Our Five Cents Worth

Staff News
*March
Mike's entries in the state competition again placed him in Illinois' esteemed "Top Ten." More than 500 professionals competed for this distinction. Congrats to Mike!
*June
Lindsey traveled to Pere Marquette Lodge to participate in a week-long event for photographers of high school seniors.
*July
Mike's competition print, entitled Tranquil Harbor was chosen by the PPA for publication in their prestigious "Loan Book." This image is on Mike's Fine Art Prints page of our website.
*August
Once again, two of Lori's Photographic art pieces have been selected for exhibit at the St. Louis University Museum of Art. Stop by and view both, Urban Anatomy and Incandescent Angels.
*October
A "Super Monday" teaching seminar was again held at our studio and pro photographers from Ohio, Missouri, and far points across Illinois attended. Our two resident Master photographers, Mike and Lindsey, devoted the day to teaching and sharing their expertise with others in the profession.

Helpful Hints for the "Sunday Shooter"
"Camera shake" is caused by movement at slow shutter speeds. The shutter stays open longer to let in more light. The longer it's open, the more likely the image will blur due to the movement of the subject or the photographer's hand. Solutions: Faster shutter speeds, using a tripod, or a flash will all help.

Favorite Quote
"A powerful photograph can render a poet's adjectives pallid." ~ Brian Hamill

Georgia's Journal
The recent tragedy of Hurricane Katrina should serve as a reminder to all pet owners. Be responsible and be prepared. Formulate a disaster plan NOW for your companions.
1. Have a safe place to take your pets. Ideas: friends or relatives (outside the affected area), pet-friendly hotels / motels, boarding facilities, or vets.
2. Assemble a portable pet disaster supplies kit. Include: medicines & medical records, 1st aid kit, leashes, harnesses, and/or carriers, current photos of pets, food, potable water, bowls, can opener, litter/pan, information on feeding schedules, name & number of your vet.
3. Make sure all dogs and cats are wearing collars and securely fastened up-to-date identification.

Collinsville Area Camera Club

Mike:
Thank you so much for judging our end-of-year competition. You are always so generous with your time and we appreciate it.
Pat Patsloff

Our Five Cents Worth

Staff News
*Three of Lori's photographic art pieces are now on exhibit at the St. Louis University Museum of Art. If you're looking for a great idea for a Sunday outing, this could be it! The museum is open every day, except Monday, with hours from 1-4 pm.

*Here at the studio we started off the New Year with a celebration like no other. Lindsey is now a Certified Professional Photographer and has attained her Master of Photography Degree. She traveled to New Orleans in January to receive her honors directly from Robert Lloyd, President of our national organization, the Professional Photographers of America. It was a gala event and Lindsey had the opportunity to trade information with professionals from all over the country and beyond -- Maryland, California, Pennsylvania, and even Ireland, just to name a few. She is the youngest female recorded in the State of Illinois to ever achieve this degree! CONGRATS LINDSEY!


Helpful Hints for the "Sunday Shooter"
Spring will be arriving soon and with it comes an inevitable increase in our candid outdoor family photos. Even though the sun is shining, use your flash to decrease a subject's eye-socket shadows. This will help avoid what is known in pro circles as "raccoon eyes."

Favorite Quote
"Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life." ~Pablo Picasso

Georgia's Journal
Fight pet over-population by having your pet spayed or neutered. Feb. 22nd is the 11th annual Spay Day USA. Check out the Doris Day Animal Foundation at www.ddaf.org