by Skip Cohen

For me, this is a pretty special Throwback Thursday post because it's taking me back to an incredible hobby and time when the ocean and its critters were an important part of my life. I got certified in the early 90s, and the friendships that came out of those dive trips are still alive and stronger than ever today. But diving hasn't been in my life for a long time, and I miss it.

Back in the late 90s, a unique group of friends went diving together so often that one of the dive companies gave us all the discounts a full dive shop would get. We dove all over the Caribbean, a few trips to Mexico, Cocos, and Truk Lagoon. On so many of those trips were two of my favorite knucklehead friends and dive buddies, Kayce Baker and Bob Rose. They were in the water on all three dives above.

The fun of Throwback Thursday is definitely in the memories, but also in the hunt. I've become pretty disciplined in consistently looking for something to turn back the clock for a minute every Thursday. I don't take a long look in the rearview mirror, just enough to smile, energize a little and then get on with the day. It's like a quick charge for my phone!

With these images, there are more than just memories of great times. For example, all of the underwater photographs were with a $249 point and shoot Fujifilm camera in a small underwater housing. And catch the hat I'm wearing - it was promotional for a Fujifilm S5 - there's a throwback! I'm not sure what happened to the baseball hat, but I still have the camera.

​The eel was shot on a night dive, along with the eye of a flounder, again with the same camera. The turtle was on my first drift dive off Cozumel, which is an experience all in itself. Catch the guy in the background hanging on in the current.

Take the time to go on the hunt for memories. Then, share them on your blog, Facebook page, and Instagram. They're the perfect marketing tool to remind your followers that it might be time for a new family portrait, portraits of the kids, etc. And even if you don't want to share them on social media, they're ideal for putting a smile on your face!

And to Bob and Kayce - miss you guys!

Happy Throwback Thursday!

by Skip Cohen
​
I know I shared one of these images six years back, but there's no expiration date on wonderful memories or the love we have for special people. Bill Hurter passed away six years ago. He was a friend to so many of us in the industry. Print competition each year at WPPI, together with most of the speaker choices and the Awards Night Program, were all his babies.

The year is 2007, and this was part of an idea thanks to Maureen Neises from Graphi. Every year, four photographers would be chosen to document the WPPI event and put together an album of their images. The whole idea was to tell the story of the convention through the eyes of the four artists. So essentially, it was A Day in the Life of WPPI, like the day in the life books Kodak published back in the 80s. 

I was thinking about Bill recently and went in search of these images. There are no words to describe the respect between these two knuckleheads, Bill and Cliff Mautner. And I use the word "knuckleheads" as the highest compliment for people I care about, respect, love, and appreciate. 

This would have been the last show we did at Bally's and Paris. WPPI had outgrown Bally's. Two years earlier, just as we were ready to move to the Las Vegas Convention Center, they pitched us on taking over both hotels!  
 
The fun of Throwback Thursday is about those memories that make you smile - even when they're bitter-sweet like these. Don't miss the opportunity to take a break from the grind and stress of today's business. Take a few minutes to hunt down an old photograph that makes you smile. It's the perfect way to remind yourself of the importance of the career path you chose when you brought imaging into your life.

Now, think about what every image you capture means to your clients. Nobody can create the magic you can as a professional photographer. Recognize the value of your work and appreciate the trust put in you.

And to Maureen at Graphi and Catherine Hall - thanks for the joy you created - it's definitely been a gift that keeps on giving!

​Happy Throwback Thursday!

by Skip Cohen
 
I'm turning back the clock to March of 2014. It's seven and a half years ago since we launched the first Mind Your Own Business podcast. That was eighty-four podcasts ago on an idea that Rich Harrington of Photofocus had for a program to help photographers raise the bar on virtually every aspect of their business.

In trying to come up with a name for the podcast, I remember asking my wife, Sheila, for an idea. She immediately responded with, "How about mind your own business?" It was the perfect title for what we hoped we'd accomplish.

We started as talking heads, and in later years dropped the video and just went only audio. The goal was to have great, solid conversations with some of the most respected artists in the industry.

