On cloud nine

"Josh Otterstetter, 27, of Colorado Springs performs a trick at Aztec Family Raceway in Colorado Springs, Colo. on June 19, 2008."

I couldn't have had a better experience this past week at Mr. Clarkson's Sports Photography Workshop in the Springs. The wealth of knowledge and contacts that I made far surpassed that  of any one week in my lifetime. This may just have been the big break that I have been looking for and I couldn't be more grateful for that.

My goal for the week was to limit my time out shooting at the Olympic Training Center and other venues and maximize my time in the classroom with the outstanding instructors. There couldn't have been a better and more qualified staff. I don't know about you but I rarely get to sit down with editors from Sports Illustrated, The New York Times and the Colorado Springs Gazette. In addition I also had the opportunity to meet with several top, TOP, photographers from the AP and some fantastic freelancers.

Wednesday afternoon I began to schedule portfolio reviews with some of the faculty. I first met with Mark J. Terrill who is one of, if not, the top sports photographers for the Associated Press. We spent a few minutes talking about my ethical dilemma from back in January. He then took a look at some of my work and made some very valuable comments. Mark offered some advice as to how I should begin to get some more work. Needless to say I'll be contacting the AP this week to set up a meeting with the head of the Denver bureau.

My next meeting was with the Brad Smith, sports picture editor from the NY Times. He sat down with me for over an hour and we didn't even get to my portraits or picture story. I couldn't have asked for better feedback. If he didn't think that one of my images was as strong as the rest of my stuff he told me why. However he really seemed to like my book and made sure that Porter Binks from Sports Illustrated stayed around to see my work.

Porter Binks has to be my favorite editor that I've ever met with by far. Sure it's great that he is from Sports Illustrated but that just doesn't have anything to do with it. He tells you like it is and provides some perspective about how your work measures up to the stuff that he sees everyday. Despite his stature in the industry he was a real person, as were the rest of the staff, and for a nervous recent college graduate I couldn't have felt more at ease to show him my work. With that being said he was impressed with what he saw. For sports photographers Sports Illustrated is the pinnacle of outlets for our work and you know that you've made it when you see your work in the magazine. I talked with Porter for nearly an hour, much longer than the typical 20 minute session, about everything from images and editors thoughts to assisting and getting your foot in the door. I left with his card and an open invitation to keep in contact with him.

That evening I made a few adjustments to my portfolio and tightened it up just a little bit. I also added a few images to round out my picture story a little bit. I would soon find out that just a little change would have a drastic effect.

My first portfolio review Thursday afternoon was with Mark Reis, the Deputy Photography Director from the Colorado Springs Gazette. After looking through approximately five images he asked "who helped you edit this?" His face looked a little surprised and continued to flip through image after image with a pleasant look on his face. I tried to remain calm as he asked me a few more questions about my work, my experience and my gear. He is currently going through applications for The Gazette's fall internship program and was a little surprised that I didn't apply for their program. Although their deadline had passed he asked me to put together my packet and get it to him the next day. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I was on cloud nine!!!! That evening I drove home and stayed up nearly all night to make sure that my portfolio, resume and a cover letter were on point. I didn't get more than an hour and a half of sleep but it was worth it.

(Jumping back a little bit)

After my portfolio review with Mark Reis I went back into the classroom for another classroom session on technical lighting with Joey Terrill. Joey knows his stuff in and out and like me is a technical advocate photographer. I took classes with him all week and on the last day we were able to deconstruct any of the 150 or so images that she showed us earlier in the week. I really learned a lot and will be applying some of his techniques on my next shoot. After we were done I asked if he had some time to look at some of my work. He seemed hesitant but agreed to do so. After a few images he said "I like the way you see. The technical side can be taught but if you can't see I just can't help you." I really appreciated hearing that. We discussed a few more things and then I headed out to the Motocross track for the rest of the evening. 

