O.k. so it has come to my attention that I should really make a point of actually blogging once in a while. I have been told that a missing in action page is being started in cyberspace to help catch and bring us non-bloggers to your blogging satisfaction.
So to catch up, this is what I've been up to :
1. Attended a Yervant whole day event. For those not familiar with Yervant, he is considered amongst the top 5 international wedding and portrait photographers in the world. He was voted Australia's number 1 wedding photographer for 2007, 2008, and 2009. He was really great-- very informative, funny, and easy going.
2. I am now the NJAWBO Mercer Awards chair. Cool job. I get to give out prizes and look at the smiles on peoples faces.
3. Attended an email marketing seminar. So many options. Hard to decide which way to go. Still under consideration.
4. APAD show in NYC. Saw some great photography from some of the masters and a lot of other great work.
5. Spend part of a day with Robert Farber and a few photo friends. Robert gave us a personal tour of his workspace and gallery and showed us his work. Just fabulous.
6. Photographed head shots for a couple of models.
7. Attended the Barb Edwards seminar. I am now using a new album and frames company.
8. Attended a procurement event. I had to leave early so was not able to fully benefit from the event.
9. Family photo session. Fun session. Professional head shots for clients.
10. Two day seminar in PA. Extremely helpful and informative. Need to start working on implementing some of the business strategies learned.
11. Attended the Sandy Puc tour. Always a must.
12. Heard Michael & Tina Timmons speak at the GPPDV. Great.
13. Hired to photograph Governor Christie & Lt. Governor Guadagno of NJ at a private event. Awesome experience-- a first for me. The images above are of the Governor and Lt. Governor listening and answering some audience questions.
14. Attended a printing workshop with Scott Nichol. Polaroid transfers, done digitally. What can I say--Just Awesome! I will be making some good use of this in my fine art work. I just love this.
15. Frank Doorhof workshop in NYC. Just, Wow! This guy really knows his stuff.
16. Photographed a few performers at a Civil War Re-Enactment. Fun time.
17. Became a certified professional photographer --cpp. It's official! So happy!
18.Donated a fine art print to the JDRF(Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) gala. My first print done on metal. Really turned out beautifully.
19.Participated in the Woman's Head to Toe Expo. Shared a booth. What a great turnout we had. There were about 1000 people attending. Exhausting, but great.
20. Photographed my first pet bunny. Never really quite realized how truly to the side rabbits have their eyes positioned. Found this somewhat challenging, photographically speaking.
O.k., so there you have it, my world in 20.
Photographer's Pride
So if there is one thing I have learned in going to all those workshops, seminars, and classes, it is that education is important and practice is everything. To be good at something, you must practice and practice and then practice some more. You must stay current and on top of the your game. This holds true not only in photography, but in everything you do, including this blog. If I want it to work, then I must also keep feeding it (writing, regularly). If you want to improve your skills photographically, then you should seek education and practice what you learn. You know, sadly, in todays world, anyone with a camera, can call themselves a photographer. I value the word photographer. For me, this has real meaning. It is someone who seeks knowledge and constant education. It is someone who feels great responsibility and takes pride in her/his work. It is someone who has been honored with the gift of capturing once in a lifetime moments. It is someone who can literally bring a smile to your face or a tear to your eyes with the images they choose to bring to life. So if you want to be a photographer then be one, but be one with the respect it deserves. Realize that you will be following in the footsteps of some great men and women. Do it with pride and honor. And give it your all. Enough said.
Until next time. See ya. Hasta luegos.
Alina
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