After a year or so, Rich needed to get back to focusing on other aspects of his business, and my good buddy, Scott Bourne, jumped in as my co-host. He and I had done over seventy podcasts under the GoingPro umbrella previously. When Scott moved on, he suggested Chamira Young. Chamira had been behind the scenes at Photofocus editing and fine-tuning the previous podcasts.

​Well, that was March of 2017. Since then, Chamira and I have done over 100 podcasts together with Mind Your Own Business, Beyond Technique, and Tamron Recipes. With her background as a working professional photographer plus her skills in publishing and design, she's become the perfect partner in each episode.

On January 17, she and I will be hosting a special Mind Your Own Business program at IUSA with three outstanding guests to talk about building a stronger brand, increasing revenue, and ways to keep the chaos of today's world from grinding down your creative spirit. And just to give everyone a sneak peek at the insight our guests will be sharing, we'll be airing podcasts with two of our guests, Alison Tyler Jones on the 14th and Myron Fields on the 21st. Both shared some remarkable insight into how they've stayed focused and kept building their business and relationships with their clients.

As I listened to this early podcast, I was a little overwhelmed and embarrassed by the image quality and the sound. I knew nothing about lighting, using a clamp-on desk lamp that you'd only find in a college dorm today for my main light...*sigh* only light! The sound wasn't particularly good either, but with each podcast, the content was always relevant, and over the years, thanks to support from some great friends, my skill level improved.

But here's the fun of Throwback Thursday - sometimes we can't appreciate how far we've come until we take a look in the rearview mirror. So whether it's an old video, an album, or older photographs, take a look at your earliest work. Pay attention to how far you've come, and then give yourself a BIG pat on the back!

​Happy Throwback Thursday!

by Skip Cohen

A significant reason I love Throwback Thursdays is the fun of the "hunt." Like so many of you, I've got boxes of photographs and memorabilia in storage that I've never had the time to sort through. Well, yesterday, while bringing down the Halloween decorations, I stumbled on a binder of images my Dad had saved from W.W. II.

That's Dad on the far right in the shot above. And while I don't know anybody in the photo, Dad was meticulous about writing down when, where and who on the back of every print. This was captured in June of 1943 in basic training at the University of North Dakota.

But as I wandered through the album, it was bittersweet. Sweet, because I loved the style of the images and everything in Dad's army album, but bitter because he's no longer around to share the stories about what they were all feeling at the time. When I was a kid, now and then, a name would pop up who Dad would reference as a buddy from the war, but that was it.

Dad was in the Army Air Corps and trained as a pilot and navigator. At some point, he was grounded because of a perforated eardrum, which put him in the tower at bases in the South Pacific. 

Taking Dad on HonorFlight, I remember him being asked if he ever got to meet General MacArthur. His answer, "No, but I brought his plane in a few times, and I was part of the team to set up his office in Japan after the war."

The last image I found is below. And as usual, Dad wrote on the back. He wrote "Our gang---and I do mean comedy," describing the incredible friendship between these four friends. The image was photographed at Nikko, Japan, in November 1945.

That's my Dad on the far right, and "Uncle" Stan, the second one on the left. Stan Unger was Dad's best friend throughout his life, his accountant in Cleveland and and somebody who we frequently saw when I was a kid. 

If you haven't gone off in search of a throwback image, take the time today. It's a perfect break from the stress of business. Whether you share the images in a post or not, enjoy the career field you've chosen as a photographer. Our industry gives people the ability to turn the intangible into memories they can hold in their hands and cherish for a lifetime.

​Happy Throwback Thursday!

by Skip Cohen

​Now and then, one of the national magazines runs a story about a Hollywood celebrity from years back with the headline of "Where are they now?" Well, this isn't about Hollywood, but it is about a photo-industry "celebrity" and a manager, so many of us loved working with for a whole lot of years.

Turn the clock back to Photodex days and WPPI in the early 2000s. One of the most consistent exhibitors was Photodex. They were the leader in slide show software and incredible supporters of artist's copyright, especially when it came to licensing music. Just to put it in perspective, they set the standard for so many of the techniques you use today when putting together slide shows.

The marketing manager responsible for so much of their presence was Amanda Sahliyeh, today Amanda Eddy. If you were at any of the Skip's Summer School programs, Amanda was always there. She's continually been a great supporter of the industry and especially education.