There were probably 25-30 photographers at the track so I really had to work to find something different. Noticing two girls sitting on top of a winnebago I tried to use some long glass to line them up with the riders jumping and compress the image so that it appeared as if the riders were right next to the spectators. Although the image didn't get stellar reviews in the critique the next morning Mark Terrill applauded me for "seeing" at the track and even let me borrow a tele-converter to further compress the image.

However during the critique on Friday the above image got an "oooooo and ahhhhh" from the crowd. I tried to use a tungsten white balance and under exposed sky to give the feeling that the rider was competing under moonlight. During the critique Charlie Arbogast, a SP photographer from the Chicago bureau snook over and asked me to join him for lunch and to bring my work. It was obvious that my work was being discussed among the faculty outside of the workshop and they all wanted to get a chance to see it for themselves. I really didn't know how to react. These people are my idols and they wanted to see my work. Was this a dream? Nope, trust me I pinched myself a few times. Over lunch Charlie took a few looks through my stuff and asked "why didn't you apply for the Associated Press's internship/" After explaining that I didn't think I had a shot he countered with "no, you should have applied, we could definitely put you to work." Again I really didn't know what to do. I didn't get any offers for the summer but everyone at the workshop seemed to think that I had some potential. After lunch I once again left with a card and an open invitation to keep in touch.

I couldn't have had a better week and to think that it wasn't even on my schedule until last week. The weeks events cemented the fact that as my dad always likes to point out "everything will run it's course." Thank you to all the instructors and students who only further fueled my inspiration and drive photography. This has been a tremendously long post so thanks for bearing with me. I'll be sure to keep you updated should anything "job related" changes in the near future.

-JCE

www.jcedmonds.com

Back in School

"Camron Wilson, 17, 0f Colorado Springs launches out of the bowl at Goose Gossage Skateboard Park in Colorado Springs, Colo. on June 16, 2008."

Just kidding. Actually I am taking classes this week just not how you think. Last week I decided to attend the Rich Clarkson Sports Workshop on a whim and considering that I have nothing better to do with my life at the moment it seemed like a great idea. The faculty list is AMAZING so I just couldn't pass it up. There are editors and photographers here from Sports Illustrated, AP, Getty, National Geographic, Newsweek as well as other top freelancers. Getting the opportunity to see some of my idols work is great but it's even better to sit down with them, have a conversation and let them review your work. I'm meeting with the Associate Picture editor for Sports Illustrated tomorrow and that doesn't just happen in the real world.

After meeting with Rich last week he really thought that this workshop would benefit someone in my position. He even sat down with me for a second time today to go over some of my images again. I appreciate this opportunity and I'm taking advantage of it.

I'll post again near the end of the week with some more stuff.

-JCE

www.jcedmonds.com

APAD 76: Project complete, still jobless

"My close friend and fellow photographer Michael Sasser receives his diploma case from Chancellor Robert Coombe during the University of Denver undergraduate commencement ceremony in Magness Arena in Denver on June 7, 2008."

In the midsts of graduation and all the celebration that follows I somehow forgot to post the final image from the project. Oh well. I did have it printed and on display for everyone at the party so I really don't know how I spaced doing this but I did.

Graduation was rather long and I guess that sitting in a chair while 1,100+ names are read can do that to you. However I entertained myself with candy and triggering the two remotes that Mike and I installed in the catwalk the night before. Luckily for me I have have earned unprecedented access from four great years of service at DU and I had to take advantage of that. We had one camera set up with a 70-200 (see above image) pointed towards the stage and we had another one with a 24 f/3.5 tilt-shift pointed nearly straight down. I had the focus plane set so that only a small strip would be in focus of the position where the Chancellor would be handing out the diploma cases. I had never played with a tilt-shift before so it was a little tricky but I think I did an ok job for my first time playing with it. For all you out there who are severely confused at this point let me just shot you the effect. Mind you that all this is done by the lens and nothing has been done to alter the image in photoshop.

I also had a camera in my hands with a pocket wizard so that I could fire either camera or the arena strobes from my seat. My friends and the other graduates around me were in awe of the setup that I had going and were completely astonished that I knew how to do all of that. It may seem like rocket science to others but it's just fun to me. I made sure to get some good images of all my friends with the remotes and as soon as facebook's photo up-loader decides that it is going to work again they will all be able to see them.

