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.

Portraits of My Family

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.