Since I first started in photography, I had an unending thirst for more knowledge about photography, lighting, posing, and anything else having to do with my profession. It was always my desire to just be better this month than I was last month. While that didn’t always work out, it wasn’t from lack of trying. In fact, I always worked my hardest to become the kind of photographer I envisioned being when I was a kid in high school.
One way that I have found to learn and do more on a higher level is to associate myself with other photographers. Top photographers in the industry are not only inspiring, but educational and informative. And most intend to be. You might be surprised to learn that in one of the most competitive industries for self-employed people, most photographers want to teach other photographers.
My favorite outlet for learning and educating other photographers has been the Digital Wedding Forum, an industry-leading online forum and educational tool that connects professionals all over the world. It has changed the way I look at my own imagery, and given me insight into trends, equipment and processing methods that have made a huge difference in my daily workflow.
So, when the DWF (as it is affectionately referred to) asked me to become a Pro Portrait Expert, I couldn’t turn them down. In fact, what it means is that I am a recognized authority on portrait photography, and serve to assist and educate other photographers, as well as provide answers to questions that plague us all as portrait artists.
I’ve never thought of myself as someone seeking accolades. I don’t enter competitions or contests, and rarely do I even ask for feedback on my own images, except from the clients to whom those images are most important.
My role as an educator to photographers is well-established, with a stint at Shepherd University, several local organizations, and now my own workshop series for professionals and amateurs. So, now as a Portrait Expert, I’m ready to do even more things to earn a place in everyone’s mind as someone who truly cares about my craft, my clients, and my fellow professionals.
It’s no secret that the northeast has been pummeled by snow over the last couple of months. In our area alone, some 5-6 feet of snow has fallen in under 60 days. And while some areas of the country laugh at such “small” amounts, it is an overwhelming amount of snow for an area that is used to more like a foot or so TOTAL over an entire winter.
But one of those old sayings comes to mind: “When life gives you lemons…”, well you get the idea. I went out after the snow stopped on Saturday, February 6. It was later in the day, the sun was beginning to shine through and I took a picture that I really liked. I spent a little time working on some of the “moods” that I wanted to achieve, and thought I’d share them here.
This is the original image, captured essentially from the front walk. What I like so much about it is that the ice on the branches is glistening with the light coming through. It’s peaceful, serene, and c-o-l-d!
I was looking to capture the elements of warmth in the image, at the same time keeping the frozen stuff from looking too yellow. This did what I hoped for. It served to highlight the mood of hope… which is what we needed after two feet of snow.
I was also intrigued by the blues of the cold… something about looking at light through snow that really envelopes a quality of blues that you just don’t see at any other time.
Finally I wanted to see this in black and white. It was a virtual winter wonderland that served an enormous purpose toward my wanting to keep up with my personal photography.
So, quite a bit of snow out there. Too much for many people… just right for penguins and polar bears. And more on the way. Yeah… I know.
But let’s try to make the best of the situation and have some fun with pictures. We’re hosting a Snow Photo Contest. Here’s how it works:
– There are two categories: Funniest Snow Photo and Most Artistic Snow Photo.
– You can only enter one photo per category.
– The contest is open to our Facebook fans, clients, and their friends and family who live in the snowy northeast. To make the contest fair, and with no slight to my photographer friends, this contest has to be limited to non-professionals.
– The winners (Diana and I are the judges) will receive a free T-shirt with your picture on it, customized with any text you’d like (like a caption or logo). Our decisions are final (as always 🙂 ).
– The contest entries must be received no later than Wednesday, February 10 at 7:00pm. Any received after that will not be considered.
To submit your photo, email your photo to photos@tlcphotography.com. We will acknowledge your entry and email everyone with the winning entries as well as posting it here on the blog.
Please email us if you have any questions.
Ready?
Set.
Go…!
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