ASP Magazine - Summer 08

PAGE 2 AMERICAN SOCIETY OF PHOTOGRAPHERS • SUMMER 2008 2007

Gurgle.

Out the window of my office the storm clouds are gathering.

Again.

Down the road to the east, the bridge over the Mississippi River is closed and the four lane highway has completely washed away. Up the road to the north and down the road to the south, the highways were closed as the rivers overflowed.

Amazing. I live in Iowa - on an island.

This summer has been a trying one for those of us in Southeast Iowa. Farmland flooding, livestock drown, homes completely covered in water. Once the water goes down, the cleanup will take until winter. Financially it will be a tough one, too, and that will take its toll on every business in this region.

But we won’t whine or moan about it. When it stops, we’ll just get back to work and make it work. If the pages of this edition are a bit water-logged, now you’ll know why.

Kalen

American Society of Photographers

INSIDE.PPA NATIONAL AWARD PAGE 4DORAN WILSON - ASP FELLOW PAGE 6READY FOR YOUR FELLOWSHIP? PAGE 12THE GREAT ASP PROJECT. PAGE 14TIM KELLY WRITES. PAGE 15PROPOSED BY-LAW CHANGES. PAGE 13THE FIRST LETTER IS P PAGE 18PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE PAGE 4GOT A BANQUET TICKET? PAGE 17

SUMMER 2008

The ASP Magazine is the official publication of the American Society of Photographers, Inc., published four times a year for members and others for information of industry matters, personal achievements and news of this and other associations. Acceptance of advertising, or publishing of press releases does not imply endorsement of any product or service by this association, publisher or editor. Permission is granted to similar publications of the photographic industry to reprint contents of this publication, provided that the author and the ASP Magazine are credited as the source.

Articles, with or without photographs, are welcome for review for inclusion in this publication; however, the editor reserves the right to refuse publication, or if accepted, the right to edit and use on a space available basis. Send all communications, articles and advertising to:

EditorASP Magazine224 West Corry CourtMt. Pleasant, IA 52641(319) 671-1771 or email: [email protected]

COVER DESIGNDon Emmerich

AMERICAN SOCIETY OF PHOTOGRAPHERS • SUMMER 2008 PAGE 3

EDITORKalen Henderson

mailto:[email protected]


Wow! Here we are in the middle of summer. It sure seems like time is flying by quickly. The ASP Board of Governors met the beginning of June and everyone is excited with the ideas that were presented and the discussion regarding the upcoming banquet in January at the Imaging USA Convention in Phoenix, Arizona. Remember that last year we sold out before the event (leaving many others that would have liked to attend without a ticket), so reserve your table soon to honor with us all the “Best of the Best”.

I am sure by now that all of you have completed your garden studios. All your flowers are planted and the back 40 is plowed and you are now enjoying the fruits of your labor in utilizing your location sessions.

As indicated in the President’s message on the ASP website (www.asofp-online.com), my president’s theme for this year is “Get It Up Higher” and “Nobody Does It Better.” Talking about “getting it up higher,” in the past I have spoken and shared many ideas with a few other ASP members and everyone agrees that involvement in our community is an integral part of your photographic business. I know that I have experienced great pleasure in utilizing my photographic talent, along with other fellow photographers, to raise funds for needy causes. I recall many years ago having done very well in photography over the years, trying to decide on a way to give back to my community using my photographic talent. Shortly thereafter I received a call from ASP member and former partner Edda Taylor (Edda Taylor Photographic, Crown Point, IN) asking if I would like to join her in helping raise

funds for St. Jude House.

Stepping up to the plate has always been easy for this baseball lover. He has coached his two son’s baseball teams for nine years, accumulating a record of 123 and 46 and winning the division championship five times.

Seeing a need in the community, he took over the Greentree/Orchard Ridge Baseball league six years ago. He grew the league from 120 kids, age three to seven, to 400. His big plan, which is almost finished, is to build a baseball complex for just Tee Ball and Coach Pitch leagues. It will be the only field dedicated to that level of play in Wisconsin.

His work ethic borders on obsessive-compulsive. He currently serves on five different boards in his state of Wisconsin, a Past President of the state and has received the Special Service Award, Special Appreciation Award, Meritorious Service Award and the PPA National Award from Wisconsin.

