One Minute Update (2 Oct)

Hi Everyone,

Jeff Johnson was named the Colorado Master Craftsman Photographer of
the year for 2013.  You can find out more about his workshops at
http://www.soulroadtrips.com

I am excited about our Great Sand Dunes Photography Workshop (7-9 Nov.) $225 giveaway.  We certainly are building ourselves an enviable reputation for giving back to our local community- but it is nice to be able to offer something back directly to one of you-- our loyal members.  All members who have paid their dues are automatically included in this give away.

I will pick the winner at random this week.  (*fyi - I see a lot of people out there trying to make a living by 'teaching' photography. More than a few barely have a handle on the basics themselves or have very little professional experience.  Teaching 'photography' has become a cottage industry of sorts.  So I know first hand for a fact that Jeff Johnson is different.  Besides for the sheer awesomeness of his professional credentials (M. Photog., Cr., CPP, Fellow - Professional Photographers of Colorado), the fact that he learned literally at the feet of his father- a successful Professional Portrait Photographer in his own right, Jeff cares about helping everyone take their photography to a higher level because he doesn't just care about people-- Jeff cares about photography.  Photography as an art, as a profession and as a beautiful shared passion.  I think his 'Soul Road Trips' are worthy of their name and I am very pleased to be able to offer 1 up to you.)

I am also excited about a new area where we as a Group can start being more 'community minded.'

We are looking to collaborate and team up with the Pikes Peak Art Council to fund (4) micro grants specifically for aspiring photographers in 2015.  If YOU are one of those aspiring artist looking for a micro grant, check out the Pikes Peak Art Council's web site for details on how to apply.  I look forward to seeing the fruits of our investment in our Photography art community.  Maybe I will see you at the PPAC's Annual Award for Excellence in the Arts shindig on the 15th.  I have high hopes that by our 10th Anniversary (2017) we will have a 'Photography' category added to the ceremony.  That, I think, would be very cool and something we could all take pride in!

An update on our 'community?' We just continue to GROW!  We are just 1 member away from having 1,300 members on our Group's Facebook page.  (We love being the best place to post, share and get feedback on your photos.)  We also grew 12 new members to our MeetUp Group in just the past two weeks and we are closing in on passing 800 MeetUps held (currently we are at 792.)

So if you love us and the 'community' that we are trying to build please share us with a photography friend-- and if that friend joins, and pays their dues :-), you will get yourself one of the new CSCPG t-shirts that are scheduled to debut as prizes at our 'Community' Photo Contest Gala in March.

Here are some thank you's to:

Ryan Fonkert for sharing this photo on Facebook.  A little humor helps makes the day go by and it's fun to think about which building you would put yourself in and which one you'd like to visit the most.

to Kathi Klaty-Blazek for sharing the KOAA story on the idea of $1,500 fines for taking wilderness photos on Forest Service Land.  It sparked quite a discussion online.

Photo by Richard Firth

Think with all that said, I will sign off with that...

Let's have FUN!
Charlie

Our Vision:  Educate, Showcase and Serve our Community Founded May 17th 2007