Tappa Tribune - June 2015

August, 2015

Lisa O’Geary

1st Place Portrait 1st Place Commercial 1st Place Electronic Imaging The TAPPA Tribune Tampa Area Professional Photographers Association

Contents President’s Message

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Jackson Koontz

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This Month’s Program

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IPC Live with your host Booray Perry

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Upcoming Events

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Print of the Month Portrait 11 Print of the Month Unclassified 13 Print of the Month Social Function

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Print of the Month Commercial 17 Print of the Month Electronic Imaging

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Print of the Month Unclassified 21 Photos from the meeting

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Board of Directors

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On the cover: Photo by Lisa O’Geary

Visit TAPPA on FaceBook

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Photo by Missy Duncan

President’s Message

Recently my best friend shared a blog that moved me so much I said, “I wish I could share this with my contemporaries in the photography community.”

The next day, my thoughtful friend emailed to let me know she’d gotten permission from the literary agent for me to use it. Sally, the blog writer, simply said, “I’d be honored.”

While the original post is for writers, the message is true for all of us who create and market artistic work. For the purposes of this message, I’ve changed “writer” to “photographer.” However, the full credit goes to Sally Apokedak, the author, whose web address is at the end of this message. I encourage you to visit her site for more words of encouragement.

The Value of Art

by Sally Apokedak

Most photographers (writers) don’t get paid much for their work (writing).

And I think because of that, it often feels like we’re out alone in a storm. We may have an umbrella and our imaginary friends for company, but what defense are they against the wild wind and rain of the world’s disapproval?

You, dear photographer (writer), sit with tablet pen in hand and spend many hours with your finger on the shutter (fingers on the keyboard) for hours on end. You, dear creative one (writer), pass up TV in the evenings and an extra hour in bed in the morning.

You steal time from your family and friends, and you take a lower paying job that won’t sap your creativity.

You sacrifice for your art. And what do you have to show for it? You have your art.

But does your spouse appreciate your art? Does your spouse consider your art a worthwhile end?

Does your spouse even look at (read) your art?

We live in a world that pounds a message into us: If you don’t make money you aren’t successful. If you don’t make money you aren’t really working.

Sacrificing for art is not something most people admire. People will admire you if you get a multimillion-dollar contract for your ability to throw a football. They’ll admire you if you are paid millions to dance half naked on stage. They’ll even admire you when you make hundreds of millions telling people that Jesus loves them and the goal of his existence is to give them their best lives now.

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Money! We like money. The ability to make money is admired.

Right? And we don’t value things that don’t make money.

How many of you have had family members or friends ask you to do them a favor in the middle of the day because they just assume you’re sitting home with nothing to do. You aren’t really working. You don’t have a job.

Come on. Give me a show of hands.

If you aren’t making a lot of money, you’re pretty much a failure, whether you’re a plumber or a photographer (writer). But at least if you’re a plumber, people understand you are working.

Photographers (writers) don’t even get that. You can slave away doing mini sessions, or shooting (at freelancing, knocking out articles) to pay your bills while you work nights editing and seeking new ways to keep ahead (on your novel), and your friends don’t get that you work. For some reason, taking pictures (writing) is not considered work, whether you’re paid or not.

Because, after all, anyone can do it.

Give me another show of hands. How many of you have had people tell you, “Oh, I’ve always thought I’d take up photography (write a book) one day.”

As if being a photographer (writing a book) is on the bucket list, along with taking a trip to Alaska.

Because, you know, a career in photography (writing) is like taking a vacation.

So this idea that we ought to give our photography (writing) up because it’s not worthwhile is not just something that weird Christian/Puritan people struggle with. It’s something that artists struggle with.

How much do we sacrifice for our art? Is there value in our art? Is the fact that we love it—that it feels as necessary to us as breathing—enough to make us keep doing it when we get no respect from the world?

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Please don’t hear me saying that you need to be angry at your spouse for not (reading and) supporting your work.

Photographers (writers) are a bit different from the rest of the world. One of the reasons you love to go to photography (writers’) conferences is that you are with your people there. Right? You feel so happy to meet other people who love the creative process as much as you do. People who love capturing images (words). Who love to communicate. Who are often introverts. Who think deeply. Who spend hours editing (putting in a comma) and more hours taking out those same edits (the same comma).

If your spouse doesn’t oooh and ahhh over (read) your work, that’s not uncommon and it’s no reason to be upset. Others don’t necessarily get creative (writer) types. So be it. I don’t get rocket scientists, myself. I don’t think we all have to “get” everything.

The point of this post is not to tell you to be mad at your spouse or to bemoan the fact that you didn’t have a supportive parent or to encourage you to be unhappy or to respond in a militant manner the next time your spouse says, “Honey, turn off the computer and come to bed.”

The point of this post is to ask you: Is your art enough? If you never make a dime at photography (writing), is creating art for the sake of creating art enough?

I have come to believe that it is enough. That the fact that I love photography and being creative (to write and edit and work with my clients suggests that this creative agenting gig) is something I was created to do. I have come to believe that being an artist (publishing) is where I’ll live and die, and even if I die poor, I’ll die knowing I left behind a legacy through my art. (got some books published that made children laugh and cry and feel and grow. Books that made readers consider things they hadn’t thought of before, that helped shape them so they were better people when they got done reading.)