At the same time, he took a struggling photography association in central Wisconsin, from having $75 dollars in the checkbook, often paying the speakers out of his own pocket to the flagship organization, with over $10,000 in the checkbook and hosting national speakers six times a year. From that association not only did he receive the Outstanding Service Award, a record six times, and the Lifetime Achievement Award but after he fulfilled every executive office, he was asked to go through the chairs again, and he did.

Trummer and his wife, Glori, reside in Madison, Wisconsin with their two sons.

PAGE 4 AMERICAN SOCIETY OF PHOTOGRAPHERS • SUMMER 2008

2008 PPA NATIONALAWARD WINNER“It’s All Fun and Games…”

Rick Trummer, M. Photog., Cr.

ThePresidentʼs

Message

Bill EatonM.Photog., Cr.

2008 ASPPresident

--Presidentʼs Message, continued page 5

http://www.asofp-online.com

http://www.asofp-online.com


A letter of thanks from John Dreska, a (insert here) serving in the U.S. Army in Iraq. ASP donated unused telephone cards to the troops overseas to be used to call family and friends at home.

St. Jude House serves and shelters women and children that are victims of domestic violence. Edda had contacted our local main mall in Lake County, IN, suggesting a fall photo shoot to be held on location at the mall. The mall management was very excited by the idea and even agreed to do all the advertising prior to the event. This event is scheduled approximately one week before Halloween and we utilize two fall set-ups for children or entire families who (with or without costume) come to be photographed.

In the earlier years before digital, Kodak would donate all the film and Don Burrell owner of Burrell Colour Lab would contribute the printing, so 100% of all monies collected were given to benefit St. Jude House. Over the last 15 years, we have raised many thousands of dollars donating our time and photographic talent. ASP Members Edda Taylor, Royce Chenore and I continue to look forward to this yearly event. I find that giving of your time and sharing your talents has three major benefits: (1) serving a worthy cause within your community, (2) developing a new client list and reconnecting with past clients, and, most of all, (3) it just makes you feel good. What more do we seek in life than love, happiness and participating in things that make us feel good.

This is just one example of giving back to the community. I would love to hear ideas from other ASP members relating to different ways you are serving your community by assisting worthy causes. Perhaps in sharing our talents, we can spread more good will and happiness throughout the world! Please forward your stories/ideas to Kalen Henderson, ASP Magazine Editor/ASP Governor, at [email protected]. Remember to continue “Getting It Up Higher” where “Nobody Does It Better.” God Bless to you all

--Presidentʼs Message, continued from page 4




It amazes me to sit and observe the differences in children who are born of the same parents and are raised in the same environment. Each child has his or her own set of strengths and weaknesses. Each child will grow to be an individual - different from his or her siblings and different from everyone else in the world. Yes, they will have similarities, but their ways of thinking and acting, as well as reacting will be unique. I believe, as children, we unconsciously began to define our passions and dreams from an early age. I believe that we, at any age, should be encouraged to follow the path that allows us to pursue the inherent, individual passions that make us what we are. I believe that some people stifle their own passions, sometimes to please someone they love, and that they never really follow their own dreams. I believe that some of us are lucky enough to have followed our passions, despite the struggle, and have learned to do what we love and to love what we do.

My path to loving what I do and doing what I love is sometimes straightforward. Other times, it is filled with roadblocks, but I cannot deny who and what I am. I am an artist. My tools are lenses, cameras and my love for the craft. I love capturing images. I live to record the nuances of light and the details of design that other people never notice. I seek a precision of technique that I can call perfect. I seem to have a sixth sense in my ability to know when the light is perfect and the time is right for my shot. I see what I want in my mind before I capture it. Then, I use my knowledge of photography and art, including lighting,equipment, exposure, composition and design to create what my mind has envisioned. The making of a photograph, or in today’s vernacular, the capture of an image is my craft. I continually seek to perfect my technique, to enhance my vision and to express myself in my craft. That is who I am and photography is my passion.

-- Wilson Thesis, Continued Page 7.

