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Throughout our careers there are people that influence what we do as artists and photographers. This area of my website is devoted to those that have influenced mine.
In addition, I'll encounter a web site, vendor or organization that is
exceptional and I'll share them with you here. When it comes to service, I
find many vendors
sadly lacking and if you see one listed here, you can be assured that
I have received exceptional service from them. Just click on their name to visit.
The Center for Fine Art Photography
Located in Ft. Collins, Colorado, The Center for Fine Art Photography is one of the best opportunities anywhere for you to have your work viewed by an international audience through their competitions and/or as a member, on their website.
I've been a member for quite a while now and just love these guys. Even though I live in West Virginia, I've had the opportunity to visit a few times. I was honored by being juried into my first ever international show, participating in their Bridge Gallery at the Denver International Airport exhibition, AND having a solo exhibition there in March of 2007 (If you didn't see it in person, it's now online under "exhibitions"). I even won my first international award in their Abstract exhibiton by winning the Director's Choice Award....Larry Padgett, the Center's Director, obviously, has excellent taste.... So stop by and say hi to my friends Larry, Cindy, Azarie, Lucia, and Hamidah. While you're there, become a member to receive all the benefits this world class organization can give you. These people really do it right!
Photographers/Artists
Jim Clark
I first attended a Jim Clark workshop in 2002 and photography, for me, changed forever. Jim's passion for nature and nature photography was very evident as well as infectious. After that first workshop, I made the decision that Jim was going to be my mentor, a task he willingly accepted. There were many times that he wanted to wring my neck trying to teach me the obvious, but we both persevered and Jim instilled in me a love of nature that will forever be a part of my life as well as taught me to see nature in ways that I never thought possible. Jim also taught me that the image isn't as important as what comes from the heart.
I'm happy to say that Jim finally "fired" me as his "mentee" and we remain best of friends today and love shooting together in our beloved West Virginia. In fact, Jim and I are doing workshops together now...how cool is that? If you ever have the opportunity to attend one of Jim's workshops or talks, don't pass it up!
Les Miller
I first met Les when I joined the Charleston Camera Club, in Charleston, WV. His passion for photography and learning was evident from the day I met him. I was just starting out and I remember, when I first saw his creations, that if I could ever be that good, I would be happy.
Les has since moved to Virginia, but we still get together, along with Jim Clark, and roam the hills and valleys of West Virginia looking for that perfect image.
One of the beautiful things about photography is the friendships you form though a common passion. Les and Jim Clark's friendships are two that I will treasure forever.
Businesses
Artist
Career Training (A.C.T.) “Business Sense for the ArtWorld”
Artist Career Training operates as a "virtual university", offering a full curriculum of programs developed over ten years, teaching artists how to make a better living making art with and without gallery representation, in any economy. Virtual learning is exchanged among artists and faculty across time and space by a combination of surface mail, telephone class, recordings and internet.
Sign up for the free monthly newsletter, ArtMatters! and
the tuition free, introductory "10
Tips" TeleClass at http://www.artistcareertraining.com Let A.C.T. help you
build
a productive, sustainable and satisfying
professional art career
I began my journey with A.C.T. in 2003 and have never regretted the decision. If you are serious about your art career, you will find the answers at Artist Career Training. You owe it to yourself and your career. Please feel free to contact me via e-mail or phone if you have any questions.
The Great American Photography Workshops
In their words: "The Great American Photography Workshops (GAPW) combines classroom lectures and critiques with hands-on in-the-field instruction designed to improve and enhance skills in photographic techniques and composition. Our locations are chosen to arouse both the soul and one’s creativity. They include some of our National treasures – our National Parks and Monuments – as well as lesser known but equally scenic and inspiring venues."
I've had the honor to assist Jim Clark in several of the GAPW West Virginia workshops, so my review might be a wee bit slanted, but these people provide exellent workshops and the workshop leaders are the best in the field of photography. Serveral of our West Virignia participants have come back for additional workshops with Jim and me. If you want to take your photography to the next level AND learn a little bit about my creative nature photography techiques, pay them a visit.
Photographic Production Services
Located in South Charleston, West Virginia, Photographic Production Services is the only place to go for your digital imaging needs as far as I'm concerned. They offer a full menu of photographic services. Being strictly digital, I've used them many times for slides from my digital files as well as large prints that my little Epson 2200 can't handle. Heck, I just enjoy going in and picking their brains. Pat, Clayton, Heather, Steve, Megan, Tina and Steve are always happy to share information and they bend over backwards to make sure that we photographers look the best we can. Great service and they love what they do. THAT'S the kind of people I, as a photographer, want to work with. Give them a visit to see all that they do and don't let not being in West Virginia stop you. The are fully equipped with FTP transfer, so they are only as far away as your keyboard. Tell them Bruce said Hi!
The
Charleston Camera Club
If you live in the Charleston, WV area and looking for a place to share your
talents or just a gathering of fellow photographers, then this the place for
you. The club, made up of beginners to professionals, is open to all photo
enthusiasts including digital. Come join the fun.
The
Filter Connection
How often do you call a business and the owner answers the phone? That was
the case when I called the Filter Connection looking for an IR filter for my
Olympus e10. John has been a photo enthusiast for 39 years and his enthusiasm
is evident after talking to him for a couple of seconds. I'm convinced that
he isn't there just to sell you something, which is rare these days. He knows
his cameras and filters and is very willing to help you make the right choice
as well as share his extensive knowledge. Not only is John a wealth of information,
but his prices are VERY competitive. On this particular filter, I was pleasantly
surprised to find out that the price was actually $10 less that his own advertised
price. I made the purchase and three days later I had my new filter. If you
are in the market for filters, and what techno isn't :), then visit The
Filter Connection. Better yet, visit and then call John. You won't be sorry.
Really
Right Stuff
I've recently made the change from an Olympus e10, with it's fixed lens, to
a Canon 10d and it's vast array of changeable lenses. Talk about total confusion!
I've never had a camera with actual lenses and had NO idea what I needed or
what to buy. In my search for information, I came across a company by the name
of Really Right Stuff. I had heard of them before, but already had everything
I needed for my Olympus, so I didn't visit. This time I definitely had a need
MORE INFORMATION! So off I went to RRS for a look see. One thing that caught
my eye was something in their catalog that said "When you need independent
counsel". Did I ever! So I gave them a call and who answers the phone
but the owner, Joe Johnson. He couldn't have been nicer and more helpful. I
had to call back two more times to clear up some confusion on equipment he
didn't even sell and he was very patient and helpful. I bought a couple of
lens plates and an L-plate and couldn't be happier. I spent a lot of money
on my new equipment and feel very confident that they are well protected attached
to the plates. Delivery was fast, too, which always pleases me. So when you
need some "really right stuff", definitely give Joe and Joan a call.
You won't be sorry. They definitely qualify as an exceptional vendor worthy
of mention here. They also have some great tutorial and tips there too as well
as in their catalog.
