Huntsman Photography Finding Focus

2012-01-21T16:45:00.007-05:00

The ASP Fellowship a Journey of Self Discovery

I started a journey of self discovery almost two years ago when I decided to apply for the ASP Fellowship. A journey that I might not have fully understood at it's inception.

The rejection call from my first try was definitely an extremely low point, much self doubt and frustration made me consider giving up. Thank God for my friends and many current fellows who encouraged me to continue on the journey. There were two close friends who ultimately pushed me to follow through and complete the process, Michael Timmons and Randy McNeely. I can't thank either of them enough but through their countless hours of work with me on the paper and the prints I became a Fellow at the ASP Banquet at Imaging USA this year in New Orleans.

The Fellowship of the American Society of Photographers is the highest earned honor that the society can bestow on a member photographer. It is awarded for exemplary photography, artistic philosophy, and inspiring career experiences and notable achievements.

Unlike the PPA, it is not awarded for scored prints or accumulated merits, which you have already achieved. Ken Whitmire stated, “…the judges are looking for more than the skills to produce flawless prints”.

Not only is an ASP Fellowship one of the most prestigious honors in photography, but it's also one of the most difficult to attain. To put this into perspective, consider that, while there are thousands and thousands of PPA Masters of Photography, there are currently only 111 ASP Fellows in the world.

The Portrfolio should consist of the the “finest work” of a candidate and must be exemplary photography in scope and quality, highlighting his/her career.

n conjunction with the Portfolio, a Thesis of not less the

n 2,000 words is required of the candidate incorporating his/her PHOTOGRAPHIC PHILOSOPHY. It is to be the original work of the candidate and include life work, career achievements, major influences, future aspirations and personal experiences. Influences may include others outside of photography … artist, poets, designers, writers

and other thinkers/doers of our culture and time

. Emphasis is on the photographic philosophy … your artistic vision, ideas, concepts, and techniques in the art and craft of photography. Substance on your work ethic, imagination and creative approach are judged along with the prints.

The Thesis should reflect the nature and spirit of the candidate’s most creative work and is of the utmost importance in awarding the degree.

If you are intersested in seeing the images and / read the paper you can visit the ASP website and enjoy them at this link: http://www.asofp.com/detail_fellowship.asp?ID=753

I think you'll find that the layout of the portfolio is as important if not more so than the individual prints. I hope you enjoy and maybe will someday take your journey whether pursuing the Fellowship or some other valued dream you hope to achieve.

Traveling the US, Judging and Speaking

2011-03-25T18:41:00.004-04:00

This year has been incredibley busy! In addition to running the Studio I have a job with a local company that has me doing photography, graphic design, web design and many other interesting and unusual jobs. My boss has been extremely flexible with my schedule to allow me to maintain the studio and my travel schedule which has been crazy.

The year started in San Antonio, TX at Imaging USA. Traveling with my BFF and speaking partner Jessica Vogel and our great freind Barbara Yonts. We helped setup and take down the International Photographic Exhibition, saw a few programs and in general got to visit some of our best freinds in photography.

A few weeks later Jess and I were on the road to Richmond, VA where we both judged and each of us did a program. Jess spoke on children and introduced the new Baje (Barb & Jess) line of childrens photography products, which are so cool.

I spoke on seniors and did a live shoot with a beautiful young lady named Haley. We had a great time with the people of VA!

Home a few days and off to Jess's suprise 50th birthday party in Bowling Green. Got home from that at 2:30am, had to get up @ 4:45am to leave for Atlanata, :[ to a PEC (Photographic Exhibition Committee meeting at PPA Headquarters. A great trip spent with many good freinds and lots work being done. Arrived home at midnight only to leave the next morning to PPO (Professional Photographers of Ohio) Convention. Shared a room with great freinds and judged beautiful images for two days.

If you wonder why I travel so much, it is that you get so inspired being with other photographers and seeing so many incredible images as you judge.

I leave this Wed for North Central District Judging and Heart of America's Convention where I'll speak on family photography and Jess will speak on children. We'll both judge. Home for a few days and it's off to Yakima, Washington for the Western District Judging and home a few more days and off to Martha's Vineyard to judge the North East District.

Haven't posted in a while and thought if anyone was interested this is kind of a synopsis of what the heck I'm doing.

Richard Thomas - "John Boy Walton"

2009-08-15T19:16:00.004-04:00

I did this photo session several years ago for the Lexington Opera House. The image is on display in the studio and almost everytime someone sees it they stop and stare. They'll then ask, who is that, I know him. Yes everyone feels like they know "John Boy Walton", afterall we grew up with him for many years on telvision and who could forget the closing of the show. It was a wide shot of the house with only the illuminated windows showing and each of the brothers and sisters telling everyone goodnight and then turning off their lights.

