March 2011

More Promise of Spring

Winter is releasing its hold on my home and countryside, begrudgingly at first and now more fully. I am looking forward to the flowers and warmer days that are just around the corner. I am blessed with four seasons to capture with my camera but spring may be my favorite.

Many who know me know that I am a veteran of the U.S. Army. I was fortunate to have served in a time of relative quiet, at least a time of quiet to the general public. On the other hand my father served for 26+ years and saw action in both Korea and Vietnam. I recently lost him and realize more now than ever before how much he gave to both his country and family over his nearly 80 years. In his honor I want to give a little back to the families of veterans by offering families of those servicemen and women a free portrait session and CD of images from that session so your military service member can have a photograph wherever they are in this world.

My studio is near Rockford Illinois so this offer must be limited to those close enough to Rockford to be able to visit my studio. If you have service members that would enjoy a photo to carry with them please call and make an appointment. Please pass this message on so it can get the widest exposure because you never know who might have a friend or family living in this area that could take advantage of this offer. There is no time limit and this offer does not expire. We owe more to these men and women than we can ever repay.

Book of the Month

In this installment of the my newsletter I have another book to suggest that offers help in determining a possible path for those interested in photography as a profession.

Photography as a profession, is more challenging than either my engineering or business management careers. As artists we would love to do 'our thing' and make a living and some are able to do just that. Others focus on client needs and make adjustments as required to meet those needs. My current 'Book of the Month' forces those wanting to be a professional in the field to look hard at themselves to determine the 'What, Why, How ...' of photography is the correct path for them. It is more than just photography but is about who they are that will make them great. Fast Track Photographer by Dane Sanders is worth reading for everyone considering professional photography as a career path.

I am still working through the process that this book describes but can already see the benefits that it is offering me in my career. The path from engineer to photographer has been interesting and I feel everything that has come before is making me a better photographer and business person.

The Business of Photography

Going Fishing

The profession of photography has been rewarded and penalized by the technology advances that have occurred in the last decade. The low cost of entry with the purchase of highly capable digital cameras has expanded the number of 'professional' photographers available for hire. Having an expensive camera does not create a professional any more than buying the best piano creates a professional musician. Even having the technical skill to use the camera is not the most important aspect within the business of photography. The business requires more than the creativity of the photographer to make it work. A professional photographer blends the technical, the art, the client's needs and schedule to deliver a cost effective product that will do the intended job. This is no different than any profession. The age-old law of commerce remains in effect, and is as important as ever. Caveat emptor, let the buyer beware. For those interested in using photography to promote an event, a business or a product do your homework and find a true professional to create your promotional images, marketing program or to record that once in a lifetime event. You will be rewarded in the end. [End of commercial]

Winter Sunrise

Photo of the Month

The beauty all around us drew me into photography and capturing that beauty in some way each time I pick up my camera is something I strive for.

Each month I get to share a favorite image with all of you.

In a fit of sleeplessness one winter morning I traveled through the countryside before sunrise to find the perfect location to record the sunrise in the agricultural area near my home. Every shiver and step through a dormant cornfield of knee deep snow was worth it as this will always be one of my favorite sunrise images. Beauty is all around us. All we need to do is open our eyes and look at the world a little differently.

For all reading this that have not had enough of my written word please visit my blog, blog.jonmlamrouex.com, where I write about places to photograph and different photographic techniques I have learned.