Since February of this year I have been working on a correspondence course through New York Institute of Photography (NYIP). I am doing so to help increase my knowledge and skill set beyond what I have learned from several seminars, reading periodicals, taking photos and just working hands on. I think every little bit will help me as I strive to eventually leave the job of working for the man and working for me instead. I have completed the first two units and will start getting the third unit ready to read, study and do the assignments.
I have also spent a considerable amount of money doing some advertising at one of our local High Schools (West Salem, Salem, OR). I am on a handout/multi-fold sports calendar along with only two other advertisers. From the company who sold the space, I am also the only photographer on any of the Fall advertising. I will be offering somewhat lower pricing than other portrait and senior photographers. Just trying to get some base work coming in so we'll see where it all goes. Besides the advertising, 10% of my fee goes back to the school to support their athletic/academics programs.
I wanted to include a shot in this installment that I took on a lonely August Sunday morning drive as I was heading back to Salem. I had spent the night in Spokane, WA and was taking the back highways in a Southerly/Southwesterly direction and church was not in session yet. It kind of felt good to sit there on the side of the road and snap a few shots as a time of reflection. I was just a week past from my father passing away suddenly on August 3rd and had and still have a lot of thoughts, emotions, etc running through my head. Since he should be in the heavens I thought this photo would be appropriate.
Enjoy and we'll see you on the road!