Image copyright Cecil Holmes. All rights reserved. ![]() "Why?" is always about introducing you to some of the most respected photographers and artists in the industry, but it's evolved into so much more. Every backstory has been a little different, giving us an opportunity to get to know the artist in a way that looking at just a photograph would never accomplish. Cecil Holmes is in the "Why?" spotlight today and he's a perfect example of how social media helps us meet other artists and expand our understanding of everyone's passion for the craft. I first "met" Cecil watching a short video from Tamron USA about their 100-400mm lens. He was out in the cold of the Grand Teton's with my buddy Ken Hubbard, and I loved the way he captured images of horses in the dead of winter. Well, that took me to his website and in turn a good old fashioned phone call to talk about his work and hope that he'd join me on an episode of "Why?" There's another phenomenon that's unique to our industry that's been apparent in so many episodes of "Why?" We all share so many mutual friends. With Cecil, just like playing the degrees of separation with Kevin Bacon game, the core link is Tamron USA. During the podcast, Cecil told a story about a double rainbow and being patient when the weather is less than perfect. I asked him if we could share it here as well. Click on either image to visit Cecil's website and see more of his work, and follow him on workshops through Nature in Focus. And, click on Tamron below to check out some of the finest glass in photography!
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Image copyright William Innes. All rights reserved. ![]() "Why?" is all about photographers and the backstories behind their favorite images. Often, as with today's story, the photograph is more than just the artist's favorite, it's an image that kicked off a journey into a new career. William Innes joins me in this new episode, and it's always fun doing a podcast with somebody I've spent a lot of time working with. William is a Panasonic LUMIX Ambassador, and I've shared a lot of his images, as well as some of his Photodex slide shows. While his core specialty is wedding photography, he loves to travel, and over the years a lot of his images I've seen have been well outside the typical bridal category. I appreciated the way he described how relentless his wife was in pushing him to share the photograph that started it all. So often we've chosen a path in our life thanks to a spouse, good friend or another family member. It's that encouragement and support that's so important in pursuing any dream! I don't usually share additional images in these episodes, but while William's backstory is about the image above; I want to share one of my favorites from his galleries. It was captured with a LUMIX GH5 and 12-60mm F2.8-4.0 Leica lens. Click on either image to see visit William's website and see more of his work. Image copyright Clay Blackmore. All rights reserved. "Why?" started as a way to introduce you to some of the most talented photographers in the industry through their favorite images and backstories. Along the way we've picked up some incredible insight and ideas to help you build a stronger business and become a better artist. Thanks to all the people involved this feature just keeps growing and there are a lot more images and stories to share!
Clay Blackmore joins me on this new episode. We go back just short of thirty years ago when he was just getting started, and I had just joined Hasselblad. Through all these years, while his skills as one of the leaders in professional photography is always growing and changing, his humility, and love for the industry has never wavered. His ability to combine classic portraiture with contemporary imaging is a testimonial to his experience and ability to see the world through his client's eyes. Clay ALWAYS delivers. Click on Clay's image to visit his website. He needs to be on your radar! Image copyright Jamie House. All rights reserved. ![]() "Why?" is all about images and backstories from some of the most respected artists in photography, but that doesn't mean you'll always recognize each name. Jamie House joins me on this episode of "Why?" We share a number of good friends, but I really hadn't seen her work until I was looking at images for a book I'm working on for Panasonic's LUMIX Ambassadors. Jamie is an artist, educator, business owner and speaker. She's one of Panasonic's newest LUMIX Ambassadors. When it comes to her unstoppable love for imaging and the craft - even her Facebook profile shot is typical of the way she interacts with students and customers. Note: This episode was recorded just before Christmas, and got caught in the challenges of year-end and Jamie doing an update on her website, but her message is timeless. To see more of her work click on the image above to visit her website. If you haven't stayed in touch with all the great products creating the "buzz," just click on the banner below to connect to Panasonic's Facebook page for the latest in special events.
Image copyright Stacy Pearsall. All rights reserved. "Why?" is all about photographs and their backstories from some of the most respected artists in contemporary photography. While the series started as a way for you to meet more of the movers and shakers in the industry, each backstory has been from an artist who should be on your radar. With each episode they've shared a little piece of their heart and their passion for photography.
Stacy Pearsall joins me in this new episode. She's a photographer, author, educator, military consultant, veteran and the only woman to earn the NPPA's Military Photographer of the Year Award twice! She shares a lot of great insight into her passion for special projects, especially the Veterans Portrait Project. Click on Stacy's image above to visit her website. To date she's photographed over 6500 veterans in 27 states. With 23 left to go and thousands more veterans to photograph, finding out how you can help is just a click away. Image copyright George Lepp. All rights reserved. "Why?" is all about the favorite images from some of the most respected artists in contemporary photography. Many of the images we've shared have also been gateway images to the start of some of the best known careers in imaging.
