Naturally, I Couldn't Stay Away For Long

Well, I knew I couldn't stay away for too long. I've started reading the first booklet in Unit 5, "Photojournalism 1." I may never cut it as a full time, professional portrait or wedding photographer, but photojournalism is something that has always fascinated me, and it's a career path I've thought about pursuing, off and on, throughout my life; especially since I love to write in addition to taking pictures. There's just something about the spontaneity and "in the moment" nature of photojournalism that has always appealed to me. To be the first person on the scene, or the first to capture a critical or pivotal moment in time...THAT is something I've always dreamed about!

So I'm reading my way through the material, absorbing all the information and taking the suggestions they make into strong consideration. I'm going to compile a list of phone numbers and addresses for all the local newspapers and TV stations, and the local wire service if there is one, and I'm going to keep the information in my phone. That way, if I'm ever out and about with my camera, and I happen to come upon a scene that I think is news worthy, I'll be able to contact those organizations that might be able to use (and will probably pay for) my photos. Maybe one day, if I get enough of my material into some of the local publications, I can serve as a stringer for one or more of them, or maybe even get hired as a staff photographer. That would be pretty cool.

To that end, I need to get a small "ID picture" made for my NYIP PhotoWorld press pass, and I need to acquire another compact, high quality point-and-shoot camera, so I ALWAYS have a camera with me, no matter where I am. Because you never know when breaking news is going to happen. I'm also going to add the "Photographer's Rights Gray Card Set" to my gear, in the event that my presence at a scene is ever questioned, or my right to photograph something is ever denied.

So here's to the exciting world of photojournalism. If you see something important happening, photograph and/or video record it, so that others may know what's going on in the world around them. Who knows, maybe your photo or video will be tomorrow's headlines. You never know what's going to happen, so always be on the lookout for news worthy stories, and always make sure to have your camera nearby!

Until next time, thanks for stopping by.

Unit Six Has Arrived

Unit 6 arrived today. Now I have all of the materials from the Complete Course in Professional Photography, and I have to start working through it from where I left off. Before I get to that point though, it's time to get some of my photo projects out of the way!

PPA Membership

My PPA (Professional Photographers of America) membership packet arrived in the mail today. I joined as an "Aspiring Photographer," which I can do for a maximum of 2 years, before I have to enroll as an "Active Professional," something which I hope I will be much closer to being after 2 years of experience. I think the PPA membership will compliment my NYIP training nicely, offering me access to additional training materials, industry incites, and professional certifications.

Much of this is still new to me, and I have a lot to explore and learn about; but I hope this additional level of involvement will help expand my skill base, and enhance my studies as I journey along the path to becoming a Professional Photographer.

Unit 6 On The Way

I should be receiving Unit 6, the final unit in the program, within a week or so. Of course I'm currently stopped at Unit 5 because it contains subjects that I have a stronger interest in, and I didn't want to rush into them yet, as I still have to catch up with my photo projects. I'm rather behind in that area, since I've only submitted my pictures for Unit 1 so far.

I've been taking a fair amount of pictures lately, but most of them have been more of the snapshot variety, in my continuing 365 Day project (366 days with the leap year.) I've taken a few pictures that could probably be used for my Unit 2 submissions, but none that I'm really happy with. I need to go out one day with the focus of SPECIFICALLY shooting images for Unit 2. Then I have to work on the portrait/lighting projects for Units 3 and 4. That last two units will be more challenging, so I want to make sure I'm caught up with everything else before I start on them, and the photo projects for Units 2-4 will get me in "better shape," photography-wise, to embark on the last two Units of the program.

So now I just need to find my focus (no pun intended,) and get on the ball. I have a lot of pictures to take and have printed, and I want to concentrate I'm producing prints that I'm happy with, and that I will be proud to submit. As always, once I've submitted pictures for review, I will post some of them on here for additional critique.

That's about it for now. Good luck to all of you who are working your own way through any of the NYIP photography courses. Feel free to share any questions, comments or experiences that you have had on your own photographic journey!