The Lasting Impressions.....

You never expect any life changing differences to be made by slight associations, but it must happen everyday....and many times you'll never have a clue. I've met people that have entered my life briefly that have had this lasting effect, some good and some bad, but overall in a good manner. My wife is somewhat amazed that my associations run so deep, but I figure that a friend is a friend, and there is not much that can make that change. But what about the ships passing in the night so to speak.

I got a note on my facebook page from the daughter of one of my past accounts that I had done family portraits for in the late 70's. In the note she said she remembered the session and at that time, as a young girl, she had decided, then and there, that she wanted to be a professional photographer. In the note she said she had set up a studio in Wilmington North Carolina and was now in the business.

While in College I studied under Don Sothern of Springfield Missouri who, at that time, understood portrait lighting better than any other Professional Photographer in the state. He was a true master of controlled portrait lighting. I am forever grateful that he took the time to teach me the ability to "see" light in a Professional sense. Now, 41 years later, very few photographers know the difference between portrait lighting and a flash on a camera. The "Photojournalistic" style is generally the key word of those who haven't taken the time or had the interest run deep enough to learn what quality Portrait Photography is all about. I have seen the profession evolve through the Digital Revolution where the camera makes all the decisions, so the maker of the image really only has to point and shoot.....I have a picture so, now I can sell it and be a Professional.

The interesting point that I'm coming to is that this young girl I'm speaking of is still shooting film. What a fabulous concept. Film is the true decision maker because if the knowledge of proper exposure isn't there, the computer can't save you. The thought process is relied on because of the cost factors involved. The film has to be developed to be seen. Paper previews must be made. Time is taken and there must be an investment in experience and knowledge that is necessary to have the exposures come out. There is no Photojournalistic style to hide behind here...this is the real deal.