George Lepp joins me in this new episode with one of his earliest and most favorite images. He's a photographer, educator, author, and admired by so many of us for his never-ending passion for the outdoor world. As the Field Editor for Outdoor Photographer magazine, his monthly column will keep you in touch with nature photography. George was one of Canon's first members of their Explorers of Light program. If you're looking for help raising the bar on your skill set in capturing nature photography, check out his six hour seminar, available for streaming. To see more of George's work click on his image above and visit his website. Image copyright Michele Celentano. All right reserved. "Why?" is about introducing you to the movers and shakers in photography, but in the process, since we started in April of 2016, I continue to be amazed at the images and the backstories.
Michele Celentano is best known for her family portraiture, but there's nothing she can't photograph. She's also an educator, author, Mom, wife and a great friend. She's been involved in many of the SCU workshops over the years helping thousands of photographers raise the bar on their portraits. But best of all is her passion for imaging along with her love for printed images. Michele shared a terrific post a few years back called "I Believe." She gave everyone the right to plagiarize and steal what she shares with her clients about the importance of printed photographs. Just click on the image below to read "I Believe." To check out more of Michele's work and visit her website, click on the family portrait above. And, stay on top of her workshops and programs by putting her Facebook Group on your radar! Image copyright Kevin Ames. All rights reserved. Remember my initial reason for starting "Why?" I wanted to introduce you to some of the most respected artists in our industry through their favorite images. What I completely underestimated was the diversity of their work and the backstories. Approaching one hundred artists in the series, I so appreciate the support and the willingness of these photographers to share their images, stories and insight.
Kevin Ames joins me with a great backstory and a short conversation about the importance of special projects. Kevin is a commercial photographer, but there's nothing he can't photograph. He's an educator, writer, author of several books on digital photography, the Managing Editor of PhotoFocus.com, and we've been friends for a lot of years. He shares some terrific insight about stepping away from what you have to photograph for your business, and just shooting for yourself - no specs, just being guided by your own creativity! To see more of Kevin's work and enjoy some great content just click on the portrait above. Image copyright Lindsay Adler. All rights reserved. "Why?" is all about some of the most respected artists in professional photography today, but with a small twist. I wanted to introduce you to them via one of their favorite images, rather than just the typical "about piece" or podcast. Looking back on the last year and a half of working on this project, I'm continually amazed at the diversity of the backstories, the passion and the creativity of the photographers involved.
Lindsay Adler joins me on this new episode. She's a well-respected fashion photographer, educator, writer, and friend to so many of us in the industry. She's one of the very people I know who knew as a kid what she wanted to do in life. She formally started her business at fifteen, and her passion for the craft, creativity, and business never waivers. In this new episode Lindsay shares some outstanding insight into her passion for photography as well as solid advice for young photographers just starting out. To see more of Lindsay's images click on her image above. And, while you're on her website check out her blog and workshop schedule. She's got a number of workshops on the calendar, and several for 2018 are already sold out. Image copyright David Michael Kennedy. All rights reserved. In April of 2016, I launched "Why?" because there were too many photographers who only knew the artists who spoke at the last convention they attended. Well, we're an industry led by some remarkable photographers who every day set the standard for quality, creativity, and passion for the craft. I simply wanted you to meet more of them!
I'm very excited to have David Michael Kennedy in the "Why?" spotlight today. David and I first met back in the late 80's when I was with Hasselblad. At that time his iconic image of Debbie Harry was used in the corporate ad campaign. In 1986 he left NYC and his commercial photography business heading for New Mexico and a goal to fine-tune his work in fine art. Since then David has become recognized as one of the finest Platinum Palladium printers in the world with prints in private and public collections. He's a phenomenal artist and human being. In fact, it's his sincerity and passion for the craft and his subjects that makes today's "Why?" one of the most poignant backstories we've ever shared. Click on David's image above to link to his website. And, if you're looking for an incredible one on one workshop, pick up the phone and call David directly. He regularly teaches five-day, one on one workshops, strictly by request. Image copyright Karen Kuehn. All rights reserved. We look at hundreds of photographs every day but rarely do we hear the backstories. I started "Why?" to introduce you to some of the most respected artists in photography by way of one of their favorite images. I never anticipated the diversity, insight, and depth of each story.
