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04/20/2006 10:57:31 PM · #1 |
Just over a year ago, I participated in a âhuman scavenger hunt.â We had a list of 15 people to photograph, with the idea that the subjects would be strangers to us and that they would be looking at the camera, knowing that there picture was being taken. I went out on this âphoto safariâ and shot 13 of the 15 in just about 3 hours. That was the day that Nina told me to âjust go for it,â to see would happen if I made a full-time to commitment to photography. Well, 12 months later, I haveâ¦
@ had over 600 photos published in 1 local weekly
@ had nearly 40 assignments for the daily paper, 6 of which were multi-image (5-20 images) spreads, and another 7 assignments had at least 2 images published
@ been shooting regularly for 2 other local weekly papers
@ shot some magazine assignments
@ shot some for the Associated Press
@ shot some weddings
@ shot a lot of portraits
@ sold a lot of prints
@ a semi-permanent gallery at the 3rd St Diner
@ won a 1st and a 3rd in the Virginia Press Association competition
@ prints hanging in the Lt. Governor of Virginia's office
I have shot sports: football, field hockey, ice hockey, lacrosse, basketball, ping pong, golf, yoga, volleyball, track, road-runners, fishermen, NASCAR, Indy cars, monster trucks, bicycling, soccer, weightlifting, cheerleading, gymnastics, rugby, bouldering, and swimming. I have shot little league, youth league, high school, college, and professional sports.
I have covered news conferences, grip and grins, and spot news. I have shot features for businesses, restaurants, government agencies, school programs. I have shot authors, students, faces in the crowd, politicians, beggars, civic leaders, firemen, athletes, criminals. and celebrities. I photographed the President and Air Force One.
I have shot parades, festivals, block parties, luncheons, receptions, a funeral, and a prayer vigil. I have shot architecture, landscapes, food, people, animals, flowers, and bugs.
I have shot before the sun came up and well after it has gone down and every time in between. I have had some 4 minute assignments, I've had some that have lasted for hours. I've had some assignments that required only 2-3 images, some that have taken 2-3 THOUSAND images. I've had some assignments scheduled for months, I've had some where they needed me as soon as I could get off the phone. I've had some where I had weeks to do the editing, I've had some where they wanted an image directly off my card as soon as I could give it to them.
I have shot a lot, but I haven't shot it all. Iâve still got a long ways to go and a LOT to learn, but Iâm thoroughly loving all of it.
I have to thank Ken Odor at the Mechanicsville Local for asking me âwhat would you rather be doing?â and to Greg Glassner at the Herald-Progress for giving me a start. Iâd like to thank Jerry Burd at the 3rd St Diner for commissioning the 35+ prints that are hanging in the diner, and Iâd like to thank Bob Brown at the Times-Dispatch for recognizing that I knew which end of the camera to point at something. Also at the TD, Iâd like to thank Dan Beatty for all the time he has spent with me, critiquing my work, and trying to teach me the subtle differences between a good photo and a great photo. Thanks, also, to all those talented shooters at the TD whoâve patiently answered my questions and helped me along the way.
I owe a special thanks to Tom Dozier, the sports editor at the Herald-Progress. Because of his vision and willingness to take risks, we have collaborated on some of the most incredible pieces Iâve ever seen in a weekly paper.
Thanks also to all my friends, supporters, and coaches at that wonderful online photography community, dpChallenge. The feedback, support, and encouragement that I received there has been invaluable.
Lastly, and most importantly, I wouldnât be able to do this without the support of my family and friends, especially my wife, Nina. She is one of the most remarkable people Iâve ever met, and not a day goes by that she doesnât make me feel like the luckiest guy on the planet.
So, thanks to all ya'll, and here's to the next year!!
Skip
Message edited by author 2007-04-12 05:34:00. |
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04/20/2006 11:02:29 PM · #2 |
| Nice to hear. What were you doing before photography? Curious. |
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04/20/2006 11:04:00 PM · #3 |
| Very impressive, Skip. Looks like you've had a successful, fulfilling and exciting year! |
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04/20/2006 11:04:25 PM · #4 |
| That's a damn good post. Congratulations on your accomplishments, that single post is really something special. |
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04/20/2006 11:05:26 PM · #5 |
Originally posted by yanko:
Nice to hear. What were you doing before photography? Curious. |
running a database consulting firm. i got tired of trying to compete against off-shore outsourcing; so now, instead of licensing software, i license images ;-) |
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04/20/2006 11:05:56 PM · #6 |
What a LUCKY man! Keep up the good, hard work, and I'm sure you will continue to be LUCKY! Seriously, it's rare when someone can enjoy what they do, as much as you do. I just retired from a job like that and now I've taken up photography and I love this, too.