So, where's Amanda now? I could be off a year or so, but she left Photodex a couple of years before they closed their doors. However, she stayed focused on her passion as an artist and opened a jewelry store in Austin, TX.

​In August, on Facebook, she posted:

Big news I can hardly believe! We just won Coolest Small Jewelry Store in America by INSTORE magazine. Thankful and so humbled by this honor! Just click on her storefront above to link to the article.

Second only to being in the store itslef, she's got a lot of fun jewelry on her website. Her niche is great-looking everyday jewelry, and with the holiday season approaching, wander over and check it out. I just bought Sheila a couple of pairs, and she loves them. So, from every day to fine jewelry, have some fun, and check out what Amanda's been up to with a click on her logo to the right.

Oh, and the "Thank You" note from Amanda above was almost as much fun as ordering Sheila the earrings. Amanda saw the order come through and put in her hand-written note. As I've written so many times, the best thing about our industry has NOTHING to do with photography, but the friendships that come out of everyone's love for the craft!

by Skip Cohen

Somewhere around 2011, one of the finest photographers in the industry, Bambi Cantrell, spent the day with my folks. It was essentially a day-in-the-life shoot and all happening right at the start of my mother's eight-year fight with Alzheimer's.

Out of that battle, Dad and I got involved with the Caregiver Support Group, part of the Senior Friendship Centers' support for the community. As Alzheimer's slowly robbed my Dad of the love of his life, his anger grew. Finally, it was suggested we join a support group, and while Dad at first hated the idea, he learned so much over the next year. 

For my Dad's generation, you didn't share your feelings outside your family when they were sad, angry, or frustrated. You simply didn't do your "dirty laundry" in public. Sound familiar? But the other members of the group helped him understand he wasn't alone in his feelings, especially his sadness.

So, Dad and I would go to the weekly support group meetings and then go out to lunch together. It was pretty much the only time he'd leave my mother's side. As he said to me once when I was trying to get him to do a boys' night out, "Your mother has taken care of me every day for all these years. Now it's my turn to take care of her!"

I was recently at the Friendship Centers and grabbed one of their brochures - with Mom and Dad on the cover. I know how proud they'd both be knowing they were involved in helping spread the word about the contribution this very special non-profit makes to the community.

So, it's Throwback Thursday - whether you share it on your blog or just enjoy a look in the rearview mirror for yourself - take the time to savor a few great memories. ​

by Skip Cohen

​The year is 2010, and we were living in Akron, Ohio. I had a lecture series I put together called the Akron Photo Series. Each month a different photographer would come to the area, and we'd host an evening workshop. The proceeds all went to Akron Children's Hospital. While I got a lot of great feedback from photographers in the area, the real benefit for us was getting quality time with friends from the industry.

Clay Blackmore was one of the artists who joined us in the series that year. In wandering through my archives looking for a few throwbacks to share today, I found these. They represent some of my most favorite images of Sheila and me, and while Clay shot in both color and B&W - I still love the black and whites the most.

But there's a sidebar backstory - as much as I love the fact that Clay definitely captured our spirit as a couple - what I cherish the most is a portrait created by a good buddy. Clay started working with Monte Zucker right around the same time I started at Hasselblad. We've worked together on dozens of different projects over the years, shared lots of meals, and I can't count the number of times we've been together and laughed over life in the photo industry.

As the seasonality of the fourth quarter approaches, use your blog and presence in social media to remind your readers it's time for a new family portrait. There's a renewed sense of family in the world, and what "Grandma" misses the most is her family. Of course, that means the perfect gifts this holiday season all relate to imaging, but you've got to start planting those seeds of ideas now!

Happy Throwback Thursday!

by Skip Cohen

Since WPPI is going on right now, it seems appropriate to enjoy a throwback from one of the WPPI shows in the past - WPPI 2009. If there was ever a show when we pulled out all the stops, this one was it. That's part of the RF/WPPI team on the right side: George, me, Shauna, and Abby. Holding the red cup is John Popper of Blues Traveler. 

This was the biggest show in WPPI history with over 15,000 in attendance; Rangefinder Magazine was over 350 pages; the Show Guide was close to the same; 300+ exhibitors, and thanks to Nikon's support, Blues Traveler in MGM's Garden Arena.

