase three: Caring for members’ personal needs. 

 Our Annual Picnic was the first event on the agenda for building relationships among members. The turnout was noticeable and the food was great! I think Mentor-Link Connection should be the next on the agenda for uniting our membership.  Here’s how it will work.

A.  Mentor – a seasoned photographer

1. If you are a photographer with your own business or you manage a studio, volunteer as a Mentor. Mentors will offer opportunities for a Link to come along side on an actual assignment either as an assistant or observer.  Opportunities might include:
   1. Photo Sessions: Portrait, wedding, engagement, commercial, pets, and etc.
   2. Advertising, Sales, Marketing, and etc.
   3. Workflow, Photoshop, and etc.
   4. Post-production:  Framing, packaging, order assembly, and etc.
2. It is suggested that Mentors reward Links where appropriate with some type of consideration.

B.  Link – aspiring photographer

1. If you are a photographer who wants to learn a particular facet of the trade, review the Mentor’s Volunteer List, and contact the photographer who is offering the opportunity.
2. Anticipate having to meet guidelines required by the Mentor; i.e. dress attire.
3. Be flexible and professional while working with a Mentor.

The Mentor-Link Connection is just that simple.  We’ll have initial sign-up during this month’s regular training session, or you can email me at: hillpics1@bellsouth.net and tell me if you want to be a Mentor or Link.  I’m looking forward to being a Mentor.

In closing, I believe that when a photographer freely shares information with another photographer, it one of the greatest legacies you could leave behind.  No ribbon, medal, or trophy will ever speak into existence the knowledge each of us have learned or mastered from someone else who has gone before us.  Here is you’re chance to be a Master Craftsman…at least in the eyes of one person. 

Let’s build our Guild and membership on personal relationships that go deeper than meeting once a month during a training session or during “print education”. It’s times when two or three photographers get together and work on a project that their technical skills as professional photographers will grow and soar and their people skills will take on a new meaning.

Keep learning!  And, keep sharing!

Willie

Salon Competition

Best Of Show			"Kaleidescope" by Tom Collins Best of Show
"Kaleidescope" by Tom Collins
Portrait
1st Place	"Robert Duvall"	Giancarlo Frasca
Pictorial Portrait
1st Place	"Oh, What A Feeling"	Tom Collins
2nd Place	"Ebony Glow"	Willie Hill, Jr.
3rd Place	"A Phone Call Away"	Greg Roland
Social Function
1st Place	"Heaven Sent"	Willie Hill, Jr.
Story Book
1st Place	"This Is Love"	Louis Gillard
2nd Place	"Cris & Will"	Willie Hill, Jr.
Unclassified
1st Place	"Anatomical Study"	Tom Collins
Digital
1st Place	"Kaleidescope"	Tom Collins

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2006 PPGF Annual Picnic

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