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We all get so hung up on our camera's don't we?

As technological advances take place camera phones improve, everyone has some sort of camera and is a budding fine art artist. I will forever remember a conversation that I had with a friend of mine Ed Bicknell. We were having a discussion about the art of photography marketing. I was explaining that every corner I turn around there is a new budding photographer flooding the market with me too images, creating market value confusion. I will never forget what he said next...

Not everyone who owns a camera is a photographer. Stop and think about it. Because someone owns a typewriter are they a writer? Own a tool box, a qualified finished carpenter? Have a set of paint brushes in the house? You must be the next Leonardo da Vinci. Lingerie from Victoria Secret, a supermodel? Do they often think they are...yes. Are they? No. They cannot sustain in this market. Yes their friends and family will ooh and ahhh at their images. But will true collectors support their art? All of these take passion, talent, gut instinct, not just book smart, but street smart and experience.

Ed Bicknell is an accomplished writer, inspiration public speaker and exquisite film photographer. His family owned Bicknell Photo Service In Portland, Maine. It is considered and remembered to this day as a leader in photography services. I guess what I'm saying is that he is more than qualified to make these statements.

Just something to think about the next time you take a look at the artist market around you and how you fit into it.

In the meantime I will leave you with a funny short video

https://youtu.be/niyTIbiV19A


PS: DID YOU GET IT?

Earlier this month I was blessed with the opportunity to participate in a workshop on posing and lighting with the legendary Lou Freeman.

Lou's story is Image one that you can't help being inspired. The second female photographer hired by playboy, she created beautiful images for their clients for 12 years. She's worked with models, top names, stars and magazines all over the world. With a celebrity client list that includes the names of Jamie Fox, Niki Taylor, Jack Nicholas, Tiger Woods, Lisa ‘Left Eye’ Lopes, just to name a few. Images featured in 100's of magazines with the likes of Vogue, Glamour, Vanity Fair, Elle, people, Modern Bride and corporate clients like, Saks, Macy's, Ralph Lauren, Target... The list goes on and on.

A lot of photographers with these credentials would have spent the entire day telling us how wonderful they were, Lou very humbled and down to earth spoke from the heart sharing her passion for creating images with impact. What I learned during this workshop is that Lou may be beautiful inside and out but what she is a able to create far out weights any client list or job. She has an eye for painting with light to create a mood or emotion that doesn't just lay on the page it jumps off and into your heart.

First let me clarify a little when I say painting with light. I do not mean the type of photography that you hear about where someone goes out at night with a flashlight, leaves their shutter open and lights up areas in a scene. What I mean is that she selectively uses photography lights (scrims, snoots, umbrellas, gels, beauty dish, barn doors...) to highlight areas in an image that she wants to draw attention to, a background, facial features, legs, props creating mood, drama, emotion.

If you guessed I loved the class you would be right on target. I would recommend that anyone who has an opportunity to work or learn from Lou grab that chance. Here are a few of the images I took during her class. Models: Siobhan Murtiff, Shauna Rae Riordan and Arianna Cian-Prichard. Hair: Alisha Salisbury Makeup: Rosangela McCann. Stylist, set director, and amazing teacher- Lou Freeman.

Looking for something fun to do on a budget?

Did you know that the Portland Museum of Art in Portland, Maine is open Free on Friday evenings from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m? What's even better is that the Museum's current exhibits are truly exciting!
Making Faces: Photographic Portraits of Actors and Artists
Available January 14, 2012 - April 8, 2012

Tanja Alexia Hollander: Are You Really My Friend?
Available February 4, 2012 - June 17, 2012

You may have heard of the exhibit "Are You Really My Friend? on the news recently. It was a brainchild of a Westbrook Women. Asking the question we all ask...Is that person on my Facebook Page really my friend? Artist Tanja Alexia Hollander travels visiting and photographing her Facebook Friends. For anyone who has asked that same question about their Facebook Page ~This is an exhibit that would be a crime to miss! It's also a great opportunity to get dressed up and get out of the house!

PS: If your not my friend on Facebook I would love it if you would check me out and consider being my friend. Visit my FB page Who know maybe we'll run into one another at the exhibit.

Starting on March 2, 2012 the First Friday Art Walk begins in Portland, Maine. The Art Walk is a self guided tour of museums, galleries and various art venues throughout Portland. It's a great opportunity to get outside or inside/out as the case may be and enjoy some art, mingle with friends and make some new friends. Over 50+ galleries and art venues will be participating. Click here to visit the website to download the printable pocket map and listing.

Want to get more out of that new camera you received for Christmas? You could read the book, wing it or take a class... As for me I'm taking a class and I didn't even get a new camera!

Roger S. Duncan, a photographer from Bath, Maine will be holding classes in both Bath and Lewiston. He has led Adult Education classes since 2006 in our area.His teaching methods are very down to earth. He makes it easy and fun to learn.

Many times even the most seasoned photographer may like to take a local class but does not because, lets face it, this is a competitive industry. Roger makes everyone feel comfortable learning from each other. My personal experience is that he has a natural knack at bringing the group together, building team spirit and camaraderie.

His programs cover topics including basic, fine art, photojournalism, sports, and portraiture. He has a basic class starting late January and a portrait class in February.

If it sounds like something you would be interested in click on the following link for more information. TAKE BETTER PICTURES

Maybe I will even see you in his portraiture class! PS:They are soo affordable too!

Let me leave you with a small tid-bit a friend of mine who is very well known for his experience in the photography industry told me one day when I said...
..."What can a photographer do to make money in this industry when everyone has a camera, is taking and selling pictures?" As serious as could be, he replied... Always remember not everyone who has a typewriter can write a novel. Just because they have a camera doesn't make them a photographer. It makes them just someone who owns a camera.

Opening your mind and exposing yourself to new ideas, concepts and training can make you a better photographer.

Where can you find out more about me? Try some of these links.
My Website
Another one of my sites
See me on Red Bubble for iphone cases
Sevastra on Posterous
Check me out on Twitter
I would love it if you LIKE me on Facebook!!