The CPP Process - Part II

It's official: I passed the Image Submission Review as Part II in the process of becoming a Certified Professional Photographer. Part I consisted of me declaring my candidacy and Part III will entail sitting for a written exam. So, it looks like I will be going to San Antonia in January to take the exam (if I don't go to another test site before then).

In the meantime, I will be hitting the books to study for the exam which will cover everything from camera/lens operations to lighting/posing to digital capture/output. Specifically, I will be brushing-up on the Inverse Square Law and Color Theory as well as the history of photography. At this point, you may be asking, Why get certified? After all, I already possess a degree in Commercial Photography.

Unfortunately, anyone can claim to be a professional photographer. And with the state of the current economy, many folks are buying digital cameras with the intention of making a few extra bucks on the weekend. The reality is that more times than not, these weekend worriers leave their clients with little more than lighter wallets.

Less than 8% of all imaging professionals are certified. Compared to any other profession, this number is astonishing. In fact, most professionals of any other occupation cannot even hang out a shingle without first being certified by a governing body of their profession. Further, I, personally, would not want to use someone who wasn't certified.

For these reasons and more, I have made certification a goal of mine. For more info, see Blog Post: It Starts-The CPP Process 9/15/09.

Tammy

Make A SPLASH This Summer as a Mermaid!

After 18-months of preparation, here at TRR Photography we are now ready to hold our first limited-edition themed sessions. And, we are doing it with style--mermaid style.

All over the world, mermaids have captured the imagination of sailors, writers, artists and more for centuries. Even today, as evidenced by their presence in several Las Vegas venues, mermaids continue to draw us in. As an Aquarius and romantic myself, the idea of staging mermaid sessions here amongst the living backdrops did not take a stretch of the imagination. After all, what could be more natural than a mermaid sunning herself on the rocks of a 30-foot waterfall?

To make these limited-edition mermaid sessions a reality, I've enlisted the help of The Tail Main, Thom Shouse. You may know his work from the movie SPLASH amongst others. His realistic tails are so convincing that you'll soon believe you are a goddess of the sea!

The hour-long sessions will only be offered July 5 - 18. Session times are being scheduled on a first come, first served basis. Portrait consultations are highly recommended to ensure that you are fitted with a proper tail. The session fee of $250 includes the tail rental (a $500 value) as well as use of our props, including wigs, shells and seaweed boa! As an added bonus, each session comes with a studio credit of $75.

So, make a splash this summer and book a mermaid session with me! For more information, or to book your limited-edition session, please call 702-889-4011 or write trrphotography@intermind.net.

Vote for my entry in the 2010 Professional Photographer Magazine Cover Contest

Vote for my entry in the 2010 Professional Photographer Magazine Cover Contest

If you vote you will be entered to win a Canon PowerShot G11, and you will get a big "Thank You" from me.

The gallery of cover prospects contains many beautiful and humorous images. It's definitely worth scrolling through as you enjoy your morning coffee. Who knows, you just may become inspired for your next session!

Advocates for Justice

TRR Photography was recently honored with the job of photographing this year's honorees of the Nevada Justice Association and creating the cover for the professional association's bi-monthly journal, the ADVOCATE.

Unfortunately, Trial Lawyer of the Year, Peter D. Durney, Esq., was unable to get to Vegas, but did provide me with a photo. The Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Neil G. Galatz, Esq., and Consumer Advocate of the Year, Victoria D. Riley, however, were not so lucky and were shot by yours truly. The resulting three images were then transformed into an Andy Warhol inspired piece--sans the green and blue hair. A preview of the actual cover is posted here.

The real story, however, is the work performed and example set by these individuals for the legal profession, in general, and their dedication to those who have been injured through no fault of their own, specifically. For without advocates like them, there would be no justice in our justice system.

The gala honoring all three will take place here in Las Vegas at the Encore at Wynn on June 17th. For tickets or more info on this event, contact the NJA at www.nevadajustice.org or (775) 883-3577.

Congratulations Neil, Victoria and Pete, enjoy your evening--you deserve it!

Hooray for Hollywood!

It had been four years since I last attended a National Specialty Show of the Collie Club of America, and true to the show's slogan: Hooray for Hollywood, the show committee did not disappoint.

The week was packed with events for every type of Collie fancier under the warm California sun from agility to conformation as well as those of a more social nature. One of my favorites was the live auction benefiting the Collie Health Foundation. With Bob Kelly serving as auctioneer and Gayle Ann Stepanik and myself once again in charge of the display tables, the event was both entertaining and festive. And, yes, I did end up the lucky bidder on at least one item.


Outside the ring, I had the best time photographing a young rough sable and white dog, call name Quinn, from Texas. His owner, Therese Holmes-Terrell, has high hopes for this boy and for good reason. I have no doubt that by this time next year, he will be an AKC champion. At which time, I will be able to say I knew him when...

The climax of any dog show, however, is the Best In Show (Best Of Breed at a National) judging, and my friend Judge Carl Williford made it just that by bringing his own class act to the ring. Carl himself had been looking forward to the moment for two years--since first being elected by his peers to officiate. For the final showdown, there were two dogs (males) standing in the ring, a smooth sable and a rough tri-color. Before a full house, it would be the latter, Ch. Fantasy's Rising Dragon, that would receive Carl's nod, the accompanying fanfare, and make Collie history.

The next thing I heard was the show announcer calling the 2010 National a wrap. And, all cheered, Hooray for Hollywood!

Highwire Rocks!

TRR Photography recently had the pleasure of shooting a great group of guys: Las Vegas' own Highwire - the Rock Tribute Band - and immediately became a fan. And once I actually heard them play, I knew it was the real deal!

The talent in this five-man-band runs deep. Pictured L to R: Brad Hagen - Bad-ass Bass Player, Sam McCastlin - Keyboards & Guitar, Geoff Garrett - Lead Singer, Shon McKee - Drummer, and Rob Robbins - Lead Guitar. Together, they well...rock, but don't take my word for it. Go see and hear them for yourselves!

Highwire is playing this Friday night at the Ovation inside Green Valley Ranch with The Neal Schon (of Journey) Band. Neal goes on at 8 pm followed by Highwire at 11 pm. The Highwire concert is FREE, but you will need tickets for Neal's show (which start at just $24).

For more info, please visit www.greenvalleyranchresort.com/entertainment/ovation.

Cameras and Collies

TRR Photography

Most of you who know me, know that photography is just one of my passions, the other is Collies. It was my Dad who introduced me to both, and for most of my childhood, I had a camera and/or Collie with me. In fact, it was not unusual to find me taking photos of the family Collie, Cavalier, with my Brownie. Even today, I find that cameras and Collies go well together.

To my delight this year, the Collie Club of America will be hosting its National Specialty Show and Convention, March 24 - 27, in Pomona, California. Needless to say, I will be there with camera in hand. What's more, I will be offering three different sessions to fanciers at my special show rates as shown here. Those making a reservation in advance of the National, also will receive a bonus set of eight wallets!

At the National, TRR Photography will have a display and sign-up sheet at the Laura Weiss booth. I, however, will likely be found sitting ringside with my camera aimed at the action and my favorite breed, the Collie.

For more info or to book a show session, please write trrphotography@intermind.net or call (702) 889-4011.