We run the ProProgram designed for people looking to turn a passion into a career. We have nine ProProgrammers coming from all backgrounds – all looking to earn a living at what they do.

Last week we sent the group a ProProgram update to keep everyone abreast of the group’s successes – there is power in numbers – a supportive network is valuable.

Some excerpts from the student’s updates:

• After releasing its new website at the end of January, Polar Horizon’s blog is now online. We have also started being active in the social media world. You can also follow us on Twitter and on our “Bitten by the arctic bug” group on Facebook. polarhorizons.com/blog
• “I am launching my new site tonight…”
  www.scottmartinvisuals.com
• It’s been a busy and exciting couple months. My website is under construction. It’s been a constant learning curve but I feel challenged, energized and feel I have progressed considerably in the past 6 months….and I’m looking forward to the next 6!!!”
• Life has changed so much for me since I started the Pro Programme  last October.   I have completed 4 workshops which I have found challenging, not only have I learnt about the technical side but an awful lot about myself.
  I have had my first job, I have bookings  in April and a possible wedding in August. I start shadowing next month 2 afternoons a week  which will be a fantastic experience.”

Check some of the ProProgrammers websites:

• Lou Truss
• Nathalie Madore
• Sandra Finner
• Christine Denis

Other Programmer sites are coming soon! Visit their sites and cheer them on!

They make me proud!

Weeks ago I mentioned a winter assignment I have been working on.

Quite fun really!

I was to cover five outdoor hockey rinks in the region, meet the people and capture the fun. And fun it was! I visited rinks all over the region including:

• official City of Ottawa rinks
• a popular rink the NCC seems to wish didn’t exist
• a Chelsea pond
• the finest backyard rink I have ever seen!

The feature, with article by Jamie Findlay, will appear in December’s issue of Ottawa Magazine.

A preview below:

Ottawa Hockey

Ottawa Hockey

Ottawa Hockey

Ottawa Hockey

I do some work for an elite XC ski team every year. XCOttawa.ca are a powerhouse and win medals. This year they wanted a selection of ski photos – in action – showing off their new team suits.

Sport Portrait

Sport Portrait

Sport Portrait

Sport Portrait

Sport Portrait

Recently, we shot an executive portrait for a businessman in Ottawa. The client wanted headshots to support different aspects of his work – everything from an academic look to public speaking to business.

Over an afternoon with wardrobe changes and different venues we produced a collection of portraits that make him look good!

He was smiling last week when I delivered his portraits:

Executive Portrait - Ottawa

Executive Portrait - Ottawa

Executive Portrait - Ottawa

Sometimes an idea just hits.

Boom!

The photo below was shot recently and posted about a week ago. The idea to shoot the Gatineau Loppet this way just landed in my brain – all of a sudden. It worked. It was a creative lightning bolt. It put HarryNowell.com on the desk of some editorial clients.

More on Creativity

A reader sent a link to some ways creativity has helped people make some good sales. The stories involve good timing, patience but all start with a solid creative idea.

Read the post “Creativity Really Can Sell Pictures”

Creative Impulses!

Today we spent the day teaching a one-on-one session to a client who wanted to take the Photography for Communications Professionals course on his own turf at his own speed.

Part of his job is to photograph internal events and new staff including visits by ministers and dignitaries. That’s scary stuff!

We spent the day covering the material that applied directly to his work in the locations he shoots while demystifying the challenges he faces.

We finished the day smiling and he asked about more sessions.

That’s my kind of day!

The group session of Photography for Communications Professionals is coming up March 24th, 2010. There are just a few spots left.

Photography for Communications Professionals - Ottawa

We are excited to be offering some lucky people the chance to improve their child photography skills.

The ‘Photographing Children Workshop’ with Family Photographer Christine Denis helps parents and grandparents capture once in a lifetime moments.

Photographing children workshop - Ottawa

Join us with your SLR or point-and-shoot camera by learning:

• technical capabilities of your DSLR or point-and-shoot camera
• storytelling concepts
• fundamentals to help you better capture your children
• basics of post processing your images
• storing, backing up, printing, creating albums, and digital scrapbooking

Dates
Tuesday, June 8th – 6-9pm
Saturday, June 12th – 9-3pm
Tuesday, June 15th – 6-9pm

Photographing Children Workshop - Ottawa

Location
Central Ottawa, Ontario for all dates

Cost
$375 + applicable taxes

Space is limited!

Reserve your spot with a $118.12 deposit and a complete registration form.Contact us for more information and to register.

Photographing Children Workshop - Ottawa

A reader recently sent us a link to Italian artist Guido Daniele’s website. He bills himself as a photographer and body painter.

One section of his work highlights his ‘handimals‘ – hands painted as animals and photographed in natural poses.

I’ve never seen anything like it!

Quite amazing and worth a look!

Ok, if you’re a regular reader you’ll know I have a very big soft spot for dogs. Today, for Friday, I have two dog photo distractions for you:

1. Remember my Ten Years of Teaching Post? I reconnected with Heather, one of our first students. She is very active in the sport of ski-joring and sent me a link to some fine photos of dogs having some fun from Guy Dupuis.

2. This Sunday, local working photographer Brittany Veinot is hosting a dog photo day to support some good dog causes:

Dog Photo Day

Yikes… I was in trouble!

A student sent me a question about a camera and I had no clue how to respond! I like to think I know a lot of stuff. But I get asked a lot of questions and sometimes need to come up with answers … quickly.

In this month’s Exposed! we look at information sources in the photo world!

Read the whole article.

Your network can be your most valuable resource!