Karen Kuehn joins me today with one of her most favorite images. Over the years it's also been one of the most popular with her fans as well. I love a quote from Sally Mann about Karen, her work and her book, Maverick Camera: "She is funny, weirder than water and so damn good with a camera. She can drum a snake into a lawnmower, casting a spell over our hum-drum, quotidian lives...From within that fantasy spell emerge her trademark evocative, vital and honest images." To see more of Karen's work just click on the image above. And, while you're there check out Maverick Camera. She only printed a thousand books, and in less than a year she's down to ninety or so left. So, this is truly "last call." Each book is signed and numbered. If you're looking for an incredible, inspirational gift this holiday season, this is the book that belongs in every photographer's collection. Image copyright Rick Gerrity. All rights reserved. What do you call an artist who never flies; has used his camera gear to meet thousands of people all over the United States and has a truck turning 400,000 miles? You call him Rick Gerrity!
I started this series to introduce you to some of the most respected photographers in our industry, and if you've taken one of Rick's workshops/classes, then you already have experienced his unstoppable passion. What I enjoy the most though is his love for photography combined with relationship building with every subject he meets, literally along life's highway! I think of Rick as the ultimate street photographer - he's never without a LUMIX camera, and everyone he photographs becomes a part of his family and he a part of theirs. Check out Rick's website with a click on the image above. And, wander over to the LUMIX Lounge and meet the rest of Panasonic's Luminary team. They're an amazing group of artists and educators all with a common denominator - their love for imaging! Image copyright Sarah Petty. All rights reserved. My motivation when I started this series was to introduce you to some of the most respected artists in professional photography. The idea of sharing their favorite images and hearing the backstories seemed the best way to make the introductions. However, I underestimated the diversity and impact of so many of the images and artists. Each artist has shared a different perspective of imaging and taken the concept far beyond expectations.
Sarah Petty joins us on "Why?" today. She's become such a presence wearing her business and marketing hat that some of us forget her first love in business is being a photographer! She's an artist, educator, author, business owner, Mom and a great friend to so many of us in the industry. In this episode of "Why?" she shares some outstanding insight into her philosophy about turning memories and images into art...BIG art! Click on the image above to link to Sarah's Joy of Marketing blog or her website to see more of her images. Images copyright Barabara Bordnick. All Rights reserved. "Why?" is all about some of the industry's most talented artists and educators. Talking about their favorite images started out as a way for me to introduce you to some amazing people, but this series has become so much more. Each episode has become an introduction to the experiences that have often helped shape their creativity, technique and even the direction of their career. Barbara Bordnick joins me today with two of her favorite images and the role they've played in her career as both an artist and an educator. "The frame is like a blank canvas and you're responsible for everything you put in it." Barbara Bordnick Barbara started her career as a portrait and fashion photographer, but along the way stunning flowers and nudes became subjects. But, not just any flowers or nudes. As you look at her images keep in mind she does NOT crop! Her signature is composing everything in the frame and NOT in the computer.
To see more of Barbara's work, follow her workshop schedule and speaking engagements, just click on either of the two images above. And, make sure you wander through her galleries, keeping in mind that each image is composed in the camera! Images copyright Jerome Brunet. All rights reserved. ![]() "Why?" is all about the backstories of great images shared by some of the most respected artists in photography. While normally each episode only features a single image, sometimes it's hard for an artist to pick just one. One of the artists on "Why?" a year ago felt it was like being asked which of your kids do you love more? Jérôme Brunet joins me today with two images on "Why?" His work is a testimony to quality, passion and so many artists in music each of us considers iconic. Jérôme and I have never met in person, but I became more familiar with his work when he shared a comment on one of my blog posts. I followed the link to his website and later a Kickstarter campaign he's doing for a new book, with the foreword by Steve Miller. I called him, and we had one of those conversations where you hang up the phone and feel like you've known the person for years! I enjoyed so many of his images, but appreciate his philosophy about giving back even more. Over the years he's donated work to the non-profit organizations Unicef, T.J. Martell Foundation and the John Varvatos Stuart House Benefit. Now based in Las Vegas, his award-winning photographs have been published internationally in Vanity Fair, Rolling Stone, Time, Billboard, Popular Photography, American Photo, Guitar World, Variety and The New York Times. Interested in seeing more of his work? Just click on either image, Tom Petty or B. B. King to link to his website. Images copyright Chamira Young. All rights reserved. ![]() I started "Why?" to introduce you to the movers and shakers in the industry, but underestimated the diversity of each backstory behind the images shared. This episode is particularly fun for me because Chamira Young is my guest. She's a photographer, writer, and podcaster. She's also my co-host on "Mind Your Own Business," a monthly partnership between SCU and Photofocus. Over the last few months we've shared recording time with some of the most influential people in photography, and now Chamira is switching from host to guest. Chamira referred to