True Passion2008 ASP Fellowship Thesis

By Doran WilsonM.Photog., Cr., MEI,CEI, CPP, F-ASP

Do what you love.Love what you do.

AMERICAN SOCIETY OF PHOTOGRAPHERS • SUMMER 2008

If someone had observed me as a child, they would have seen me watching what insects do on flowers, creating structures from rocks or playing with a beam of light from a flashlight—in other words, something visual. They would not have seen me reading a book, doing a puzzle, or playing board games. When I entered school, I was labeled as “lazy” and “stupid” because I didn’t want to

do homework. During that time in my life, the artistic and creative side of my brain was developing exponentially. I struggled with everything else. Reading, writing and math seemed to escape my understanding. Today children with these learning patterns get help with their dyslexia. Back then, those of us with that particular learning disorder, were left to struggle on our own. We were labeled as “slow”. This childhood adversity helped define who and what I was.

I continued to struggle with traditional subjects through elementary and middle school. I avoided my traditional schoolwork and found myself observing the

way light reflected or refracted. I would analyze the shape of a person’s face and take note of the lines and curves that gave them character. I would make my mother angry at times because I would fiddle with a bowl of plastic fruit she used to keep on the table. She would find it in different positions under a lamp nearby because I was “experimenting” with the light. I found I was drawn to the arts. When I was a sophomore in high school, an observant family friend, who was a professional photographer, took note of my strengths and weaknesses and he did something amazing - he bought me my first camera. The tool of his chosen profession would soon become my passion.

Every second of every day, I carried my camera with me, constantly practicing taking pictures. I wanted to learn all about photography and to do whatever was necessary to strengthen my ability as a photographer. I had fallen in love with photography and I was willing, whether consciously or unconsciously, to make the sacrifices necessary to become the best at what I loved to do.

Learning photography by trial and error was not only a tedious labor of love, but it was also expensive. With each click of the shutter, I hoped to capture the image I saw in my mind’s eye. When my developed film proved I had missed my target I would try again and again until I got it right. I was motivated to learn quickly in order to keep my costs down. But whatever the cost, I was passionate to learn to be the best. And, I loved every minute of it.



I constantly sought to further my knowledge of my craft by joining photography clubs andorganizations, attending structured learning courses, seminars, and talking with equipment manufacturers and supplier representatives. My goal was to learn everything I could and I was

passionate about my goal. I could not yet call myself a professional photographer, but I was heading in that direction.

After graduating from high school, I enrolled in a traditional college to further my education and tomake my parents happy. However, I was a terrible student. Once again, I found myself avoiding thehomework from these traditional courses. I soon quit and found myself floundering as I had lost sight of my passion.

I worked for a while as a laborer building homes. In a twist of fate, I was seriously injured on the job and that ended my building career. Most people would not consider a personal injury as a good thing,

but it was the best thing that could have happened to me. During my recovery, another close friend of mine started to look into photography schools, as she knew of my love for the craft. She found the Colorado Institute of Art where I could study photography and avoid all the traditional classes. I jumped at the chance to learn more about photography. I knew this was my true career path. I threw myself into this photography school and learned everything they could teach.

At the same time I was pursuing ways to become a professional.

After graduation from the Colorado Institute of Art, I returned home to the family advertising business thinking that I had the world by the tail. I worked very hard at telling everyone that I was right about lighting--after all, I had just finished college! However, after several clients wanted something that I never had done before, I soon realized that what I had learned at college was only the beginning. I needed to learn more and I began a quest for knowledge that is life long. I started a search and found someone with what I needed - a willingness to teach me the finer points of lighting. I traveled to California several times over the next few years and studied

with a brilliant technician and educator. He taught me invaluable lessons about light and how to work with it. Until his recent death, he continued to demonstrate a willingness to help countless



other young photographers discover the many ways to work with light. I considered him a mentor and realized that my lessons in light had given me the added benefit of gaining a friend in the process. This relationship would prove to be a model for me, in the future, as I would take my passion for photography to the next level as an educator.

