Behind the Lens & Seeing Gold

I've been fortunate throughout my career to have worked with a variety of talented photographers, beginning with Peter DeMott during my Arlingtonian days of high school and reporter/photographer/friend Brian McDermott during my Reporter days in New Jersey. They introduced me to the world of 35mm cameras.

Since then I've been inspired by the work and eyes of Gary Smith, a longtime photographer at the Maryland Independent who unexpectedly passed away four years ago, and Augie Selckmann, the first full-time photographer at the Times-Crescent and later the Calvert Independent. I will never forget the photo that Augie caught of a rescue from a car crash ~ it was of a volunteer fireman holding a baby to his shoulder as he soothed and patted its back while the other firefighters finished getting the mother out of the car. The emotion caught in that instant still catches my heart. These two photojournalists widened my view of photography.

There are many others who inspire me to seek a documentary viewpoint, whether in storytelling or catching life's milestone moments, and these include Amanda Banning Pankhurst and most recently Backpack Journalist and Documentary Filmmaker Extraordinaire Bill Gentile.

But for the past 12 years, I've considered myself most fortunate to be inspired daily by my colleague, Val Nyce. The college's lead photography coordinator, Val gives generously of her time, encouragement and tutoring as she shares her expertise and experience. I've always considered her work as golden ~ and now my opinion has been affirmed by the National Council of Marketing & Public Relations District 1 Medallion awards. Congratulations, Val; it is well-deserved!

Behind the Lens at the College of Southern Maryland
CSM’s Photographer Val Nyce Earns Gold Award from NCMPR
"Often before her first cup of coffee, Valerie Nyce is evaluating the probability of a beautiful sunrise. While peering through the viewfinder of her Nikon, she frames shots of the vibrant red, orange and purple backdrops as the sun rises over the Wicomico River outside her backdoor. “Every morning is different—every sunrise is different,” said Nyce of the ritual that began when she opened a Facebook account several years ago and wasn’t sure what to post there. In addition to spectacular sunrises, the College of Southern Maryland's lead photography coordinator posts her images of soaring bald eagles and flora and fauna she finds on her rounds of Southern Maryland... More here."

The Official Word: Photo tips help get your message out

Friday, Oct. 16, 2009

A good photographer can be your best ally when it comes to showcasing your image. As a communications medium, the right picture speaks volumes and often more eloquently than any text, easily explaining the Chinese proverb that an image's meaning can express 10,000 words.

Consider the appeal added to your marketing and public relations tools through the photographs you include. Some calendar editors will only consider your submission if it has a graphic included, and most editors appreciate when you have strong images to tie in with your pitch.

Some of my photographer friends have generously shared a few of their techniques to help guide you in producing quality images. Read here for all the tips from College of Southern Maryland photographer Valerie Nyce, who has served as a judge for recent tourism photography contests through Calvert and St. Mary's economic development departments; Conni Leigh James, owner of Unique Designz, which specializes in marketing consulting and design; and my longtime friend and location photographer in southwest Ohio, Peter DeMott. For more of Peter's inspiration, visit his web site; he has some outstanding photography and tips to make your images bring forth a smile. Peter and I worked together a generation ago on our high school newspaper, The Arlingtonian, the paper with panache! It's been a blessing to reconnect with this talented photographer over the past several months and see how far his creativity has brought him.

PR tip of the month
Get inspired for your next photography session. Here are some sites I visit when I need a fresh perspective and inspiration: the Pulitzer Prize winners , today's top photos at Life and Slate .

To share your photo inspiration with others, consider uploading your images to Southern Maryland Newspapers online for readers of The Calvert Recorder, Maryland Independent and The Enterprise to enjoy.