the image above as sort of an "extra" photo, but one of her favorites. While normally "Why?" is only about one image, I wanted to share the second picture she spoke about, because it adds so much to the story. Check out more of Chamira's work by visiting her website and join us on the "Mind Your Own Business" podcast. Working with Chamira is a kick! Her insight into people and her love for the craft keeps me on my toes, and makes each podcast fun to do - for both us and our guests. As I've written many times before, the best part of this industry has little to do with photography, but the friendships that come out of everyone's mutual love for the craft! Image copyright Ian Plant. All rights reserved. ![]() If there's one thing the "Why?" series doesn't lack it's variety. Remember, I started this to introduce you to the movers and shakers in imaging, but each artist has brought so much more to the table! Ian Plant is in the "Why?" spotlight today with a phenomenal image captured with Tamron's SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD lens. He's a testimonial to the fun of cyberspace. Ian and I have never met face to face, but thanks to my relationship with Tamron USA, we've got a great "cyber-friendship" going. Plus, we've all been introduced to his images. As a Tamron Image Master many of his images are featured with Tamron's product information. Ian's diversity in photography is only over-shadowed by his love for the craft. From people to critters, big and small, and on to stunning landscapes, even volcanoes, I'm not sure there's any subject missing from his portfolio! Here's another point to capturing an image like this...the stare from the lion is pure terror and redefines the meaning of an intense and serious stare. I had some fun finding two of my favorite actors, Samuel L. Jackson and Anthony Hopkins with similar expressions! To see more of Ian's work, click on the image above before the lion takes your hand! Image by Kay Eskridge. All rights reserved. "Why?" is all about the stories behind the favorite images of some of the most respected artists in photography. With each episode of "Why?" I've been amazed at each guest's willingness to share a piece of the passion they have for the craft.
Kay Eskridge joins me on this new episode. She's a photographer, educator and has been a good friend for many years. This is a different kind of back-story today and relates to the legacy of each photographer. Her backstory is about insight into the why photography is so important, not just in the lives of our clients, but our own as well. Kay's specialty is family portraiture. She never compromises on the quality of an image, customer service or her relationship with each client. She combines her passion for photography with her love for people. Check out more of Kay's work with a visit to her website by clicking on the photograph above. Image Copyright Greg Gorman. All rights reserved. "Why?" is all about the favorite images of some of photography's most respected artists. We see hundreds of images every day, but rarely do we hear the stories behind them. Greg Gorman is in the "Why?" spotlight today talking about one of his most iconic images, his portrait of Andy Warhol. Actually, it's one of the most recognized portraits in the world! I first met Greg back in the 90's when one of his images was featured in Hasselblad's "Hot Stuff" campaign. Back then, working together with Eastman Kodak, we were one of the first companies to set up "Speakers Corner" and bridge the aisle between the two booths. We had a different speaker every hour. Greg was one of our speakers at PhotoWest in San Francisco, then the sister show to PPE in NYC in October. He's an artist, educator, writer and today has added winemaker to his credentials. From celebrity portraits and advertising campaigns to magazine layouts and fine art, spanning over four decades, he never compromises on the quality of an image or the relationships with his clients. Click on the picture above to visit his website and his galleries - you'll never be disappointed. For me a photograph is most successful
when it doesn't answer all the questions and it leaves something to be desired. I like each picture that I take to be a testament to the individual character of my subject. Greg Gorman Image copyright Charleton Churchill. All rights reserved. "Why?" started out a year ago as a great way to introduce you to the movers and shakers in professional photography. However, I completely underestimated the variety of images, the passion of each artist and the power of the backstories behind each photograph.
Charleton Churchill joins me on this new episode with a remarkable story. I'll let you hear it directly from him, but there is one point I want to share. Social media keeps making the world a much smaller place! I recently "met" Charleton thanks to the Internet and Profoto USA, an SCU partner. While we probably share many common friends in the industry we had never actually met in person. On August 8 I shared his "Tiny Talks" video in the Profoto Showcase. After watching the video and reading his blog, I was blown away by the niche he's chosen for a part of his expertise in imaging - adventure weddings. One phone call later we had this episode of "Why?" scheduled. We're part of an industry built on a solid foundation of passion. As I've written and talked about in the past, the best thing about this industry has very little to do with photography, but the friendships that come out of everyone's love for the craft! Interested in seeing more of Charleton's work? Visit his website and blog with a click on the image above. And, if you're interested in finding out more about Profoto's Off-Camera Flash System, which Charleton talks about in his backstory, just click on the Profoto banner below. |
Our Partners"Why?"Check out "Why?" one of the most popular features on the SCU Blog. It's a very simple concept - one image, one artist and one short sound bite. Each artist shares what makes the image one of their most favorite. We're over 100 artists featured since the project started. Click on the link above and you can scroll through all of the episodes to date.
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