I want to send a BIG love SHOUT OUT for John Craig of Craig Photography who is holding a “How to Everything” Photography (The Basics - 101) workshop on September 17, 2009.

CLICK HERE OR ON THE PHOTO FOR MORE INFORMATION!

Perhaps you want to learn how to use that expensive camera you just bought, or perhaps you are considering becoming involved in the professional world of photography and you don’t know where or how to begin, or if you have just started a business involving photography, this would be a great step-off point for you to acquire some basic knowledge.

John Craig is a wonderful soul, a great guy and has extensive professional photographic experience and knowledge, that I am proud to say I call on from time to time myself.  So, I am confident that you will benefit from his expertise and I strongly encourage you to take the plunge and take this workshop!  CHECK IT OUT!

BIG love, Joanne Bartone Photographer | www.joannebartone.com

It’s interesting to me how photography has always been such an important medium that evokes powerful emotions and interesting discussions, no matter what the subject or who the photographer. Wedding photography has progressed from photographers using view cameras in the early years of photographing weddings, to the now popular digital SLR cameras with video capabilities!  Completely unimaginable technology only a few years ago is now a reality.  It’s amazing.

And with the technological advances every now and again, this medium gets a surge or rebirth from professionals and consumers alike.  Here’s a small sampling of the progression of photography: camera obscura, pin-hole cameras, view cameras, twin-lens reflex cameras, medium format cameras, Polaroid instamatic cameras, 35mm SLR cameras, and now the digital SLR cameras.  It’s an exciting medium and field to work in because it is ever evolving.

The digital advancements of photography, in my opinion, are akin to the advances of wireless cell phone technology; it’s made it easier for almost everyone to have access to a camera!  In fact, if people aren’t photographing with an actual digital camera they’re using their cell phone cameras to photograph!  It’s just way too much fun and tremendously exciting and has really inspired people to connect with photography again…and then there’s scrapbooking…wow!…it just goes on and on.

The possibilities to create beautiful imagery and specialized creative pieces of photographic works are really becoming endless, which is very, very exciting for us creative types.  Based on what  I’ve seen by some of the leaders in the professional wedding industry from the UK, it appears as if the trend in professional wedding photography is merging with art and design more and more which has led some photographers in the industry to an intense discussion of should photography remain pure: the photo out of the camera is what it was as captured VS. the photo out of the camera is enhanced into a specialized piece of art.  I think either way is fine, but in this ever evolving industry I think an image artfully created in the camera and then artistically enhanced image beyond the camera is going to be the next big identifier of professional photographers and this is VERY exciting, indeed!

Here are a few of the award-winning images from one of my favorite industry leaders: Yervant Zanazanian, one of the most talented and genuine photographers I’ve ever had the good fortune to meet.  His recent awards from the AIPP have sparked quite a debate amongst professionals - a debate that has been around for centuries and only will stimulate us to progress further, i’m sure!

THE FOLLOWING THREE IMAGES ARE Yervant’s PHOTOGRAPHIC ART that has sparked an important discussion amongst photographers.  Yervant INSPIRES me!  What are your thoughts?

Yervant, I love your style, your documentary work and your art, and I couldn’t agree with your insights on the subject more!  You are an incredible inspiration to me and to our industry, and I can’t wait to see what you create for us in the future!  Thank you for your inspiration.

BIG love, Joanne Bartone Photographer | www.joannebartone.com

I have a specialized degree in photography and over twelve years of experience as a professional photographer photographing weddings, corporate and private events, commercial assignments, families, children/lifestyle, etc.  I’ve had the great fortune to have photographed many prominent Pittsburgh families weddings, international celebrities and musicians while performing, world-renowned scientists and politicians, and have had some of the best experiences in my life as a result of my work!  I have been published locally, nationally and abroad as a result of my expertise, and am a national and international award-winning art and wedding photographer.  In my field, that’s a big deal, but if no one knows about this, what good am I to you?!  With me, it’s not about having a big head or a big ego because of these  experiences, and it’s not about the “perception” that I’m a big deal - people often times portray themselves to be something they are not.  For me, it’s about actual and authentic experiences that I can use to positively impart my knowledge and expertise on people to help them enhance their lives and/or their careers!  I LOVE people and I believe strongly in paying my success forward to others.

As a result of all of my photographic wisdom and experience I am happy to announce that I am offering private or group lessons for SLR (35mm Single Lens Reflex) camera owners who are enthusiasts, beginners, or those wishing to enter the field of photography on a professional level.  My years of experience leading and directing groups and formulating lesson plans as a result of my previous career are now being combined with my photographic career to offer you a positive, fun, encouraging and personalized 1:1 experience.  You will learn a solid foundation in photography that will result in your having a better command over your technical skills, which will allow your creative skills to flourish!

Sessions for enthusiasts and beginners will be held in groups of four and in a workshop format, unless 1:1 lessons are requested, and will typically be held one evening during the week for four to six weeks so we can  accommodate everyone’s work schedules.  Group sessions will likely be more affordable than private lessons and will offer individuals an opportunity to connect with others who have similar levels of experience and interests.

Sessions for those seeking to enter the professional field will be intensive over the course of one year, and will involve specific photographic and business assignments where technical and creative evaluations of your work will occur in conjunction with technical training at model and actual wedding shoots.  A significant and consistent commitment and investment of your time will be required by you so I can effectively coach you to reach your professional goals successfully. I am currently in discussions with one of the nation’s top professional photographer’s organization to determine a certification process for those completing my workshops.

If anyone is seriously considering learning more about your SLR camera and about the technical and creative aspects of photography, email me for more information: joanne@joannebartone.com .  I look forward to helping you make your photographic interests and dreams come to life, much as I’ve been fortunate to make mine happen!

BIG love, Joanne Bartone Photographer | www.joannebartone.com