CAPTURE '09

When I first started in photography fifteen years ago, one of the established photographers in my town came by my makeshift garage studio. He showed me how to set my lights up and invited me to an APPA convention. I can truly say that convention changed my photography and my life. I met so many wonderful people who invited me into a community of photographers and freely taught me all they knew. I believe when you teach someone about photography, you elevate the profession of photography. This has been a difficult year for anyone in business, which is why weather you are a new photographer or a seasoned veteran , it is crucial to expand your network, learn new techniques, and be inspired. We have some incredible speakers coming in for our convention. Denis Reggie is the father of wedding photojournalism and a must see program. Thanks to Canon ,Denis's program can be attended free of charge. But don't stop there. If you are registered for the convention you will see John Woodward really does know more about digital photography than anyone, anywhere, that Mitche Graffe is not a best selling author on marketing for no reason, and that Barbie Vallot did not win Photographer of the Year in Louisiana by accident. These are only a few reasons why you must attend and absolutely must invite a friend. The Doubletree Hotel and the Rivermarket are a perfect setting for this year's convention. CAPTURE '09 will be a life altering, business saving, inspiration to someone. Will it be you? I can't wait to see all of you there to spend time with old friends and make some new ones.


Lance Johnston
APPA President


CAPTURE '09

Call it Music Monday

I am in a music mood so I wanted to share these videos that Barbara showed me last week. I didn't cry but I thought about it. Click the link below to watch.
PS22 Choir

New Friends

Josh and Treva have visited our church the last couple of weeks they just moved here from Nashville. I thought I would share a link to Trevas blog. www.trevamusic.com

Shakespeare and the Oxford American

Melissa and I attended a fundraiser for the Arkansas Shakespeare Festival on Saturday night that was great. If your not familiar with the festival here is a link to the website.
www.arkshakes.com
I also spent most of the night talking with Marc Smirnoff who created the "Oxford American". If your not familiar with this magazine you should check it out.

www.oxfordamericanmag.com

Quote of the day

"You will never make a good impression on other people until you stop thinking about what sort of impression you are making.
No man who bothers about originality will ever be original: whereas to simply tell the truth (without care for how often it has been told) you will become original without having even noticed it."

~ C.S. Lewis

Rosemary Beach June 15-21

It's almost that time again and our dates are set for the beach. Give us a call if you would like to schedule portraits in the Destin/Seaside area in June.

5D

I got the new 5D last week and it has not disappointed I will post some images and video soon. It's amazing.
Right not all my spare time is working on my new program that I will test out next week in Texarkana. I have been doing A little research on the history of photography. It made me realize that a great photograph is truly timeless. See if you can guess the time frame on these images I will post the answers later.
Alfred Steiglitz 1907

Man Ray 1920

Dennis Stock 1954

Doisneau Robert 1950

Speaking Engagement

I was recently asked to speak at the Ark-la-tex professional photographers guild in Texarkana TX. On April 13th I will be presenting a program and judging their print competition. It is always an honor to be asked to speak to other photographers.
Several years ago I did quite a bit of speaking and earned my Craftsman degree from PPA. I have not pursued speaking in the last couple of years focusing more on opening a second studio and serving on the ArkansasPPA board. I would say in recent months as I look forward to the end of my term as APPA president I have been inspired to create a new series of programs and hit the road again. I will be speaking at the Oklahoma state convention in August. The theme of the new programs is still developing but it will involve the idea of finding your own style and being true to yourself as an artist. There is a temptation today for photographers to imitate the latest trends, but not really find a style that is true to them or their community. I hope these programs will inspire photographers to create but not imitate. Finding your niche as a photographer is one of the most important things you can do in creating a successful business. Full Color our lab in Dallas and Burns picture frames are sponsoring our program so many of our engagements will be covered by our sponsorship if you would like more info have having me speak at you photography group let me know.

Senior Special

I thought I would show you guys our Senior promotion. If you didn't get this or if you know a senior who hasn't done pictures yet you can print this flyer and receive 46 free wallets. Pass it on.

Ward Mansion

We recently did a few photos of the Ward Mansion Bed & Breakfast. Joann Stevens has done an incredible job of remodeling this historic house. Check out her website and consider staying there if you will be staying in Conway soon.



Lance