I continued to grow as a professional photographer and also began to embrace new technologies. When this new thing called “digital” came around I started a new search - to find

someone who was the very best in the digital field who would be willing to share with and help another professional photographer. I was lucky enough to find someone with the same willingness to share with me. Fortunately, we were already acquainted and had started to form a friendship. At that time, he lived in Colorado, and I was able to convince him to come to my studio in Indiana where we worked for three days and nights. He not only taught me a lot about digital photography, he taught me that having true friends could change the direction of your life. I realized that the photography

industry was never going to be the same for me again and that I was making some of my first steps towards becoming the type of photographer who continues to grow and change to follow my passion. His unselfish willingness to help not only myself but others as well still continues today. Fortunately, our friendship has also continued to grow, and I can say that this passion has given me the opportunity to have one of the best friends a man could ask for. A theme of learning photography and bonding friendships was introduced into my life and wouldbecome a key to my future definitionof success.

After thirty years of working in the family business, my responsibilities had changed to the point where I was no longer feeling the passion and love of photography I so craved. So, I made the biggest decision of my life - to leave the family business, to follow my heart and to reignite my passion. I have now started my own photography studio.



As noted earlier, I have gained many friends in the photography industry. Imagine being able to pursue a career in the field of your passion and then, as a fringe benefit, creating deep friendships that add meaning to your life. Professional photography has done that for me. Through these friendships, I’ve learned much more than any structured setting or trial and error on my part could have taught me. My friends push me to explore new techniques and develop new ideas that help me continue to grow as an artist. I strive to be the same catalyst for them.

I have a strong desire to be current with what’s new in photography. When new equipment ortechnology becomes available I am usually first in line. Then, I rely on my network of friends for anyhelpful hints and tips. They do the same with me. This give and take not only helps with decipheringnew “toys”, it also helps me stay up to date with the ever-changing world of digital photography while I remain in close contact with my friends. I try not to be a slave to my passion. I try to use my passion to do what I love and because of that, I love what I do.

Through this growing process caused by the pursuit of my passion, I continuously seek to define my personal measure of success in photography. What is success? That answer is different for everyone. I’ve learned that my definition of success has several components. My success contains a measure of financial wealth. If you ask me whether or not I am financially wealthy doing photography, the answer is without a doubt “no”! However, my definition of success involves only enough financial wealth to provide a comfortable life for my family and myself. Would I like to be independently wealthy? Of course! But I am unwilling to sacrifice my family or friends purely to gain more financial wealth. I would like to have unlimited funds, but there are other things I value more, such as my relationships with my family and friends.

My success contains a large measure of wealth in personal relationships. My success contains a measure of fame. I would like to be known and remembered as a great photographer. However, I am smart enough to realize that there



are many great photographers among my peers. One day I hope to be included in that class with many of my friends and mentors. I don’t seek fameas an end in itself but as a vehicle to leave a legacy of the passion and desire that drive me to be the best photographer I can be.

My success contains a measure of happiness. If you ask me if I am happy doing photography, the answer is without a doubt “yes”! However, I realize that my profession is not the only contributing factor to my happiness. Being happy in a profession that is built on passion releases me to journey toward a deeper and more complete personal happiness.

Pursuing my passion of photography and having strongly defined my measure of success at my craft has allowed me to enjoy certain benefits. By doing what I love to do, I have a deep satisfaction that many people do not ever realize with their careers. I cannot ever imagine myself doing anything else. I am confident in my skill as an artist and photographer and I find joy in a job well done.

By having a true passion for photography, I feel I have begun to excel at my craft. I consider myself to be part of the “cream of the crop”. That gives me a certain amount of pride and a sense of responsibility to give back. I have had the privilege to work with and learn from many great photographers. The power of their unselfish giving and sharing of their photographic knowledge inspires me

to follow their example. Passing on what I have learned and helping others to grow in their own

passion for photography is important to my personal success as a photographer. It provides me with a sense of completeness and allows me to come “full circle”.

An insightful photographer spotted a desire in me as a child, and now I humbly find myself in his shoes. I’ve spent countless hours helping students and peers with problems that they could not solve on their own. Many times, I have discovered

something new about the function of a camera or a piece of software that solves a particular problem. I feel obligated and honored to pass on that discovery to my friends and colleagues


knowing they could benefit from it. The more I grow and help others grow, the more satisfied I become with my role in life as a professional photographer.