That, my dear (writing) friend, is worth doing. I don’t care if you never make more than a few cents an hour, the work you do is worth it.

If you love photography (writing), but you aren’t making much money, that doesn’t mean photography (writing) is a guilty little pleasure. It simply means the world is full of silly people who don’t value important things.

This is true of photography, writing, and acting. Art, in its many forms, makes our world a more beautiful place.

Don’t give up on your calling to create.

Anything worth having is worth fighting for!

The TAPPA Tribune is published monthly for the membership of the Tampa Area Professional Photographers Association. Its purpose is to share knowledge and insight with the photographic industry.

The deadline for submission of articles and ad changes is the 15th of the month.

Permission is hereby granted to reprint the contents of this newsletter, provided the authors and The TAPPA Tribune are recognized as the source. The ideas and views expressed do not necessarily reflect the policies of the Tampa Area Professional Photographers Association; they are solely those of the author.

Editor:

I extend a huge “thank you” to Sally Apokedak for saying what I believe in my heart and mind—it’s important to encourage artistic efforts in others. We have different goals, some of us to earn a living, others to bring our talents to fruition. We create beauty to share, to inspire, and to leave as our legacy—a tangible expression of our individuality.

As artists, we must remember to support each other. With that, please be sure to thank Sally personally by visiting her blog at http://sally-apokedak.com to enjoy more of her creative talents.

Chuck Vosburgh 300 62nd Street North St. Petersburg, FL 33710 Chuck@ChuckVosburgh.com 727.743.1740

Advertising: To advertise in the TAPPA Tribune, please contact the editor for rates and distribution information.

Meetings: TAPPA monthly meetings take place the second Tuesday of the month at:

All the best, Susan “That’s the power you possess as an artist. To find and express your own unique message.”

--Ella Leya

Doubletree Hotel 4500 W. Cypress Street Tampa, FL (one block east of Westshore Blvd).

Networking Dinner Meeting

6:00 pm 6:30 pm 7:30 pm

Register online at TAPPA.org

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This Month’s Program

Jackson Koontz “DIGITAL KILLED THE PHOTOGRAPHER” a generational study

JACKSON’S BIO Jackson is owner of Action Jackson Productions, serving his clients with photography, video, and sound work. Born and raised in Ocala, Florida, Jackson graduated from Covenant College with a BA in Psychology, Sociology, and Youth Ministry and a BA in Biblical Studies, then continued his studies at reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, FL focusing on youth and education.

From this background, Jackson has always been interested and continued his study into today’s culture and generational studies.

Jackson is married with 5 children, believes that just because he is paranoid doesn’t mean there is not someone out there trying to kill him, an Eagle Scout and Assistant Cub Master, loves Parliamentary procedure, an avid Star Trek fan (properly pronounced “Trekker”), plays Sudoku, and has a general problem with colors being in the wrong place.

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Meeting Details Tuesday, August 11, 2015 Social 6:00 Dinner 6:30 Program 7:00 Register online at TAPPA.org Doubletree Hotel 4500 W. Cypress St., Tampa

Jackson is currently President of the Florida Professional Photographers, having earned the Florida Service Award and Florida Education Degree, The Jim Abrisch Service Award, President’s Award, and twice the Outstanding Service Award.

The digital war is over but who exactly won? We are facing a whole new world where we are continually challenged with an ever changing market, new ideas and beliefs, and we now even live in a cloud‌ but how is that any different than before? Well, it happened 15 minutes ago and was so yesterday.

We will look at the clash of the culture of yesterday and today, the accessibility and connectivity of the digital world and how this affects the photographic world.

This program is a light but serious discussion on how to understand the challenges the digital world has brought us and coming face to face with today’s consumer.

Understanding your market can assist you in dealing with the market.

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IPC Live with your host Booray Perry

The IPC is the International Photographic Competition. One of the largest competitions in the world and it’s run by the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) which is the largest and oldest professional organization for photographers in America (28,000 members).

I’ve been a member of the PPA since I started as a professional photographer. It is a fantastic organization, run by the members. This year I was elected as a councilor for Florida… sort of like

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being a member of the House of Representatives except less sleazy. If I wanted to, I could run for the Board of Directors, chair a committee, etc. The PPA has a fantastic monthly magazine and website, a huge yearly convention (which I spoke at last year and will be teaching a class at this year) and provides benefits like insurance and education to it’s members. The primary focus is education… helping photographers become better at what they do while upholding ethical standards.

The IPC is the biggest event of the year (along with the convention). Thousands of images are entered.

They have 4 rooms of judging and it still takes four days.

Last year for the first time, they streamed the judging live on the internet. You could click from room to room and watch the images as they came up. Occasionally, there will be disagreement among the judges and someone will “challenge.”

That’s when things get interesting as the judges discuss the print and try to sway the scores.