My grad party was great and I couldn't ask for more. The food that my mom and I spent preparing for two days was amazing. There were plenty of people who had a major impact on my accomplishments present. Lots of people have helped me get to where I am and it was good to be able to celebrate with them and thank them for everything that they have done for me.

Although this project is complete you can rest assured that I'm not going anywhere. My posting is going to slow down (I need a break) but I should still get something up a few times a week. Thank you all who have followed me throughout the project. I have reached viewers from over 80 countries and that is simply outstanding. Who knew people in Estonia would care about what I shoot and have to say. Anyway, I appreciate all the support and I'll be sure to keep you updated as I continue the endless saga that is employment. 

P.S. I made a few additions/changes to the blog so feel free to peruse around and be sure to let me know what you think!

EDIT: Pocket Wizard noticed the cool things (remote cameras and strobes in the rafters) that I was able to do at graduation and featured me on their blog....check it out

-JCE

www.jcedmonds.com

APAD 75: Almost there

"Our flower garden borders the freshly cut grass that was double cut in preparation for my graduation party at our home in Aurora, Colo. on June 6, 2008."

I was running around all day today which explains my rather awful image for the day. I have actually been up all night finishing up last minute things. I have to be up in 90 minutes or so to get ready so I'm going to try and get what sleep I can before the crazy and exciting day begins.

Wish me luck!

-JCE

www.jcedmonds.com

APAD 74: Shopping wide open

"Nancy Edmonds, of Aurora, searches the shelves for a bottle of lemon juice inside a local Safeway grocery store in Denver on June 5, 2008. After nearly a minute of searching she finally found the key ingredient for her signature lemon bars dessert."

As expected today was full of errands. My mom and I did all our shopping in preparation for my graduation party on Saturday evening. Between three stores, including our beloved Costco, we spent way too much money. I'll spare you from the disastrous total but I'll put it this way, if people don't come to the party we'll be eating fajitas and drinking margaritas and beer for three months. It's a little startling how much food and liquor we have maneuvered into this house. Luckily we have a plan which consisted of finishing all the desserts tonight and prepping all the food tomorrow evening. We'll be in the kitchen most of the afternoon/evening tomorrow but we'll be ready.

During our adventures I took along, as I usually do, a camera and my 85 1.8. I shot most of the afternoon wide open, that's at f1.8 for all you readers out there who aren't photo lingo savvy, and made some great images at the grocery store. All grocery stores have one thing in common, awful cluttered backgrounds full of ridiculous colors. Shooting wide open allowed me to separate my subject from the background to make them pop. It also allowed me to make some nice images using depth of field to create some unique textures in the produce section.

Tomorrow is my next to last day of this APAD project and while it will be a relief when it ends I will miss the anticipation of what the next day of the project brings. Hopefully I can finish strong with the last two days of the project. I have something special planned for the last day (graduation) so stay tuned!

-JCE

www.jcedmonds.com

APAD 73: I love Wednesday

"A slow shutter speed helps demonstrate the speed of my car while on my way home via Montview Blvd. in Denver on June 4, 2008."

I love Wednesdays because that means sushi and saki bombs at Kona with Mike and some friends. Knowing that each and every week we plan on enjoying several rolls over some great conversation is perfect. This week was especially fun because we are all done with school so we could enjoy ourselves without worrying about a paper, quiz or test.

I'm less than three days from graduation which has to be one of the best feelings in the world. For those of you have read the posts the last few days you can tell how excited I am not only to be done but to realize that I've accomplished something. I'l be the first one in my family to graduate from college and that is an honor that I'll never forget.

Mom is working me to death getting ready for the party on Saturday night so I'm exhausted and going to get some rest. School is over but tomorrow will be busier than ever!

-JCE

www.jcedmonds.com

APAD 72: Sono finito

"Jonathan Edmonds, right, checks to see if his "egg McNasty" is browning correctly as Megan Doan admires his culinary skills in his home in Aurora, Colo. on June 3, 2008. Modeled after the McDonalds signature breakfast item the "egg McNasty" consists of three scrambled eggs and cheddar cheese placed between two perfectly toasted slices of wheat bread."