I know it's hard to imagine any big event like this these days, but if we're patient, those days will eventually come back. In the meantime, whatever size any conference is that you attend, the key is to stay focused on networking, expanding your skillset, and recharging your battery!

Take the time today to find your own Throwback Thursday moment and then savor it. There's nothing wrong with a fun look in your rearview mirror as long as you continue looking to the future!

Happy Throwback Thursday!

by Skip Cohen

I'm turning back the clock to 2011 with a big thanks to Samantha Photography for sharing this image way back when. It was Skip's Summer School in Las Vegas, and one evening we did a panel discussion, and it couldn't have been more informal. Attendees sat on the floor and just fired questions to whoever was available, which at the time was most of our speakers. There were no guidelines and no topic was off-limits.

Left to right, Clay Blackmore, Tony Corbell, me, and my wife, Sheila. And I think that's Steve Wright, one of the attendees on the floor. What makes me smile about this image are the friendships that came out of these programs, because it was small. We ran the series for five summers with an average of three hundred attendees each time.

With ClickCon kicking off next week, it's an opportunity to return to a smaller conference where you're able to build a network of vendors, associates, and friends. Everyone gets to know each other much differently than at a larger convention. But, I also feel like it's a sign of the times, even with the challenges of the pandemic. Smaller conferences are definitely going to become the norm.

So, have some fun and take a look in your rearview mirror. Go back to past conventions, and then follow the journey you've taken with so many of your friends and the photographers who are part of your world today.

And, if you're in the Chicago area, wander over to the Palmer House starting Monday night. ClickCon is going to be a kick.

​Happy Throwback Thursday!

by Skip Cohen

In 2009 I left Rangefinder Publishing and WPPI to start my own company. One of the very first projects was "Skip's Summer School." Besides old friends who joined me on the journey, a new friend brought his skills to the party - Ron Dawson.

​Relatively early in his career, he was a talented film producer, artist and videographer. Ron came to Ohio and spent an afternoon with me creating the video below. Today, he's doing some exciting things in the media and tech industries with brand and content marketing. 

I had forgotten all about the video, until Greg Schrader, also a new friend back then, sent it to me yesterday attached to an IM. Greg's based in Michigan and we've stayed in touch over the years thanks to Facebook.

I know it might seem like I'm on an ego trip to share a video of myself, but as I listened to my own pitch, I realized how much I've strayed from recognizing when I need to recharge my battery. I'm betting most of you are the same - we've all gotten so caught up in the challenges of the pandemic and business that we've neglected our most important client - the face in the mirror every morning! 

One more fun aspect to today's post - Throwback Thursday is about savoring memories. We lost Molly the Wonder Dog two and a half years ago. While two pups have filled the hole in my heart, the fact that Ron worked her into this video makes it that much more special.  So, take the time for a look in your rearview mirror today and find a memory or two that simply makes you smile.

Happy Throwback Thursday!

by Skip Cohen

One of the first projects for the new company I started when leaving Rangefinder/WPPI in 2009 was Skip's Summer School. It took place in Las Vegas every summer for the first three years, and then we moved it to Chicago. 

In July of 2013, my buddy Adam Sherwin, who was then with Resource Magazine, did a post on Facebook that said, "Resource Magazine is giving away four scholarships to the Skip Cohen University Summer session in Chicago." The composite above was with the post of all our speakers that year. It was an incredible program.

Sadly, it was the last year for the series. It became incredibly labor-intensive, and there was more and more to choose from in online education. Plus, the economy was stronger, and hotel shows were getting more and more expensive to do. 

But the fun of Throwback Thursday is always about the smiles and memories old photographs bring back. And to all the instructors over the years, including the ones pictured above, thank you for your help and support. It's great looking back, but it's even better being in touch with most of you today. What a kick!
​
Happy Throwback Thursday!

​by Skip Cohen

One of the fun aspects of Facebook is the way photography keeps us connected. In 2014, Anselmo Rascon shared this image on Facebook of Frederick Van Johnson, Bob Coates, and me doing a live broadcast. We were in the Panasonic booth. It's not my best moment, as Anselmo caught me on a blink - I wasn't dozing through the discussion. LOL

However, there's an especially poignant moment that stands out in my memory. We talked about fine art photography, which led to a discussion about image manipulation and the challenge with filter junkies who think they can clean up a bad image with lots of manipulation. I took the opportunity to share one of my favorite quotes, "Remember, you can't buff a turd!"  It took Frederick and Bob a minute to regain their composure, but it was well worth sharing.