All my best to you, for your next year!
Henry |
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04/20/2006 11:06:59 PM · #7 |
| Congrats on your great year. |
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04/20/2006 11:07:07 PM · #8 |
Dammit, Skip, you write as well as you shoot. Brings a tear to my eye. :~) Seriously, you're an inspiration. Not that I'll ever shoot for a living, but you definitely provide a whole lot of encouragement to just get out there and shoot - at least for me. Keep up the GREAT work, and thanks for sharing!
(Might wanna edit the line that reads "I shot the President and Air Force One", though. Search engines, you know...) |
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04/20/2006 11:08:28 PM · #9 |
| truly inspiring skip! thanks for sharing with us ;) |
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04/20/2006 11:11:33 PM · #10 |
| WOW skip, what a great year! Thank you for sharing everything with us! |
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04/20/2006 11:28:13 PM · #11 |
sharing...that is what made this site for me. people are so generous here, trying to give back is the least i can do.
yes, it was an absolutely over-the-top unbelievable year. lotta, lotta hard work, and a lot of stress-filled situations. i can't trade it for anything. lotta lucky breaks, lotta shameless self-promotion. it did take a team effort, and it did take serious commitment, but what worth anything doesn't?
the thing is, if you really, really want something bad enough, you can do it! even when it sucks, when nothing's going right, when it looks like it's the stupidist, most idiotic, hare-brained decision you could ever have made, you simply gotta dig in and find a way to work through it. the reality of the matter is that the only mistake you can make is to give up on yourself. |
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04/20/2006 11:28:21 PM · #12 |
Great job Skip. I glad you are doing something you like and have the ability (physically, mentally, and emotionally) to have such a successful year. I hope your are bless for many year to rise to newer levels and become one of the great photographers.
It has been a pleasure to talk to you in the threads and on the phone. Keep up the great work and we (dpc) are proud of your accomplishments and wish to extend that to you and your family. Don't ever forget us - one day I would like to see a photograph in a large publication and tell my children, "I know him, I remember how he got started; Determination and faith in his abilities".
GREAT post!
-SDW
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04/21/2006 12:27:03 AM · #13 |
| Awesome. Congratulations. And very nice work. :) |
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04/21/2006 12:35:54 AM · #14 |
You sound like you've recieved an oscar!!!! You probably feel like you've gotten one! Well deserved too! :0)
And the best part??? You've been helping us along the way and sharing with us all your ups and downs, ins and outs, the mistakes and the perfect catches.
Thank YOU!!!! Bravo! :0) |
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04/21/2006 12:51:29 AM · #15 |
| Inspirational. Well done, Skip. |
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04/21/2006 01:08:29 AM · #16 |
You need to add one more thing to the list, Helping other DPCers improve. Congratulations!
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04/21/2006 02:08:32 AM · #17 |
Two things I didn't see in your post:
"I am filthy stinking rich now and don't have to work another day in my life!"
"I really owe everything to Art Roflmao who taught me how to look in the mirror and laugh my ass off!"
Hahahahahhhaaaa *cough* haa. :)
SKIP - YOU are THE MAN! You are "the man" they were talking about when they came up with the phrase "You the man" (aka "you da man!"). And even though I blame your general lack of popularity for the dismal placing on my Username challenge entry, you've got an open invitation for a free beer or six on me anytime you're up this way. :D |
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04/21/2006 02:33:29 AM · #18 |
Wow, what an inspirational post!
I swear, if you could do that whole thing in an animated flash presentation with some good music, you'll turn anyone into a photographer!
Thanks for sharing! |
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04/21/2006 02:38:41 AM · #19 |
The best post I've ever seen on DPC, bar none. Sort of brings things into focus, doesn't it? Thanks for sharing, Skip.
R.