I can finally say that I'm done with college. I can't tell you how great that feels. I had an 84 question multiple choice test for my Methods of Marketing Research and I feel pretty well about it. I definitely wasn't stressed going into finals and I never really am so that always help me do well. I've developed my own theory to test taking and I use the professor's personality and teaching style to dissect the answers out of questions that i don't know off the top of my head. Over the course of my academic career I think that really helped me do well. It's a great tool to have especially considering that I hate to study and rarely spend more than 30 minutes preparing for an exam. I have always been one to pay close attention in class so that I don't have to spend any time at home learning the material. I should finish with a 3.3 GPA or so which I can say that I'm pleased with.

I had to process some images for a client so I went over to work to have some peace and quiet to be able to get that done. I have spent the past four years working in the athletic department so it was nice to shake the hands of some of my superiors and get a hug from Angel, my boss, as they congratulated me for finishing school. As a student of the 21st century there has never been any doubt that a college education was inevitable but for others around me including my family I can see how big of an accomplishment it is.

As soon as I finished processing the images and talking with a few folks I met up with a friend to play some golf. Julie is just learning the game so we went to play the par 3 course at Harvard Gulch. I played there yesterday and for seven bucks and an hour of your time you can't really beat it. I've always said that even a bad day at the course is better than a good day in the office or class. Julie is definitely progressing every time that we play together which is nice to see. Sure I have a pretty solid game now but I was in her same shoes eight years ago. Once again I couldn't put to save my life but I hit the ball pretty well.

I didn't do much this evening and actually ended up falling asleep for two hours or so before Kelly called and woke me up. I thought we were supposed to go to dinner tonight but apparently she had to stay home for a dinner party that her parents were throwing. Why this is the first that I've heard of this is beyond me. God knows that I can't figure women out, especially her. 

I have plenty of errands tomorrow so I don't think I'll be able to get to the course but you never know. Regardless I don't have to work and I don't have school which is outstanding.

-JCE

www.jcedmonds.com

APAD 71: Fresh illustration inspiration

"A sandwich of two individual images creates a unique effect on this photo illustration of Michael Sasser as he searches for his golf ball in the sky at Harvard Gulch golf course in Denver on June 2, 2008."

Sometimes you really have to step out of your comfort zone to create different images. In my case challenging myself to create imagery that isn't so editorial and commercially driven can be difficult. That was even more evident today when I sat in on another photography class to get some critique on the work that I created for my independent study. The class was dedicated to alternative processes including but not limited to lifts, liquid light, cyanotype and polaroid emulsions. It kind of goes with out saying that I haven't done much of, if any, of that type of photographic processing. I was actually refreshing to see some work outside of my little sports/PJ bubble. I can honestly say that I learned a lot and gained a significant amount of inspiration by seeing some of the other students final projects today.

When I passed around my work I was anxious to get others opinion on what I had created. The group was somewhat quiet with their critique and I wish I could have got some more feedback but those who did contribute helped me out a lot. I really try to push myself each and every day and that was obvious in my work. Sean, my professor, gave me some kudos for self assigning a personal project and then following through with it.

When I left the room all the information that I had just absorbed didn't all sink in. However, tonight as I was looking tough my take from the day I thought that I could apply a different process to my image for the day. Seeing that I didn't really have the time to do some of the other processes I chose to sandwich two images together. No, it's not my favorite image of all time but it's something different and that is exactly what I have been trying to accomplish through this project.

Mike and I went out to the Par 3 course that is just a few blocks from campus to enjoy the wonderful evening. He is done but I still have one final in the morning. I hit the ball pretty well but as usual my putter prevented me from going low like I should. Regardless is was nice to get out to the course. My game is finally coming around and I'm really enjoying getting back into the game. Golf has always been a huge part of my life but I have really been focusing on developing my photography skills over the past year and as a result it has really consumed a lot of my golf time. I hope to be back down to my 2.3 handicap by the end of the month.