I made that statement in a workshop years earlier about the importance of getting clean images "right out of the can." Then, a week later, I received a link to this MythBusters video, where they proved you could polish poop!

It's Throwback Thursday - so take a few minutes and turn back the clock and share an old image that brings back great memories. We all need to be looking forward these days, but a quick peek in your rearview mirror helps keep you grounded.

Happy Throwback Thursday!

by Skip Cohen

​It's Throwback Thursday and this is a fun post to share. I've been blogging long enough to share a favorite backstory from my own archives. I originally shared this story on a Sunday Morning Reflections post in 2014, but Ansel Adams has lately come up in a few different conversations about my Hasselblad days. So, it seems appropriate to show you his camera gear through the eyes of my good buddy, Nick Vedros.
 
That's Ansel Adams' camera gear on the right. It was loaned to him by Victor Hasselblad. In later years, Victor passed away, and then sometime before Ansel died, he gave it to his assistant, Rod Dresser, and told him, "It's consigned to me, just use it and keep it in good shape. When Hasselblad wants it back, they'll ask for it."

The years went by, and nobody knew the gear was out there. Rod called me one day, probably around '94, and told me about the equipment. He didn't feel right still having it.

We replaced it for him with newer gear as long as he'd help us promote it for charity. In the end, we raised $100,000 for The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation and the Center for Creative Photography, when shock jock, Don Imus, put in his bid...and later wrote me a check!

But the fun of Throwback Thursday images isn't about the photographs themselves, but the memories and stories that come bubbling to the surface when looking at an old photo. They become catalysts to memory launches, and through the pandemic and losing touch with so many friends, they've never been more important!

Today's backstory is a perfect example:  I wanted to run an ad for the fund-raiser, and Nick Vedros offered to help us with an image. His concept was to create something that looked like part of a shipment of artifacts to a museum. He wanted to establish historical value with one shot. Remember, this is all in the film days with no chance to play around on a computer!

Nick built a box and stylized the shot, finishing with a little light painting to give it the intense look of a shipment of valuable relics. The idea was brilliant, and it worked, but the most fun as I look back on those days is my cherished friendship with Nick.

Today's Throwback Thursday post isn't really about old photographs but friendships. I've spent my entire life in this industry and, along the way, met some amazing people - one of them, Nick Vedros. I've repeatedly described him as one of the finest and most creative commercial photographers in the world today. But his success isn't just about his creativity and skill set. It's about the commitment he makes to his friends, the integrity he puts into every client relationship, and his unmatched passion for life.

I've written this a few dozen times and just mentioned it in a podcast recently: the best thing about this industry has NOTHING to do with photography directly, but the friendships that come out of everyone's love for the craft.

I consider myself one of the luckiest guys in the industry because I keep getting opportunities to work with some of the most creative artists in the world! Through the pandemic especially, I did my best to stay in touch with old friends, but I met a lot of new people through the three podcasts Chamira Young, and I do, along with my role at Platypod.

In everyone’s life, at some time, our inner fire goes out.
It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being.
We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit.
Albert Schweitzer

To my buddy Nick on this Throwback Thursday, thanks for being a pyromaniac and setting so many "inner spirit" fires over the years. My head is jam-packed with Vedros stories. But, we're overdue to make some new ones!

And to all of you - Throwback Thursday comes once a week - don't let it slip by without taking some time to appreciate all those great backstories that are part of your life. Then, get out and start making new ones for the future!

Happy Throwback Thursday!

by Skip Cohen
 
In the summer of 2009, I launched Skip's Summer School. I had left Rangefinder/WPPI just a few months before to start my own company, and doing a summer workshop series had been on my mind for a lot of years. Plus, I'd been told it would be a failure, and those of you who know me, know my mantra:

​It was anything but a failure and would run every summer through 2013. It was incredibly labor-intensive, though, and it was just me, Sheila, and a bunch of great friends. In the hunt for a Throwback Thursday image, I found this video from my good buddy, Jerry Ghionis. It's a perfect share for a throwback, and even though it might be politically incorrect here and there - it truly demonstrates the creativity and outrageous sense of humor of one of the industry's most incredible educators. Jerry shared this video ten years ago. 

