Master of Photography

Betsy and I recently returned from New Orleans, where we attended Imaging USA, the annual convention of the Professional Photographers of America. I am thrilled to announce that during the Degrees and Awards Ceremony, I was awarded the Master of Photography Degree, by PPA President Don Dickson.

The Master of Photography degree is one that is achieved by meritorious performance in International Print Competition. It is not a matter of simply taking enough classes or being a photographer for long enough. You have to create compelling images, as judged by affiliated jurors. It is about performance as a photographer, judged by people who know the difference between solid photography artistically enhanced and mediocre captures in which the flaws are covered over in Photoshop. It is a Big Deal.

It's hard for me to talk about me, but sometimes it's necessary. Thanks for reading.

NH Primary

We've been on the path to the NH primary since last March, when we first photographed Mitt Romney as part of a small gathering of business owners. Since that time we've photographed Donald Trump, Newt Gingrich, Rick Perry, and Ron Paul. We've been interviewed on camera back in the summer when Rick Perry first came to NH and became on overnight sensation (before he fizzled.) And again this past week, when the door to the studio opened and in walked a guy named Buddy Roemer (along with a camera crew.)

Today we come full circle. It's the day before election day, and Mitt Romney was here as the final installment of the Nashua Chamber's Backstage Pass series. Unlike our first meeting, which was an intimate affair, today's event was quite large indeed. The largest ballroom in Nashua was packed to capacity.

It's nice being the official Chamber photographer. While the media is (supposed to be) kept to the back of the room, I am given essentially free reign. This makes it possible to get some nice pictures and avoid the scrum that inevitably develops between competing news organizations.

We in NH are privileged to have our place in the presidential election process. It is something I have really come to appreciate as I've gotten older. While the general election may be almost exclusively the province of the large electoral college yielding states, we actually do have a voice in the early stages of the game. This is why it is so important that all NH residents go to the polls tomorrow. Respect the privilege and vote for your candidate.

Here are some of the shots from Mitt's breakfast visit:

Link to full Mitt Romney Gallery

As luck would have it, we were also invited to the Nashua Rotary's meeting, which featured Newt Gingrich as a guest speaker. After the former House Speaker's prepared remarks and Q&A session, we were interviewed by NECN. Fun stuff.

Images from the Rotary meeting:

Link to full Newt Gingrich Gallery

Don't forget to vote!