One final to go and it is surreal that it really is all over. I can't wait.

-JCE

www.jcedmonds.com

APAD 70: It's June and I'm still in school

"A student takes advantage of the Sunday afternoon weather by going for a bike ride outside of the Daniels College of Business in Denver on June 1, 2008. While some students were able to enjoy the Colorado outdoors others, like myself, were stuck inside finishing up projects and studying for finals which begin tomorrow morning."

All I did today was finish up things for school so if you're looking some something interesting you're in the wrong place. After I dry mounted and matted my last two prints for my independent study class I headed to DCB to try and get my final for marketing done. No I didn't get an advanced copy of the test, well kind of. Our final for the marketing capstone is basically an in-depth analysis of the simulation that we participated in. We finished fourth by the way. Our professor gave us the information last week so that we could get a head start on it before the scheduled exam period. She said that we had to do the charts ahead of time because there wouldn't be enough time to do it in class. As I worked on it I began to realize that no one would ever finish even half of the information that she wanted in the allotted two hours that we're given. Thankfully I just wanted to get it over with so I spent roughly five or so hours doing it. How she thought we could do that in two hours is beyond me. Although mine is formatted a little differently it's already four pages single spaced and that doesn't include either of the charts. Whatever, I'm glad it's over with and all I have to do tomorrow is walk in, hand it in and leave. 

Once again I'm up way too late but at least I'm one day closer to being DONE!

-JCE

www.jcedmonds.com

APAD 69: A week from the real world and frustrated more than ever

"Men's basketball player Kelvin Mitchell slams one home for the youngsters at the University of Denver's community basketball event in Hamilton Gymnasium in Denver on May 31, 2008. The second annual free event brought more than 200 kids from community outreach programs to work on their skills with the Pioneers' men's and women's programs."

I'm close, oh so close to life as a college graduate. One week from today I'll be walking across the stage to accept my diploma. The more and more I think about it the weirder it is. Although I don't have a job yet I'm still glad that I'll be done and ready to move on to whatever is next. 

However with some inspiration from Trevor Brown(near the bottom) I'm going to push, pull, scratch, kick and scream my way into some sort of photo position by the end of the summer. At times I find myself wondering if I'm good enough but that idea usually fades quickly. Please don't misconstrue my confidence for cockiness. I know what I'm capable of and I know that I can get the job done. I just find it hard to believe that my work isn't good enough for any publication or organization that is out there today. If my work is not up to your standards then tell me. I think that I have received less than five acknowledgments from publications which I've applied. Yes, I know that somewhere close to 100 people are applying for the same positions and I know that is cumbersome for the publication  to respond but I think an acknowledgment of my application or a letter/email explaining that you went with someone else is acceptable.

On the other hand I've been doing a really good job at attempting to network with other local professional photographers. I say "attempting" because you would be surprised at the number of my emails that don't get returned. Crazy enough I'm not just cold emailing random people. Everyone I have tried to network with is someone that I've met in person and received their business card from. Not only do I find it unprofessional but also rude. Yes, yes, I know...you're busy. SO AM I! I really don't want to hear that excuse anymore. I have a full college schedule, I work, I freelance and somewhere in-between all that I attempt to find time for what resembles a social life. If I have time to email other professionals then they have time to email me back.

Now I know that I'm probably going to piss a lot of people off with this post but I'm just trying to find some understanding in all of this. Think of when you were my age trying to break into your career just as I am. It was hard right? You pressed on right? You called and networked every day right? Eventually someone gave you your break and I'm positive that you are appreciative of it. I'm just looking for someone to give me my big break. I'm looking for someone who sees a resemblance of some talent and promise in my work to help me get to the next level. So if you're out there I can't wait to hear from you. Send me an email at justin@jcedmonds.com and I promise I will email YOU back. SOMEONE PLEASE GIVE THIS BUSINESS STUDENT TURNED PHOTOGRAPHER A CHANCE!

I'm off my soapbox now.

-JCE

www.jcedmonds.com