This week has been a whirlwind. As I look back on my journey that started 3 yrs ago with a one hour drive to take Hanson Fong's posing class at the Professional Photographer of Oklahoma School in Stillwater I have realized how far I have come.
That night I felt like I was way in over my head and I did not belong. A fish out of water so to speak. Several days later I was taken under the wings of some great people whom I owe a lot to. I was guided where to go for information, questions were answered and photographers were shadowed. I have studied pictures for lighting, posing, ideas and etc.
I was quickly introduced to Print Competition a few short weeks later. I had no idea what that was at the time. Wowzer, is all I can say. Being a newbie to the industry then, I thought my pictures were great. Little did I know, they needed some work. Ok A lot of work…lol. I chose not to entertain that idea, as I didn't need that stress on top learning new things such as camera settings, lighting ratios and posing. As time went on I watched and learned the in’s and out’s of print competition at the same time my confidence was building. Print Competition makes you a better photographer which helps make you become an even better photographer for you clients. We have some amazingly talented photographers here in Oklahoma.
What's next you ask. Print Competition at the Professional Photographers of Oklahoma "PPOK" being the state level, then Southwest Professional Photographers of America "SWPPA" which is the district level then on to the National level next year to earn merits towards my Master’s of Photography Degree thru the Professional Photographers of America also known at PPA.
These awards are for the people who have invested, guided, nudged and most of all believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. I wouldn't be where I am without each of you.
Robert and Terri Trawick of Trawick Images
Jim Felder of Jim Felder Photography & Design
Jen Tiffany with Jen Tiffany Photography
Lesley Vines with Lesley C. Photography
Dawn Muncy of Muncy Photography
These are for you!
A special Thank You to Jim Felder for the pictures.
Are you a member of PPA or PPOK? If you are interested in learning more about this process leave a comment below.