Richard Thomas is a wonderful actor! He nailed the lead in 12 angry men here in Lexington and it was a powerful performance by everyone in the show. He is also an incredibly nice guy. Although he was running late from meeting and greeting prior to the evening performance he came to me on the set where I had the lights set and waiting and applologized for keeping me waiting and then proceeded to give me all the time I needed to capture a nice series of portraits for the Opera House Gallery.

Just thought you might enjoy the picture and the story behind it.

So You Think You Can Dance!

2009-08-08T13:58:00.003-04:00

I've gotten really into So You Think You Can Dance this season. Today I photographed a young man who is a High School Senior that may be one of the next great stars!

Will Goeghegan is an incredibly talented dancer with a determination and spirit that will take him as far as he wants to go in dance. During his senior portrait session we got to play a little and came up with some really cool photos.

Above are just a few of the ones I've had to time to work with.

I hope everyone enjoys the images and Will's dancing as much as I do.

Indian Summer Camp for Kids with Cancer

2009-07-18T03:14:00.000-04:00

I can't believe how awesome the camp is! The kids get to do some things that are unbelievable. The Louisville Fire and Rescue team come to camp for the week and let the kids scuba dive in the pool for treasure. That's right, a treasure dive. Get the key to Davey Jones locker from the bottom of the pool and get a treat from the locker.

What would any good camp be without a talent show. Here the Medical Staff are getting down to "Dancing Queen". Besides keeping the kids in good health during the week the Med staff is great fun and the kids love them!

Indian Summer Camp for Kids with Cancer

2009-07-18T03:07:00.000-04:00

Wednesday was "lake day" for the campers. 23 Families volunteered their boats, gas and time to give the kids a chance to enjoy a day on the lake. This is the favorite day during the week.

The rains cut the day short but not before a ton of fun was had by all. There was fishing with pro bass fisherman, tubing behind some awesome wakeboard boats and just general fun on the water.

How about that catch? Have you ever seen a KY shark? Well, neither have we but with a little photoshop fun this young man has proof that he caught one.

Indian Summer Camp

2009-07-14T21:15:00.000-04:00

The kids were treated to a visit by some of the University of Louisville and University of Kentucky Football Players and Womens Basketball Players.

The Louisville players gave game jerseys to the kids and autographed them as well.

The players joined the campers, fishing, scuba diving, shooting bows and arrows, doing crafts and playing games. All of the athletes were wonderful young people! My hats off to them for taking the time out of their busy schedules to come spend some time with the kids.

There was also a motorcycle club that visited today. These folks brought their bikes for the kids to play on. They also brought doo rags, gogles and other items for the kids.

Indian Summer Camp

2009-07-14T20:58:00.000-04:00

Camp as always is unbelievable. Three bands donating their time and talents to come out and entertain the kids. The energy was awesome and to see the way the campers responded to not only hearing the bands but to meeting the musicians was a moving experience.

Daylight Divide, The Longshot Band and the Trouble with Boys were the bands. Hats off to all of you for coming out and making the evening one to remember.

Indian Sumer Camp for Children with Cancer

2009-07-13T14:04:00.000-04:00

6 or 7 photographers from Central KY have volunteered to capture the fun of a week at camp for the kids. This is the 3rd years for us participating and it's incredible. We burn a dvd slide show and include the files for the kids to take home with them on Sat. morning. We also do a large group and cabin group photos for the kids.

They have a ball and I'll try to post some images from the week when I have time.

The volunteers are me, Jennifer Palumbo, Linda Durhan, Deborah Kaye Montgomery, Kara Beth Brunner, Nate Mann and Don Moore.

Judges Workshop

2009-06-16T07:00:00.000-04:00

I'm in Atlanta teaching the PPA Judges Workshop with Dennis Craft. We've got a great group of students! The days are long but it is so much fun to see the transformation as the students begin to get a handle on the judging process.

Dennis has taught the class for many years and he is great at helping the students to see that judging is not just punching in numbers, but a deep thought process that takes substantial thinking and the ability to put into words what your seeing and feeling about a print.

The transformation from each students first turn with a scoring pad, generally stumbling and strugling for words and validation of their score, to late yesterday watching someone move the panel seven or eight points with an eloquent challenge and rebuttal.

There are definitely some potentially good future affiliated jurors.

