THE DRAGON LADY AND ME

I'm in a networking group with a woman named Terri who creates fine jewelry pieces in her business called The Silver Dragonfly. I call her the Dragon Lady.

Spectrum Photography and the Dragon Lady collaborated on a photo shoot today so she could have some good images for herself, although I didn't know it would benefit me too, but it did. I got some great shots she's letting me use for my web site.

When you help others, you often help yourself.

Thanks, Dragon Lady.

NETWORKING FUN

The saying "it's who you know, not what you know", is overly simplified. I think it's more a case of who you know helping you to learn what you know. The case in point was just this very evening when Spectrum Photography (photocurt.com) was at a networking shindig at the Junior Achievement center in Indianapolis. It was hosted by B.N.I., Rainmakers and Confluence. Not only did Spectrum get the chance to display portraits at a vendor's booth, but the organizers had three very good presenters who addressed very different, but essential elements of business growth. I was particularly impressed by a consultant named Kyle Lacy, who focused on how to make better use of internet networking sites. That's one reason I'm blogging, because Kyle emphasized the importance of regular blog submissions.

Earlier in the day, I had a chance to put my camera to use at another networking event, The Samaritan Caregivers annual Chocolate Celebration at the Kokomo Mall. I'm simultaneously regretful and proud of myself for not having indulged. Next year, I'll partake, especially if something like this offering by The Windmill Grill is available.

ECONOMIC OPTIMISM

It's easy to find depressing news about the economy. I'm more interested in creating favourable situations to manufacture my own healthy economy.

January has started well for Spectrum Photography: finishing a photo session at a nursing home (commercial work), picking up additional orders from Christmas business (family portraits), winning a modest little job at a local school for its marching members (classic school photography), forging a relationship with Howard County's newest event hall (aptly named Celebrations) and getting ready for a photo session at a music academy (supporting and being supported by the arts - who'd have thought?!).

Every photographer knows that these jobs are the foundation for good things: the money from the session itself can be good, but the residuals can be career-sustaining.

COASTAL LOVE

The San Francisco area enjoys a legacy of beauty, greatness of fame. That includes rolling hills, scenic vistas, the settings of Dashiel Hammet and Bogart movies as well as the starts of the baseball careers of Joe DiMaggio and Ted Williams.

Perhaps those are the things that attracted Johnny Kliegl and Karen to the area, and to each other. Whatever the case, it's an honour for Spectrum Photography to be included in the magic of their relationship and the majesty of the bay area.

It's clear from this engagement session that Johnny and Karen will do well in front of the camera during their June wedding, as well as with each other on the golden road to unlimited devotion.

SAVOURING THE SENIORS

When late October comes, I feel like an autumn leaf on a branch, trying to hang on in the face of gusting winds and dwindling odds. I'm always hoping the dry, pleasant weather hangs in for "just one more week" (and one more after that...) to keep the outdoor opportunities coming.

Here it is early November and the trees are lush with colour - two senior sessions and a family portrait scheduled for this week and successful sessions leading to it.

Photography is great not just because I get to work in these conditions, but because of the fringe benefits. During a session with Eric, I had the pleasure of not only working with a friendly, agreeable individual, but I got treated to a free concert.

Ironically, this is a black-and-white image, so while it doesn't show the colours of the season, I think it does a good job of showing the feel of how I see the saxophone: jazzy, moody and sometimes stark.

ANOTHER GREAT OPPORTUNITY

There are many reasons why photography is a highly rewarding profession: creative expression, varied experiences... and the opportunity to delve into other worlds. That can be actual travel, or it could be the invitation that is made when a client asks you to make pictures for them. You get the chance to enter that person's, or that family's world.

Such was the case recently when I had the chance to do the high school senior pictures of Olivia at her home. As it is, hers is a beautiful, sprawling wooded property, but pleasant weather and autumn colours made it all the more striking.

Working at other people's homes is a specialty of Spectrum Photography. This allows people to feel a little more relaxed, and we capture elements that are more meaningful. I'm grateful for the opportunity.

STILL STRONG WITH SENIORS

It's late in the game, so to speak, for the high school senior season, but the activity is still strong. So is the quality.

I recently had the privilege of photographing Courtney, a Howard County senior. We had a great evening, and I had a great subject. As you can see, those ingredients were the recipe for success!

Thanks for making Spectrum Photography look good, Courtney!