I have learned to follow the passion that drives me in my career as a photographer. I have learned to truly love what I do. From early childhood, my creative side screamed to take hold. Having the proper guidance and encouragement from key adults in my life has helped to guide me towards my passion. Ignoring those who wanted me to follow a more traditional career and being strong enough to follow my dream have given me the courage to step into my own light. While growing my talent, I have benefited from my sharpened skills and ability as a professional, I have come to appreciate my obligation to give back to my peers and I have been fortunate to reap the rewards of true friendships. Having a passion allows you to do what you love and love what you do. It’s the quickest road to success and happiness.


Doran Wilson, M.Photog.MEI.Cr.,CPP, F-ASP of Doran and Associates, Ft. Wayne IN, received the highest earned degree in photography, the ASP Fellowship, at the 2008 American Society of Photographers Annual Banquet in Tampa, Florida.

Doran has been in the Indiana top ten every year since 1997, is an eight- time winner of the Kodak Gallery Award and a five time winner of the Fuji Masterpiece Award. He has been awarded the PPA National Award and the PPA imaging Excellence Award as well as earning over 100 PPA prints merits. He also received the ASP Silver medallion Award in 2006.

Are you ready to go for the ultimate degree in photography? Do you have 15 PPA Merit Prints past your Masters? If so, you are ready to apply for your ASP Fellowship degree.

The ASP Fellow is the highest earned award that can be attained in professional photography and is shared by only 98 other photographers in the world.

The deadlines for this years Fellowship has been set:Thesis is due October 6, 2008.

Portfolio is due no later than October 20, 2008.

Visit the ASP web site (http://www.asofp.com/membership.asp) for the guidelines, information and Fellowship application. Also you will be required to provide your PPA merit records with your application. Download this at (http://www.ppa.com/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=562) and highlight your 15 print merits after your Master's degree.

If you have any question please contact: Robert Golding, 2035 Richmond Street, Philadelphia PA 19125, (215) 423-6363, [email protected]

http://www.ppa.com/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=562







Under Awards make the following changes:

AWARDS: Specific committees recommend The ASP International Award and PPA National Award recipients for that purpose. Approval of the ASP International Award by the Executive Committee is required. This is announced prior to presentation. The National Award recipients are kept secret until announced at the banquet.

The Gold Medallion Award is presented to the maker of the photograph in the Masters Loan Exhibit judged by a separate panel of jurors to be the very best photograph in the exhibit. At the national judging, a group of images are selected representing the best in the show. A panel selects the winner from all ASP Masters Loan prints. The recipient is notified and the Executive Director is notified to make proper publicity releases and prepare the plaque for presentation at the annual banquet. The photograph receives special designation in the Society’s Traveling Exhibit.

The Gold, Silver and Bronze Medallion Awards are presented to the makers of the best three images of the ASP Master’s Loan Exhibit as selected by a separate panel of jurors at the national judging. The Gold Medallion is presented to the first place image, the Silver Medallion is presented to the second place image and the Bronze medallion is presented to the third place image. The recipients are notified and the Executive Director is also notified in order to make proper publicity releases and prepare the plaques for presentation at the annual banquet. The photographs receive special designation in the Society’s Traveling Exhibit.

Under Standing Committees make the following changes:

AMERICAN SOCIETY OF PHOTOGRAPHERS

STANDING COMMITTEES

AWARDS - ...International, National, Honorary Fellows and Honorary Associate. Helps maintain Gold Medallion, Silver Medallion, Bronze Medallion, Regional Medallion and State Elite awards.

The proposed change is to add the words in bold, underlined and italicized. The words with strikethrough

Proposed By-Law Changes

Proposed changes to the by-laws and the Constitution of the American Society of Photographers will be voted on at the annual meeting, January 11, 2009, at Imaging USA in Phoenix, Arizona. Any comments, questions or concerns should be directed to President William Eaton at [email protected].