2010 Senior Brochure

2009-06-03T18:34:00.000-04:00

Hey gang, the new senior brochure is finally ready for the printer. I'm posting it here for everyone to enjoy.

Many of you are on the brochure and some of you will be on the post cards. That's right, we're also going to do two post cards which will have additional seniors on them.

We're also booking seniors right now! June is mostly booked up but it would be best to go ahead and setup your appointment while you're thinking of it and before you get too busy.

Hope you enjoy the brochure.

The Hagan Girls

2009-05-01T11:34:00.000-04:00

I had a fun day working with the girls and invited them back to model for a posing and lighting class that Jessica Vogel and I were teaching here at the studio.

We got some great shots for them and they did a fantastic job modeling for us. We also got a treat at the end of the session as they played us a couple of tunes on the fiddles.

Portraits of My Family

2009-04-09T10:10:00.000-04:00

Thought I'd post a few portraits of my family. I just photographed them the other day and as I look at the images I can't believe they have gotten so old Cydney is 12 and Smith is 8. I still think of Cydney snuggling on my chest as a baby. I loved holding her and we both wake up soaked in sweat (I hope) but I didn't want to let go of her.

Smith has always been a full blown boy, loving gadgets and power tools! He also loves to read and learn. He and I bonded at a much different age than Cydney and I. I love them both sooo much it's hard to express.

My daughter Kelly and my wife Lucie also agreed to be in a few of the images. Kelly somewhat reluctantly. She's the child that when she was a high school senior wouldn't let me set up an appointment to do her senior pictures. She just wanted to waltz into the studio at the moment when her hair was doing really well and she was in the mood and have me do them. Unfourtunately for her at them time of my career I was busy busy busy and made her wait until I was able to do them.

She's great now though and it's so neat having your child become your friend.

As for Lucie, of course I saved the best for last! She's been the love of my life since our blind date 32 years ago. We have shared so many things great and not so great but still enjoy each others company and support each others talents. She is such and artist. If you get a chance go to her web site http://www.ljeffron.com/ and check out her art.

I hope you enjoy the images as much as I do.

Deborah Westerfields Portraits

2009-03-03T22:11:00.000-05:00

Although the winter has been a little ho-hum and today was cold, I had a great time photographing a great Artist and friend, Deborah Westerfield.

We did the images in her studio, and Debbie's art is always fun and whimsical and brings a smile to your face and warmth to your heart. For a little while I felt like I was in a wonderful garden, with the most incredible flowers of vibrant colors and then we eased into the world of Debbie's uniquely whimsical women. Check out the images and you'll see what I mean.

Wisconsin PPA Judging

2009-03-01T10:54:00.000-05:00

I just got back from Chairing the WPPA regional affiliated judging. WOW! They had some beautiful work. Saw some very new and creative techniques and as always got some great ideas to bring home and use for our clients.

Our jury panel was one of the best I've worked with, ever.

Getting paid to travel, look at incredible images and share my photographic knowledge has to be the most awesome job in the world. I'm so thankful, having been blessed with this opportunity to do what I enjoy for a living.

Winter Special

2009-02-10T14:55:00.000-05:00

Follow "Huntsman Photography the Blog" and get an additional $5 off your next session and a free slide show for your facebook site.

Promo Code: blogger0901

Winter Specials

2009-02-06T19:23:00.001-05:00

It's time for our Winter Specials!

B&W Sale February 13th - 25th $35 Session Fee & 20% off Orders over $400

Fairies March 20th, 21st & 24th $35 Session Fee & Promotional Print Pricing

Easter Bunnies are back! April 10th & 11th $20 Session Fee & Promotional Pricing

April Studio Session Sale Ballerina's, Tea Party, Paint Yourself Pink or any Studio Session April 1st - 29th $35 Session Fee and 20% off Orders of $400 or more.

Dave honored as KPPA Photographer of the Year for 2009

2009-01-27T11:46:00.000-05:00

At the Kentucky Professional Photographers Association Convention held in Covington, KY, January 21st - 26th. Dave was awarded Photographer of the Year. This is the eighth time Dave has won and the sixth time in the past eight years.

He was also awared Outstanding Master Illustrative Image, 2 Court of Honors and Mid East States top 5.

We had a great time at KPPA, seeing many old friends and meeting many new freinds. It was very exciting to see a youg woman from Harlan, KY win the Mid East States Peoples Choice Award in her very first competition. Jessica Edwards had an awesome imgage titled: Face Off, if you get a chance visit her blog and web site, http://www.jessicaedwardsphotography.blogspot.com/

Imaging USA

2009-01-10T04:00:00.000-05:00

Today's the day. We've spent a lot of time over the past 6 months working on our program for PPA. We've pulled images, talked about a million things and tweaked the show to what we feel we can cover in an hour and half.

