The last twelve months have proven to be an excellent development in my business, so with today as Thanksgiving – I needed to give thanks and pay tribute to those who have helped the development.
People and Communities
The Families of Forsyth County youth sports: For a year, you have taken an interest in my work, and invited me to photograph your children. I’ve worked every game like it’s the World Series, since I know for a lot of the kids it’s one of the biggest things going in their lives. For all of the faults that people can find with youth and high school sports – it’s still one of the best ways to pass time for kids.
The staff and families of Greater Atlanta Christian School: For more than three years you have welcomed me at athletic events and treated me as a member of your community. The school has a great spirit for it’s athletic teams, cheerleaders, and musical groups – from it’s student body right up through the parents.
Organizations
The Board of Norcross Soccer Association: Norcross Soccer contacted me in March 2008 to create an action photography program for their soccer programs in lieu of normal team and individual photographs. Over the next two months, I photographed more than 1000 soccer players. Norcross Soccer entrusted me with their families to create photographs and memories. Every program I’ve worked since then has been built off of the model and learning from that relationship.
Forsyth County Youth Football and especially the Bourque Family: FCYFA association allowed me to photograph the games of the 2008 Lanier Bowl, and thus introduce myself to the youth sports community that is Forsyth County. Phil and Elaine Bourque have dedicated a large part of their lives to creating youth football and cheerleading in Forsyth County and have built a great community of people in the process. If you live in Forsyth County for any length of time, you know someone with a son or daughter involved in one of the four parks’ programs.
Midway Park Baseball: The board of Midway Park entrusted me with access to their fields in Spring 2009 and helped me to build my first on-going customer relationships in Forsyth County.
Midway Wolverines Football: It’s easy to see how the Midway Wolverines (and the Packers) could be considered a centerpiece of the Midway/Vickery community. Following the Lanier Bowl in 2008, and working with the baseball organization in the Spring, I started a relationship the fall with Midway Football.
My Photographic Community
Glenn Martin of Martin Photography: Glenn has been working with Greater Atlanta Christian School for many years and entrusted me with photographing many sporting events starting in 2006. I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to stretch my horizons, and even come up with the creative shots that working with the same teams over a season allows to me to find. He’s been our family’s photographer in the past (including our wedding) and I would recommend his portraits without reservation to anyone.
Cecil Copeland of the Athletic Image: I “Internet met” Cecil several years ago on the Fred Miranda boards and have since had the opportunity to eat lunch and talk shop with him on recurring basis. There’s a great collegial atmosphere among the photographers who are serious about sports – always willing to talk photography and sports.
Many Photography Bloggers for sharing their knowledge and work: The Strobist, David Hobby, for passing along huge amounts of lighting know-how and inspiring my mind to think; Motorsports Photographer John Thawley, who’s motorsports work is top notch yet still has time and patience to share knowledge with new photographers on the Internet; John Harrington’s Photo Business News and Forum which should be required reading for anyone trying to make it in photography; and many other photographers who I’ve encountered through forums and Twitter.
Customers
What can I say about my customers? Beyond taking an interest in my work, asking me to attend your children’s sporting events, and sharing your passion for what your kids do on the field (no matter their talent level) you’ve been willing to help me experiment with some new ideas even when it meant going out of your way occasionally.
I hope to be seeing your kids age through the youth leagues and at least some graduate into high school sports, if that’s what they are passionate about.
My family
Mandy, my wife of 8 and a half years: We were married before Dennis Murray Photography came into existence, and when I came to you with the idea that I could take my interest and small experience and develop a business, you supported it and gave me space to run with it. You answer the phones and help with the various aspects of running the business and listen to my ideas.
Aidan, my six year old son: I acquired my first digital camera body when Aidan was born, and he was my first subject. I think we have two full books of photos from his first year alone. He has been there as I’ve grown in my photographic ability and been a constant subject, and over the past two years he’s also started to gain some interest in taking photographs himself. He’s been a great assistant when it comes to setting up lighting, and helping me get the lighting right before clients come for the shoot. He’s also gaining a growing interest in playing sports himself – so I’m getting my own view into sports as a dad.
Evan, my three year old son: Evan always says when he see me where my branded shirts and clothing, “Daddy, taking pictures?” He probably has less of an understanding that what I do isn’t necessary normal (that most families don’t pull out a couple of softboxes for a quick family picture) but he will probably figure that out over time. He’s also a good subject for photos usually, with hair that looks straight out of bed and some really expressive faces that really portray who he is.
Happy Thanksgiving to all.
Dennis: Thank you very much for the recognition. That was most kind of you. All the best.
John
PS: Lovely family.
This is the second time I visited your blog in the last week and I wanted to leave a message last time but Ididn’t. I really have some great suggestions for topics. Please email me and maybe I can be of contribution to your blog.