A longer lens, in this case Hasselblad’s 80mm CF, was perfect for the shot. Don wanted to achieve just the right depth of field with just a kiss of light from the bare bulb strobe.

Notice the placement of the secondary subject, lit only with ambient light. Also, pay attention to the strong compositional lines being created by the bare bulb lighting coming through the railing.  We’re always talking about the importance of making your work look different from “Uncle Harry’s”.  That can only happen if your skill set is constantly expanding and you’re testing your creative vision!

Don Blair may no longer be with us, but he’s certainly here in spirit!  The techniques taught by Don along with photography greats like Monte Zucker, Joe Zeltzman, Bill Stockwell and Rocky Gunn are even more relevant today! And, if you’re looking to catch up on your portrait and lighting techniques to strengthen your skill set then start following great teachers like Clay Blackmore, Tony Corbell, Doug Gordon and David Ziser. 

“Uncle Harry” will never match any of their images!

They say that 5% of the fishermen catch 90% of the fish. Is it because of their expertise?  Is it because they have more passion for the sport than the rest of us?  Work with me – there’s a connection I’m trying to make.

Well, in the same respect 5% of an organization does 90% of the work.  Now ask some of the same questions, because it is about their expertise and their passion.  Elena Hernandez is the Education Director for Dallas PPA.  She started beating me up almost a year ago to speak at their monthly meeting.  I was reluctant, simply because it meant two days out of the office, schlepping to the airport, dealing with the challenges of travel – but you don’t say “no” to Elena.  I finally gave in and couldn’t be happier that I did.  (Just the stories after the program made the trip worth it – I can’t repeat them, but what a funny night and Kevin and Richard – theres a sitcom in your hearts waiting to be born!)

I also couldn’t be prouder of my Dallas buddy, Ms Elena, because her passion for our industry is virtually unmatched.  Read her guest blog a few months ago and you’ll see what I mean about her love for the craft.  Spend a few minutes with her at any convention and you’ll understand her drive and quest to learn everything she can and share it with anybody who needs help.

This industry today was built by pioneers like Monte Zucker, Don Blair, Bill Stockwell, Rocky Gunn, Dean Collins along with Josef Karsh, Eddie Adams, Richard Avedon, Irving Penn, Herb Ritts, Alfred Eisenstadt and a dozen more icons I just can’t think of right now, but the people who keep it alive today are the unsung heroes, the Elena Hernadez’s behind the scenes.    The cool thing about the crew in Dallas is Helena’s dedication is joined by Margaret Bryant, president, Carsten,  Genie and at least four other people who share her enthusiasm and love for the Guild.  Sorry, don’t remember the names of everybody I met last night!

Last year I spoke at the Triangle Institute in Pittsburgh – Jerry and Bonnie Costanzo set the standard for behind the scenes support in that school/association…and where would the Texas School be without guys like Don Dickson and Doug Box?   Where would our industry be without guys like Corbell (who’s really a Texan hiding out in California!).  There are hundreds of other people in every association, organization and camera club in the country who like the Energizer Rabbit, just keep ”going and going” to make this industry stronger!

Okay, I’m getting way too sappy, but this morning’s blog is simply a big “THANKS” to Ms Elena for making me drag my butt to Dallas, but even bigger to her, Jerry and Bonnie, Don and Doug, Tony and a few hundred other people who are willing to work behind the scenes, put up with a lot of garbage and work so hard to make this industry better for everyone!

Thanks you guys – we sure do love ya!