Proposed Changes to the Constitution of America Society of Photographers

The proposed change is to eliminate the portion of Section II, Article V, (f), (2-3), which has the strike through, and renumber the section concerning the Executive Director.

f.) Executive Director - At the discretion of the Board of Governors, an Executive Director may be appointed annually, or until replaced by majority vote. In the event of the appointment of an Executive Director, that person may assume any or all of the duties of the elected Secretary-Treasurer. The Executive Director may be, but not necessarily have to be a governor, officer or member of the Society. He/she shall be knowledgeable concerning the administrative operation of the society and about the photographic trade. He/she shall be employed by the organization as an independent contractor. The Board of Governors upon recommendation of the Executive Committee shall determine his/her compensation. Duties shall include but not be limited to:

1.) He/She shall maintain membership rolls and send dues notices no less than 30 days prior to the close of the calendar year, and reminder notices to those delinquent. A list of delinquents shall be sent to the Membership Chair and State Representative Chair for distribution to the State Representatives for immediate action. A monthly membership report shall be filed with the President and Membership Chair. He/she shall possess and maintain a computer capable of retaining and distributing ASP records in a fashion that would be retrievable by current operating systems and software.2.) He/she shall maintain an up-to-date point system for Fellowship and Associate degrees by receiving copies of an individual’s merit report or certificates and posting them to the member’s records and report to the member upon request.3.) He/she shall advise the Fellowship and Associate Chairs when individual members have attained the necessary points to apply for either degree.4.) He/She shall prepare all plaques, ribbons and certificates for degree recipients and maintain sufficient inventory to meet the demands. 5.) He/she shall coordinate with the ASP Banquet Chair to handle all details with PPA staff towards making preparations for the annual ASP

Proposed changes to the by-laws and the Constitution of the American Society of Photographers will be voted on at the annual meeting, January 11, 2009, at Imaging USA in Phoenix, Arizona. Any comments, questions or concerns should be directed to President William Eaton at [email protected].

Proposed Changes to ASP Constitution

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! No, it’s YOU! This year’s ASP Project is A.S.P. (Awesome Self Portrait). Simply photograph yourself and submit your 8x10 at 300 dpi before November 1st to Kalen Henderson at [email protected]. Don’t be left out of the adventure!






Don’t think it can happen to you? It can. Most agree that today’s business climate and constant technical advances keep us busy enough, and if you want to take on something new–or just try to improve your game–there are endless opportunities to do just that. Doesn’t it sometimes seem though, that demands on our time and energy are ever increasing?! On the other hand, if you are not being challenged on a very regular basis in your business or your art, your business and your art are likely stagnant and could, in fact, be terminal.

I always thought of myself as a pretty smart and capable guy, having mastered many things, but a couple of years ago I saw for the first time, that I wouldn’t – no, couldn’t – take on yet another major software program. Like you, Photoshop has been my primary imaging language for years (over 17 for me), along the way learning QuarkXpress, InDesign and a hundred other minor apps. In my other studio I use ProTools and a myriad of support programs that likewise are always being updated. This brings me to my point. Choice. There comes a time when you have to stop the wild ride and regain control.

If you are feeling overwhelmed it might be time to re-evaluate where your time is going. I talk to so many pros who love this craft, but are simply “hitting the wall” and freezing up like a deer in the headlights, due to the sheer number of choices they need to make every day. I can sympathize. We can’t do it all! At least we can’t anymore. When I entered

this great profession over 40 years ago, a motivated photographer with a little talent could do it all. Today, to make a good living from photography you must be competent in many more areas than ever before.

The solutions are as individual as we are, and while I could relay to you many of the testimonies I’ve heard, the best thing for me to share is my recent experiences.

First, let me state that I love my job. Everything about it. Problem is, there’s too much of it for the hours I have to give. Last year I realized it was unhealthy for me to log 70-80 hours each week.

Something was going to have to go. I’d already cut back on my lectures, workshops, schools and conventions and when at home I ended my studio day by 5 p.m. (That of course, didn’t stop me from bringing my laptop home for a little “tinkering” or on-line homework.) Still that wasn’t enough to provide a complete fix. Then I realized it just might be time to “turn out the lights” on my in-studio lab. Oh my. I’ve been printing my own work since 1966 – black and white and color. How can I just stop?

After many weeks of consideration, I’d convinced myself to start “testing” the

concept, sending some orders out to other labs. Within a month or two I was sure I could get the final

Does your business need a course correction? - Tim Kelly, M. Photog., Cr., F-ASP

“Today, to make a good living from photography you

must be competent in many more areas than ever before.”