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04/21/2006 07:34:10 AM · #20 |
| Inspirational post Skip. I continue to stand in awe of your photographic ability, but perhaps even more so your very special personality and openness that I am sure is a big part of your success as well. I can't wait to see what you accomplish in the next year. |
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04/21/2006 07:45:15 AM · #21 |
thanks, again, all ya'll!
i didn't mean to make it sound like a gush, but, this was the first time i'd had a chance to sit back and actually reflect on this past year...and i'll admit, it's a buzz!
there are a few more thoughts i'd like to throw out...
Originally posted by me in another thread:
you CAN do this, if you want to. it takes time, effort, commitment, and desire. equipment helps, as does skill and experience. however, nothing is more important commitment. if people can sense your commitment & passion, they are willing to bend over backwards to help you get where you want to be--and they are a lot more understanding about you're not being there, yet. don't be afraid to try, and don't create imaginary hurdles for yourself. if you want to do it, JUST GO FOR IT!!! |
this really is true. absolutely.
commitment in the past year, i never turned down an assignment, unless it was physically or logistically impossible for me to make it. i never asked what it was before saying yes. i know i took a lot of assignments that others would turn down if given the opportunity--but, for me, it was all about having an opportunity.
what NOT to do don't complain, whine, make excuses, rationalizations, and/or justifications as to why you can't do something. there is nothing wrong with having fits of self-doubt--that's normal. however, it's unacceptable to blame anyone for what you don't have or can't do. life's not fair, but the people trying and failing seem to get a lot more support than those crying and quitting...
the rest of team i really do have to thank my kids, lexa and beau. i can't count how many times i've had to drag them out with me because i didn't have coverage. Lord knows, i have stretched their patience, making them hang out in the bleachers while i shot some high school sport that really didn't interest them. i know it hasn't always been fun for them, and i really appreciate the way they've pitched in. i also should thank our friends laurie and rhonda, for watching lexa & beau as much as they did.
practice, practice, practice, practice!!! if you really want to get good at this, you can't just take 100 shots a week. the first ice hockey game i shot, i took almost 700 frames. a pro asked me why, when i had probably met the assignment in the first 50 shots. i told him i shot not to just meet the assignment, but because i had the opportunity, i wanted to practice, and, i wanted to see who won the game! it's not just about getting the job done--it's also about having fun while pushing yourself a little farther.
dpchallenge and, even though i didn't get to participate as much as i would have liked, i did manage to bring my average up a quarter point this past year, as well as finally win a ribbon!
the bottom-line nothing is automatic, or overnight, but, if you work hard, make the most of the opportunities you're given, and treat people decently and honestly, you can have a pretty nice trip, as well as meet a lot of really cool, interesting people along the way! |
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04/21/2006 07:55:21 AM · #22 |
Cool Skip, glad you enjoyed your last year, this post made for a good reading.
Sort of thinking about doing the same thing myself, quit my dayjob and try to make it as a photographer, concentrating on both on traditional studio photography like childrens photos, weddings, headshots and such and also try to get into advertising/fashion photography so this reading was very inspirational to me. Wish me luck :) |
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04/21/2006 08:03:42 AM · #23 |
I also love the above post re "Skips" fantastic work..... This is exactly why I "LOVE" DPC.....
Now to Larus;
I would also think you would have a great future as a professional photographer Larus, as your images are "something out of this world" and I admire you so very much, but I think you know that.....
Originally posted by Larus:
Cool Skip, glad you enjoyed your last year, this post made for a good reading.
Sort of thinking about doing the same thing myself, quit my dayjob and try to make it as a photographer, concentrating on both on traditional studio photography like childrens photos, weddings, headshots and such and also try to get into advertising/fashion photography so this reading was very inspirational to me. Wish me luck :) |
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04/21/2006 08:08:24 AM · #24 |
WONDERFUL post, Skip! So glad to hear how well things are working out for you! You deserve it absolutely. And don't forget, whilst you're thanking all the kind and talented people that have helped you along the way that a good chunk of the reasons for your success are your own warm and open personality, your willingness to learn from others, your willingness to work hard and to continuously strive to do better and your drive and determination!
WOO HOO to you!
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04/21/2006 10:25:46 AM · #25 |
I always love reading your stuff Skip! Your photos are awesome and your words always draw me in.
I just received my first edition of "Photolife" and there's an article about Essay Photography and I instantly thought of you while I was reading it! It's awesome hearing your stories from the beginning until currently with all the highs and lows. I hope you never forget us here at DPC when you become the "big dog"! :)
*whipping out the pom poms to cheer skip on*
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