So, as we come out of the pandemic - if you see Jerry and/or Melissa Ghionis on the schedule for any of the upcoming conferences - run, don't walk to get a seat! And to Jerry and Melissa - thanks for so many priceless moments, great memories, tons of laughs, and the inspiration you bring to the industry. Now it's time to get back to creating new memories!

​Happy Throwback Thursday! 

by Skip Cohen

In 2019 the industry lost two legends, Jay Stock in July and Terry Deglau later in September. For those of you "kids" out there who think I'm just sharing a portrait of two old guys - these are two of the trailblazers who helped build the professional portrait side of the industry.

Terry was one of my very dearest friends, and there isn't a week that goes by that something doesn't remind me of our adventures together over the years. From spending almost a week in Yosemite driving Ansel Adams' Cadillac to conventions where we worked together for Kodak and Hasselblad, there was never a dull moment.

And while I didn't know Jay very well, he was known for his stunning classic portraiture. Terry featured him in Kodak's DreamMaker ad campaign, which I wrote about last January. It included this image of Jay. 

It's Throwback Thursday and time for you to dig back through your own archives and share a memory-making moment from the past. And trust me, a great look in your rearview mirror is the perfect reminder of how special an industry we're so proud to be a part of.

by Skip Cohen

I published a post about my headshot in 2013, but today's throwback goes deeper than this portrait. We all have our heroes in the industry and Gregory Heisler is one of mine.

​One of the highlights of my career was spending three weeks with Gregory when we were both asked to do portfolio reviews at Hallmark Institute. Sadly, Hallmark closed many years ago, but that doesn't change the value of the throwback memories when it comes to looking in the rearview mirror. 

For three weeks in 2009, three judges reviewed the portfolios of the graduating students in front of a live audience. It was one of those projects I describe as "the most fun I don't want to ever do again!" Reviews often took up to an hour, as each image in every student's portfolio received a full critique from three different judges.

On our way out to dinner one night, it just happened to be my birthday. The headshot to the right was done by Gregory, who simply said, "Come on, we've got to do a fast headshot of you for your birthday!" There's no way I was going to pass up my headshot by Gregory Heisler! 

He set it up with a vertical softbox about a foot from the left side of my face. His Hasselblad was set up about 18-20 inches in front of me. He shot wide open and had an assistant hold in an opaque card between the softbox and camera to keep the flair off the lens.

Here's the funny sidebar - my daughter was a photo student then and asked how the shot was set up. I gave her all the information, and she called me a few days later. "Dad, I'm trying to create a similar image, and I keep frying my subjects!" Oops, I forgot to tell her Gregory only used the modeling light and never turned on the strobes!

Gregory Heisler is one of the finest photographers in our industry. Back then, he had already photographed at least 75 covers for Time Magazine. Although we've lost touch over the years, nothing changes my respect for his work, and hanging out with him for three weeks is a definite highlight of my life in imaging.

In 2013 Profoto included a video interview with Gregory as part of their Master Series. While many of the videos are no longer available, I wanted to share this one to help you meet one of the finest photographers in the world. And while it may have been recorded eight years ago, his insight is timeless, just like his work!

by Skip Cohen
 
Well, when your birthday lands on Throwback Thursday, there's only one series of photographs to share - baby shots! And while they're almost as old as I am, at least they're proof that Matthew Brady didn't capture any of them. (That's for Scott Bourne's benefit, who's regularly suggested I was there in those early days of photography!)

That's my folks and me almost at the beginning! Plus, since Facebook threw me out years ago, suggesting my real name wasn't "Skip," it's a great time to reshare my birth announcement.

​I was "Skippy" right out of the womb and shared my birth announcement in a blog post to Mark Zuckerberg and the Facebook team back in 2016. At the time, they were challenging people with nicknames, and I got caught in the crossfire. Fortunately, a long list of friends came out to help, and by the end of the day, I'd been reinstated!

