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

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"

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.