It's tough taking a weeks worth of info and editing into and hour and half program that gives enough details that you can go home and do something with it, but that's our goal. No fluff, real info that photographers could use to help them succeed.

Gotta go for now, it's 4 am and we'll be heading to the airport soon. I'll be posting some pics from Phoenix, Sedona and hopefully the Grand Canyon over the next few days. Enjoy.

Competition Prints

2008-12-28T18:19:00.000-05:00

I've spent the past couple of days at my friends Michael & Tina Timmons studio in Michigan. We've been doing some work on the studio and working on competition prints. Here's an example of things we're playing with.

Imaging USA

2008-12-22T07:48:00.000-05:00

We've been busier than a one legged man in a butt kicking contest around here. Jessica Vogel and I are speaking at Imaging USA in January. Imaging USA is the Professional Photographers of America annual Convention and Imaging Expo.

We are doing a Platform program with the room set-up for over 600 people (no pressure). Jess and I have been speaking together for about a year and half and have had incredible reviews for our program. We created a business venture called X-tremeimaging. Vist our website, www.x-tremeimaging.com

It's so much fun teaching with Jess because we share the same values as teachers. Our program goal has been to make sure everyone leaves our program with valuable and useable information that they can put to use when they get back to their studios. Because we each have our own businesses we offer two similar but different approaches to photography. It's that approach that feeds our energy and enthusiasm when speaking.

We hope to see our photographer freinds in Phoenix and we hope our clients enjoy knowing they have chosen to work with two of the best in the industry.

I'm attaching and image from our web site just to give you an idea of what we're capable of.

I've been taking a few web design classes

2008-12-11T17:13:00.000-05:00

I'm really excited! Just got back from 2 days of Dreamweaver Classes with New Horizons Learning Center in Louisiville. The instructor Mike Eagan was a super nice guy and did his best to keep this old dog up to speed without holding the young'ens back too much.

I love to learn but I have to tell you. Web design is not intuitive to older folks, well at least me! I think the best thing for people wanting to do web design it's easier if they haven't had the ease of laying things out in print design format 1st. The laying out of elements is much more difficult on the web since the coding needs to be reasonably standard for all pages to open properly in the different browser being used. Enough of this drivel.

Just thought I'd share the excitement of learning new and exciting things and trying to keep in touch with a generation that is bombarded with stimuli constantly. The young man next to me in class was answering his e-mail, texting, browsing the web and doing the class work. While Mr. Genius himself (me) could barely keep up with the class.

Check out a few of the sites I've been creating, modifying and working with.

www.x-tremeimaging.com this is the site Jessica Vogel and I have for our Workshop and Digital Tools Co.

www.huntsmanphotography.com of course this is my site.

www.dbwstudio.net this is a site I created for Deborah Westerfield an artist friend of mine.

Happy Holidays to all of you.

Professional Photographer Magazine Article

2008-12-03T07:41:00.000-05:00

Professional Photographer Magazine published my article and images from Jessical Vogel and I in the December issue. I'm really excited about the way it turned out.

Kaitlyn's Senior Show

2008-11-26T16:38:00.001-05:00

Leah's Senior Show

2008-11-25T08:10:00.001-05:00

2008-11-24T10:00:00.000-05:00

Karate composite for Ryan. We got a chance to visit prior to the session and came up with the idea of a composite. This is one of the two I created for him.

2008-11-21T23:45:00.000-05:00

Katy is 8 weeks old and loves to hold her hands up to or near her face, say's mom Beth.

2008-11-19T18:30:00.000-05:00

I photographed both Kaitlyn and Megan on this cold day. It would have been fun to do a few outdoor portraits but the temps were just too cold. These are just a couple of shots from the sessions.

2008-11-18T21:12:00.000-05:00

The last few sessions I've done have been so much fun I can't believe it. I may have the best job on the planet! I get to work with people who are interesting, dynamic and diverse everyday. Wow, what fun.

This is one of the images from Leah's session.

Ryan's Black-Belt Session

2008-11-17T23:29:00.000-05:00

I photographed the most awesome young man today! Ryan is 15 and just earned his "Black Belt" in Karate. We did a really fun session and shot a series for a composite, which I'll post later on the blog. For now here is one of the images from the session.

Congratulations Ryan on the black belt and thanks for the fun session.

Alyssa's Senior Show

2008-11-14T22:24:00.001-05:00

Check out Alyssa's Portrait Show