Meanwhile, since today's my birthday, I decided to do a fundraiser, which didn't seem to post right, but regardless I'm almost at my initial goal. It's a link to the Senior Friendship Centers here in Sarasota, and I wrote:
 
I figured I'd tie in my birthday this year with my favorite nonprofit. I'm raising money for Senior Friendship Centers. I know this is a very local nonprofit, but they do so much for the community, and every little bit helps.
My Dad and I started attending the Caregiver Support Group each week in 2012 when we were dealing with my Mom's Alzheimers. The Friendship Centers saved our sanity and especially helped Dad.

So, whether it's $5 or more, every little bit helps because it's a pretty amazing organization. Just click here to check out my FB Fundraiser page if you'd like to donate.

And to so many of you who have wished me Happy Birthday today - Thanks so much! There's a point in your life where birthdays are just another day in the week, but after the last year, this one's pretty special, and it's going to be a great day with Sheila and the pups!

Happy Throwback Thursday!

by Skip Cohen

​This is another page from the Graphistudio "Day in the Life of WPPI" project I've written about before. It's definitely the gift that keeps on giving. After a year of hunkering down, nothing beats a quick look in your rearview mirror combined with a few smiles and the faith that we'll get back to days of being together at LIVE conferences!

For the 2007 book, Victor Sizemore, Calvin Hayes, Catherine Hall, and Jim Garner were the featured four artists. What a kick to go back and see the event through their eyes!

by Skip Cohen

​The fun of Throwback Thursday is always in the hunt! The series above was from Graphi Studio's "Day in the Life of WPPI" book for the 2007 convention. Jim Garner was one of four photographers whose work was featured in the album for that year. 

That's Charles Maring teaching a portrait class above, and there were probably 500+ people in the audience. And the image on the right, since it was his birthday yesterday, is Mike Colón, also teaching that year.

I'm not totally sure, but I think Mike's program was part of the Champagne Shoot-out series, an evening event we did in one of the larger ballrooms each year.  They usually started around 9:00 pm and one year went almost to midnight. We had four different photographers, one in each corner doing live shoots and teaching at the same time.

Then, in the middle of the room, rather than cheap champagne, we had $10,000 of Häagen-Dazs ice cream with a sundae bar. Nothing beats the combination of great education with decent ice cream!

I remember one year two young photographers complaining to me about no champagne. Champagne was the original plan until the hotel hit me with their prices for the really low end stuff. My answer, "Which would you rather have, a hot fudge sundae or cheap champagne you won't like?" His buddy smacked him and said, "Shut up and get a sundae!"

I started with WPPI/Rangefinder in 2001. With an incredible team, the show grew to be the largest professional photographic convention in the U.S. And while there were always challenges in matching the right size rooms to the speakers, terrific hands-on education was a common denominator with so many of the programs. 

Don't let Throwback Thursday go by without your own hunt for great memory-making images. It's a great feeling to look back and appreciate the growth of the industry and the friendships we all made together, starting so many years ago!

by Skip Cohen
 
​It's 2010 or 2011, and Jerry and Melissa Ghionis came to Ohio to teach as part of the Akron Photo Series. While living in Ohio, I put together several of these programs to help raise money for Akron Children's Hospital while at the same time bringing some excellent education to the area.

That's Brent and Teri Ann Watkins on either side of us, along with the Sylvart Photography Studio team. We did an evening program the night before and then a whole day of hands-on shooting at Brent's studio. But while the image above is a fun one, the image that really makes me smile is the outtake when Brent just wasn't fast enough to beat the self-timer!

It's photographs like this that remind me of what I love most about this industry - the friendships. Yeah, photography is a kick, and it's great working with people we all respect, but it's the mutual love for the craft that builds the bond that keeps all together. Even through the pandemic, we've all kept in touch.

You should be following Brent's Mentor.photo group on Facebook. He started QuaranCon early in the pandemic and just did another online conference last week. And Jerry and Melissa are always out there, both on their own and helping WPPI. They should ALL be on your radar.

Meanwhile, use Throwback Thursday as an excuse to focus on memories and friendships. As I've written before, you don't have to turn the clock back very far to find the "good old days!" Those looks in your rearview mirror are energizing and will definitely help you focus on the importance of keeping in touch with friends and associates!

Happy Throwback Thursday!