September 2011

Into the Curve

As the heat of summer fades, not yet in my hometown, but the promise of comfortable sleeping nights is close, nature begins to plan its annual offering of the wonder of autumn.  Before we begin the rush of capturing that palette take advantage of what the last of summer offers.

I have spent the last month questioning why photography continues to draw me in. The boredom of travelling the same roads and seeing the same views and longing for something different to photograph.

Senior photos, families, babies and events offer varied opportunities for creativity but continue to require care and concern. The human condition is that we want images of ourselves to be attractive and flattering.

Journalism includes photo journalism but newspapers do not make money on the good news they can report and the papers are flooded with photographs of the pain and suffering in our city, our country and the world. Photographs of suffering does not provide me with satisfaction even when the photo is truely great.

Then a morning arrives when I look in a direction and I see a photograph that I will take, but only if I stop the car and walk those few steps ... I have past this location dozens of times and looked without seeing, or seen a wonderful shot and not taken the time to stop. This time I did stop and created another memory, for me and for many that will see the photograph.
Sometimes we all need something to re-energize our creativity. At times it comes in the most unexpected ways.

The Business of Photography

Country Apples

A stock photography image available at Almay

There are so many ways that photography becomes a business. Each and every day we are exposed to thousands of images created by photographers. Some of these are of the unremarkable and other times they are of the amazing.

My region continues to be hard hit by the economic strife the country is experiencing. Marketing budgets are small, even though now is the time when marketing expenses can make a significant imact on sales.

Companies can make the most of their marketing budgets by having the right images representing the products. For generic messages stock photography agencies can offer some cost savings. The risk involved is that that perfect stock photo for your message is also a perfect photo for others, including your competitors.

Use stock carefully and prudently and it can stretch the marketing budget. To be assured your marketing will be unique hire a professional to create your images and your materials. Make the most of everything you do by working with professionals.

Jon M Lamrouex Photography is represented by Almay, a stock agency offering both Royalty Free and Rights Managed Stock Photography. My available stock photographs can be reviewed at JonMLamrouex Photography at Almay

Joy

Photo of the Month

Is a photograph really worth a thousand words? A good photo can talk to you, raise hopes, bring back memories, a smile and sometimes tears.

I am fortunate to be able to photograph at many events including Ballroom Dance events. The pure enjoyment of the dance, the dancers and the audience is part of what keeps me photographing and participating in this sport.

Take memories as you make them.

For all reading this that have not had enough of my written word please visit my blog, blog.jonmlamrouex.com, where I write more about photography. Sometimes places to photograph and different photographic techniques and other times I try to offer experiences and ideas to help anyone interested in photography.