PPA Craftsman Degree in New Orleans

Ever wonder what a 5'10" penguin looks like?

Last week I returned from the city of New Orleans after taking in the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) national convention.  I spent four glorious days in The Big Easy with several other photographers from Upstate NY taking in the warm temperatures, friendly people, outrageous food…and some inspiring classes and awesome trade show.

The reason I was there was two-fold.  I was also there to receive the Photographic Craftsman degree.  PPA members achieve the degree of Photographic Craftsman (Cr.Photog.) through their commitment of service to the profession as an orator, author, or mentor.  By giving back to the industry, these PPA members share their knowledge and expertise with those who wish to improve their skills and stay successful in business.  For me, it was a nice end to a whirlwind of speaking engagements that started less than 2 years ago.  But the thing that I like most is that it indicates that I am an ambassador of photography.  It was also a nice occasion to put on a tuxedo and look like a 5’10” penguin.

All in all, it was a great four days, made even better by the fact that we could sit on a balcony…In January…at 7pm drinking adult beverages while it was 12 degrees here at home.  My wife was “not” happy about that.  And after four days of eating alligator, catfish, crawfish, gumbo and jumbalaya…the cold cereal I had on my first morning back was…..pitiful.

Good friend and mentor Deb Woodard also received her
Photographic Craftsman degree in New Orleans

Say Hello to My 'Lil Friend

Children's Portraits at Luke Photography

Sometimes there are singular moments that define your career.  Hopefully they are positive, not negative moments.  I experienced a moment like this this weekend during a session with 1-yr. old Michaela, who I first photographed as a newborn.  Well, that's not really true.. She was in the studio during her mother's maternity shoot, but I'm sure she had other things on her mind, what with all the packing and getting ready for the big move, which was to come three weeks later.

I've now photographed 'lil Michaela four times in her first year, and it became obvious that she had somewhat become accustomed to me.  During her most recent session she was very active, as most 1-yr olds are, once they've figured that their legs are made for walking.  Come to find out, the only time she was content to sit still was when she came over and sat on my lap when I was sitting on the floor following her every movement with the camera.  She even sat there while I gave the camera to her father, and I scooched over in front of the lights for my big moment in front of the camera with my newest 'lil friend.

I've always been good with children, and they always seem to like me, but this is the first time during a session that one of them preferred to be with me behind the camera instead of in front of it.  As I felt her little hand reach up and touch my cheek...this singular moment...made me glad I do what I do.

A Photographer Should Be In Every Photograph

Team Building at Luke Photography.
This is where I literally and figuratively put myself into my photography.

I saw a question recently that struck home with me….and I think the answer should be blatantly obvious to anyone in any creative field.

“What’s more important as a photographer… to remove yourself from the photograph, or to make the photograph about you as a photographer?”  - fashion photographer Jay McLaughlin