Another year has gone by. (and still no new website…

What a year it’s been!
The 7 years and 7 days I spent as the leader of our areas premier senior portrait studio came to and end in February.  Nearly 25,000 seniors were photographed during my watch at Bryn-Alan/Prestige Portraits in Sarasota.  I must say the photographers got better each year.  Great job guys!

A new job, a new hobby, and soon a new website.  Actually the old job is back too in a way.  I have been shooting action sports for Prestige since August and will post some highlights soon but here’s a taste from last weekend

Manatee Pounds 'Venice 52-20

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Anyway, I just posted my first ad on Craigslist.  It’s really cool if you got here from there.  On off days and nights at the new “day job” I plan to photograph whatever comes my way.  I just miss it that much!

Oh, and Help Portrait is coming up soon so please take a moment to check that out as well.  We would love to have you as a volunteer.

So, thanks for looking again.  Watch for the new website Thanksgiving 2011.  I promise.

OK, so where is it???

If are the one person who came here today looking for the all new website, thanks, I love you. Unfortunately I am not quite ready to unleash it. It’s almost done and features all the cool new features the Joomla offers. Check back soon.

In the meantime this is what is on my heart. Please check it out: http://www.ijm.org/

Also please check out the current project: http://helpportraitmanasota.wordpress.com

I took the pledge…

and I encourage my photographer friends to take it as well.  Teen Identity was founded by Tasra Dawson as a way for photographers “to provide an experience and images that make them feel powerful and beautiful (inside as well as out).”

As the father of 5, two of them girls, this subject is of particular importance to me.  Again quoting Tasra Dawson, “You’d be surprised at how many senior portraits of teen girls there are that are posed and dressed provocatively (i.e. skimpy bikinis, legs in air, sexually suggestive, etc.) We’re asking photographers not to limit or censor their creativity, but to think twice about some of the outfits and poses they do with teen girls.”

As the manager of a studio that photographs thousands of seniors each year I have always discouraged my staff from sending home photos that are suggestive.  Yes I understand that some teens may think want this type of photo.  But remember when you make that photograph that this young lady is a teenager and ask if you would cherish that photo of your daughter.

The pledge itself is quite strait forward:

“As a Teen Identity network photographer/filmmaker, I agree to uphold and promote these ideals:

1. I will provide a photo/video session experience with teen girl clients designed to elevate their self esteem, make them feel beautiful and empowered.
2. Any photos and videos I (or my studio) create portraying teen girls will be done without over-sexualizing the subject. Photos and videos will be created tastefully, preserving the “innocence” of youth, yet at the same time striving to reveal the true personalities of our subjects.
3. Each year I (or my studio) will donate whatever time I can afford towards a Teen Identity approved organization or project designed to raise self-esteem in teen girls, empower teen girls, or address some issue of social injustice facing teen girls. This may include, but is not limited to, pro bono photo sessions for teen girls in economically depressed neighborhoods; teaching photography and/or video workshops on behalf of Teen Identity; acting as a photography/video coach for teen girls in my local neighborhood.”You can learn more and take the pledge at:
   http://photographers.teenidentity.com/#/pledge/There are also opportunities to donate and join the network which promises photographer promotions further down the road.

   They have created an alarming anti sex trafficking video which can be seen at http://vimeo.com/12273559.

Ashley

I am always inspired to lead a better life when I am around my good friends Maurice and Vilma.  Recently I got to hang out in downtown Bradenton with Vilma,  their beautiful daughter Ashley, a Sony and a Canon digital camera.  Ashley likes the smiley ones but her eyes are just so amazing!  It gave me a chance to play with the new Animoto video service.  Click the link below to view the results.

Ashley

via Ashley.

I’ve Never Felt Special Before…

I want people to feel special.  Particularly if they never have before.  No matter what our place in life we are special because God made us in His image.

The first time I watched this video it brought tears to my eyes.  I heard or read somewhere about a man who prayed that God would break his heart over the very things that break Gods own heart.  I started praying that as well.  My wife suggested I read a book titled “Same Kind of Different as Me.”  It rocked my world.  Shortly after that I stumbled upon this video.  It broke my heart and motivated me at the same time to reach out to those less fortunate than me but didn’t know how.    Still I was very confidant He would show me how.
According to their about page, “founded by celebrity photographer, Jeremy Cowart, Help-Portrait, is a community of photographers, coming together across the world, to use their photography skills to give back to their local community.”  Last year I stumbled upon the projects website just days before the December event.  With no time to organize an event I did a very small part to help but vowed to do as much a possible if there ever were another.  I am reaching out to my photo friends to join me on 12/4/10.  I have begun the groundwork for a Help Portrait event here in Bradenton and need your help.

Step One:  Watch This Video.  If it moves you go to step 2.
Step Two:  Visit Help-portrait.com Learn more and sign up.  (will require an email verification step)
Step Three: Visit http://community.help-portrait.com/group/manasota2010 and join our local group. You must join Help-Portrait first. (Step 2 above)
Step Four:  Watch for updates.  They will be coming fast and furious in August.
Step Five: Pray for blessings on all of those in need.

This years worldwide Help-Portrait event is Dec. 4th.  We need 1 day of your talent and time to change peoples lives.  Maybe forever.
I am very excited to announce that Realize Bradenton and The photography Life Group and First Baptist Church are now our partners in this event.  Photographers don’t forget to sign up for the Creative Registry when you visit Realize Bradenton.

At this point it looks like we will be setting up projects in at least two Bradenton locations.  We will have a friendly get together as a group in September.  Several photographers are already on board.  If you are not a photographer don’t be afraid to join as there will be plenty to do.  We need makeup artists, record keepers, greeters and more. Please sign up soon so we know how many people to expect.

Thanks for reading, RT

Happy Thanksgiving!

OK, so it’s only July… It’s been 3 years in the making but our new website is coming. I am so thankful for so many things.  I can’t think of a better time to “go live” than 11/25/10. Until then watch this blog for secret previews and have a safe and happy Thanksgiving

The Entry to Our New Website

Gourdgeous Art

What better way to finally start this blog than complimenting my wife.  She discovered gourd art through a nursery co-worker and friend at our church.  She has completed several projects and I must say they are way cool.