Off the Radar

Sometimes creative minds fall off the radar for a while… that’s because we’re busy mixing mental paints, and preparing fresh canvases.

I’ve been guilty of both, and am excited for what’s coming soon! Portfolio going to the Certified Professional Photographer review – check. Waiting for the Ocean Shores Associated Art Festival’s juried art show (which all five entries were accepted, thank you very much!), one national merit from Professional Photographers of America, hopefully three more in June, interview next week with local fine art gallery (fingers crossed), upcoming sessions with several AMAZING dogs and their equally amazing owners, and next week, a totally cool class on fine art printing and digital image expo. Busy bee, I tell ya! OH, and kittens.. I have kittens to photograph this weekend – it can’t be a bad day when you have kittens to photograph.

In less than two weeks, we’ll be having the 2012 Professional Photographers of Washington spring conference in Olympia. This year is special to me for a couple of reasons…
#1 – It is PPW’s 60th anniversary
#2 – I am going to be the vice president for PP of WA, and while very nervous, I am also very excited. I believe so much in the PP of WA organization, and what it has to offer professional photographic artists (and enthusiasts), I just can’t begin to describe how excited I am for the coming year!!!!

Last month, I visited my friend Luci, in sunny San Diego, and we had a complete blast at the Vincent Versace workshop in Escondido! If you EVER have the chance, jump on it – Versace is an AMAZING teacher, and you’d better be ready to do some serious learning. He is definitely an advanced teacher, but also a very detailed and generous one, whose love/passion for the art is undeniable.

Two weeks ago, I went to Dallas for training, and spent a day at Caddo Lake. If you’ve never been there/don’t know anything about Caddo Lake – uh, find it… see it… experience that lake. I’m excited to be returning in May, and plan to spend some time on the water with a guide, navigating the cyprus knees and spooky swamp (and seeing gators).

So the first part of April, I’ll be taking my accepted entries to the Ocean Shores Associated Arts festival show. Wish me luck… there’s some pretty significant prizes to be had… and I’m sure some pretty mean talent against which I will compete. I have learned that competition is not really so much about winning – though I play to win – it’s more about the selection process. So many photographers are against competition, but they fail to find the hidden education that lies within. The process of selecting your prints, knowing you are up against other professionals is a very revealing endeavor. You have to separate yourself from your work… it’s akin to being a mom, and realizing your kid is NOT perfect, nor are they ALWAYS sweet.You have to select images you feel are strong, you need to understand WHY they are strong, and you have to be willing to separate yourself from your favorites and recognize YOUR love of an image does not necessarily mean it is a strong image… THIS, my friends, is EXTREMELY difficult. With that being said, here are my five for OSAA…

Cheers!