-- Business , Continued Page 16.

©Tim Kelly


product I needed for my clients. After all, I still get to retouch and adjust the files to

my liking. This might actually work! That magical point of no return came on the day my lab was emptied of equipment, it’s darkroom doors and all that creative plumbing. And while it might sound like a regular pro darkroom set-up, it was not. I’d constantly invested in the best and newest printing technologies. Problem was, I didn’t have the time to do my own ptinting any longer, and didn’t want to stay in that cycle of always having to invest in something new.

Long story short: I have an Epson 9800 and a 4800, but I

send most of my orders out to be cared for by other pro labs. This is not a forum for advertising or endorsement, so if you want to know who I’m using for what, you can email me.

As Paul Harvey would say, page two.

When you do make a big “lifestyle” change, hopefully you have set some new goals. My most trusted colleagues agreed that I could spend more time reclaiming my brand, which had always been

strong in illustrative black and white portraiture, but had in recent years become more known for painted portraits

and portrait albums. Also, I needed to work on marketing to additional client demographics. Since I didn’t want to add babies to my studio lines, I chose to up my presence in the high school senior market. This has proven to provide both the creative and business challenges I needed for my new start. Pleasing this extremely visual new generation is expanding my work and yet they seem to really appreciate my classic looks too! While senior portraits may not be new for you, I’ve only been doing eight or 10 each year. Now I’ll do fifty high-end, private school seniors over the next two months, making it an important part of my summer business.

-- Business, continued from page 15

©Tim Kelly

©Tim Kelly

©Tim Kelly

©Tim Kelly-- Business, continued on page 17.

CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD - DON EMMERICHM.PHOTOG.,MEI.,M.ARTIST.,CR., CPP, API., F-ASP

1324 SW 89TH STREET, OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73159(405)735-3881 [email protected]

PRESIDENT - WILLIAM EATONM.PHOTOG., CR., F-MPP

2213 RANDLOPH STREET, LAKE STATION, IN 46405(219)962-1987 [email protected]

PRESIDENT-ELECT - ERNIE K. JOHNSONM.PHOTOG., CR.

912 HILLSBORO ROAD, FRANKLIN, TN 37064(615)790-2680 [email protected]

VICE PRESIDENT - RICHARD TRUMMERM.PHOTOG., CR., CPP., F-WPPA

3701 COUNTRY GROVE ROAD, MADISON, WI 53719(608)848-6006 [email protected]

SECRETARY-TREASURER - KATHY MEEKM.PHOTOG., CR., CPP, API

125 ALBERT PIKE, HOT SPRINGS, AR 71913(501)624-3195 [email protected]

GOVERNOR - JAMES CHURCHILLM.PHOTOG., CR., CPP

7773 SHANNON FAYE LANE, GRANT, MI 49327(231)206 4117 [email protected]

GOVERNOR - NANCY EMMERICHM.PHOTOG., CR., CPP

1324 SW 89TH STREET, OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73159(405)735-3881 [email protected]

GOVERNOR - KALEN HENDERSONM.PHOTOG., MEI, CR., CEI., CPP, API, EA-ASP

224 WEST CORRY COURT, MT. PLEASANT, IA 52641(319)986-5324 [email protected]

GOVERNOR - RANDY MCNEILLYM.PHOTOG., MEI., CR.

1241 FALLSTON ROAD, SHELBY, NC 28150(704)482-0011

[email protected]

GOVERNOR - MARTY SYKESM.PHOTOG., CR.

913 FRONT ST. , CONWAY, AR 72032(501)327-8300

[email protected]

GOVERNOR - DORAN WILSONM.PHOTOG., MEI, CR., CPP

11214 PINE BANK CT., FT. WAYNE, IN 46845(260)489-3100 X228 [email protected]

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - JON ALLYN3120 N. ARGONNE DRIVE, MILWAUKEE, WI 53222

(800)638-9609 [email protected]

2008 ASP BOARD


You may need to look for something new for your next season of inspiration.

From these current images you can see, some look like my traditional work and some are a bit different. Point being, since I’ve given up my lab and delegated many other functions I’d been self-assigned, my schedule has acquired a new freedom, thus allowing me to enjoy some new, and many overdue projects.