After the success of last year’s streaming, they decided to add something new this year. Twice each day they will have a live webcast during the competition. It will feature interviews with judges, live critique of images, questions from the viewers via twitter, etc. People who watch the judging can tune in and learn more about how the whole process works and get tips on making their images better.

every person I met, every one, was eager to work together, bounce around ideas and genuinely excited about what we were doing. From the minute I walked in I was being approached by people asking me what I thought about all kinds of topics related to the PPA, not just the broadcast. It was fantastic. I was a big fan of PPA before but now I’ll defend it to the death. What a great bunch of people.

So, below is the info you need if you want to tune in. Be sure an tweet #ipclive during the broadcast (we’re working on getting some tweets online) and we’ll be taking questions from twitter too. It’s gonna be a great time!

I’ll be the host!

I flew to Atlanta last week for a production meeting. They had taped off the floor in a room at the home office that was the same dimensions as where we will broadcast. I spent the day doing promo’s and working with everyone to flesh out what the programs would be like. When Rich (IPC Director) asked me to come to Atlanta for the day, he said he “wanted my input.” People say that sort of thing all the time but I was amazed at how much I was consulted and included in the planning. I figured I would just be “the talent” but

Grab your photography friends and host a viewing party for the International Photographic Competition (IPC) judging stream and IPC Live !If you entered, you might witness your own images being judged! And if you didn’t, just watch!

Maybe it will inspire you to enter next year.

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New this year: IPC Live broadcast, hosted by Booray Perry, gets you the behind the scenes of IPC with interactive interviews and discussions.

You’re not going to want to miss this!

It’s super easy to watch (yes, it’s all free!): Go to Stream.theIPC.org on your computer* Log in with your PPA account or complete the short registration Get ready to learn what makes a merit image!

Mark your calendars! Here are the dates and times to remember:

IPC Judging Live Stream • Mon., 8/3, 8:15am-6pm • Tues., 8/4, 12:15-9pm • Wed., 8/5, 9:15am-6pm • Thur., 8/6, 8:15am-6pm

IPC Live hosted by Booray • Mon., 8/3, 10am & 2pm • Tues., 8/4, 2pm & 5pm • Wed., 8/5, 10am & 2pm • Thur., 8/6, 10am & 2pm Bookmark the site on your browser. You’ve got a date with IPC! *Audio is not enabled on mobile devices. For full audio and video, please view on a desktop computer.

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Upcoming Events Tuesday, August 11, 2015

Jackson Koontz

Tuesday, September 8, 2015 To be announced

Saturday, September 12, 2015

One Light, One Relector, 16 Looks Chuck Vosburgh

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Crystal Radinsky

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Michael Joseph

More information on all of these events can be found in this newsletter and at TAPPA.org

Print of the Month - Portrait First place: Lisa O’Geary

Print of the Month - Portrait Second place: Michael Landes

Print of the Month - Unclassified First place: Missy Duncan

Print of the Month - Social Function First place: Booray Perry

Print of the Month - Social Function Second place: Missy Duncan

Print of the Month - Social Function Third place: Pedro Carillo

Print of the Month - Commercial First place: Lisa O’Geary

Print of the Month - Commercial Second place: Michael Landes

Print of the Month - Electronic Imaging First place: Lisa O’Geary

Print of the Month - Electronic Imaging Third place: Michael Landes

Print of the Month - Unclassified First place: Constance Avellino

Print of the Month - Unclassified Third place: Constance Avellino

Photos from the meeting

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Board of Directors

2015 OďŹƒcers President

Susan Black

813 230-6472

Susan@Bespics.com

Vice President

Constance Avellino

813 600-8152

Me@ConstanceAvellinoPhotos.com

Secretary

Kevin Newsome

813 968-2810

Kevin@NewsomesStudio.com

Treasurer

Melissa Sewell

813 230-7092

Melissa@DontBlinkllc.com

Past President

Kevin Newsome

813 968-2810

Kevin@NewsomesStudio.com

Directors

Carol Hackman

727 867-9254

HackmanC@tampabay.rr.com

Booray Perry

813 728-7110

Booray@BoorayPerry.com

Christine Reynolds

813 760-0831

ChristineR@aol.com

Benjamin Todd

813 431-2873

Benjamin.Todd@verizon.net

Chuck Vosburgh

727 743-1740

Chuck@ChuckVosburgh.com

Committees Delegate

Julie Johnson

Membership

Kevin Newsome

813 968-2810

Kevin@NewsomesStudio.com

Program

Constance Avellino

813 600-8152

Me@ConstanceAvellinoPhotos.com

Salon

Becky Jordan

727 577-5626

becky@thomasbruce.com

Door Prize

Glenn Nielsen

Scholarship

Carol Hackman Terri Daunic

727 867-9254 813 839-2860

HackmanC@tampabay.rr.com terridaunic@yahoo.com

Audio Visual

CJ Moment

813 244-6716

cj@annointedproductions.com

Newsletter Editor

Chuck Vosburgh

727 743-1740

Chuck@ChuckVosburgh.com

Photographers

Booray Perry Christine Reynolds

813 728-7110 813 760-0831

Booray@BoorayPerry.com ChristineR@aol.com

Web Master

Booray Perry

813 728-7110

Booray@BoorayPerry.com

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glennln@verizon.net