I guess that contentment in your work and business is just a fleeting, momentary peace, for both the artists and the capitalists among us are anxious to take the next forward step.

Consider making bigger choices. Not which camera, printer or software to buy, but rather, what changes will bring long lasting dividends and bigger steps in the right direction.

Good luck and blessings on your journey.

-- Business, continued from page 16.

Tim Kelly, M. Photog., Cr., F-ASP, is owner of Tim Kelly’s Fine Portraiture in Orlando, FL. You can contact him at: [email protected]

PSST. Want the scoop on the hottest banquet ticket in town?

And at a discount??

Watch your mailbox for your ASP Dues Renewal notice (coming late

October/early November 2008). Inside that envelope will be your

opportunity to get your ASP Banquet ticket for 2009 at a

great savings.

Don’t miss out!




























My son who is in kindergarten can look at the word photography and tell you that it starts with the letter “P” and that his Daddy takes pictures for a living. When I first started out on my own, I foolishly thought that being able to take good pictures would make me a successful photographer. Needless to say, I was poorly mistaken. I soon came to realize that there was a lot more than one “P” needed to run a successful photography studio.

Product. The quality of your product (portraits) is one of the key ingredients. For example, if you were hungry and had a taste for a hamburger, you would have a few options. If quality was not important to you, you can go to a local fast food chain and get one for 99 cents. The taste would probably be less than average, however you can bet that it would be ready before you can finish paying for it. Now if you appreciate the taste of a good hamburger, you would more than likely find another place to eat. Perhaps a family owned restaurant that would ask you how you are you doing. Another question would be how you would like your hamburger cooked. Granted the cost of this hamburger would be more than the 99 cent one, but the quality of the product and service would be well worth the extra money. It is also important to show your clients the quality and diversity of your product. Your studio samples should represent what you want your clients to purchase. If you want to sell 30 inch portraits, you need to have 30 and 40 inch art displayed on your studio walls.

Presentation. The way you present your product to your clients will have a major impact in your sales room. The emotion your clients get when they see images of their loved ones projected in a beautiful video presentation will far exceed what they would get if you showed them a handful of 4x6 prints.

Packaging. The next time you are in a grocery or convenient store, take a look at the bottled water. You should notice a difference in some of the packaging along with the pricing. Keep in mind this is bottled water, not that fancy flavored stuff, but regular bottled spring water. So let’s take the hamburger we had earlier, the 99 cent burger came wrapped in a piece of paper while the home made one was served on a nice plate with some fresh lettuce, with onion and tomato on the side. So why do we pay more for a bottle of Evian that your average bottle of water when there isn’t a difference in taste? The main reason is we are paying for the name. It’s the brand name, the more stylish looking packaging and the higher-end clientele that Evian chose as a target market. If our clients are purchasing our quality products that we unveiled to them in a beautiful presentation, how are we delivering these portraits? In a nice box or bag branded with our logo or in a manila paper envelope?

Price. I put price last on the list because I think we should sell our price after we sell ourselves. If we have a high quality product that we present in such a way that brings tears of joy to our clients when they see it, and deliver it in a beautiful package, then we shouldn’t have a difficult time selling our price.

And with that, I leave you with the “P” of photography. A little business sense - or the help of a happy kindergartener - and you can work your way through the whole word successfully and profit from it.

The first letter in photography. by Paul Rogers M.Photog.Cr, CPP,

F-PPANI, ASP

PPaul Rogers owns Rogers Photography in Chicago, IL. You can contact him at [email protected].

YOU, TOO, CAN HAVE FAME, FORTUNE AND

AN ASP EDUCATIONAL ASSOCIATE!

YES! It only takes your thesis submitted beforeOCTOBER 1, 2008, and you, too, could be the proud recipient of the ASP Educational Associate. Information, application and other details available at:www.asponline.com/gotothesis.com. For additional information, email Kalen Henderson at [email protected].

(Fame & fortune subject to availability.)



http://www.asponline.com/gotothesis.com

http://www.asponline.com/gotothesis.com




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Documents

ASP Magazine - Summer 08