Ramblings...#5
by Timothy B. Anderson

One of the most rewarding things I do is review portfolios. True, it is hectic, sometimes not very well organized, but it is, nevertheless, always a fulfilling process. This is something I have been doing for around six years. The quality and breadth of the work is, at times, overwhelming. I have met so many talented photographers who are so passionate about their work that it is very humbling for me to be in a position where I can help them progress (I hope!). There are those times when I have to look at the person across my desk and ask them, “What are you doing here?”

That question came up when Lynn Goldsmith sat down at my table a few years ago and presented me with a portfolio that I had to view from afar, because the images were very large. As a well-recognized entertainment image-maker, Goldsmith has photographed the brightest and the best for many years. Earlier in the session, from across the room, I had seen the image of a crow that was about six-feet tall and a couple of feet wide. I really grabbed my attention. When I finally caught up with her I asked that very question, to which she replied, “I have a new body of work that I want to get out there and get some feedback.”

There you have it. No matter how big or little you are, there is always a need to get your work out there; to let it be seen.

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I received a copy of the latest B&W Special Issue (B&W 64) a couple of days ago. As I was leafing through it, I came upon a few names I recognized. Whether I saw their work as a submission when I was with CameraArts, or in the reviewing arena, it made me feel good that they were still working on getting their art out there.

When I get a magazine in the mail, the first thing I do is go through it page by page, to see if there is anything that grabs my attention. Since this was a magazine that was full of pictures, there was quite a bit I saw that compelled me to slow down. I recognized the names of Cole Thompson, Ryuijie, Josephine Sacabo, Clyde Butcher, Craig Blacklock, and Julio Hardy, people I have worked with in the past who are now featured in ads.

In the portfolio section, there was Julio Hardy (again), Jennifer Bong, Joy Goldkind, Andrew Ilachinski, Ken Merfield, Cole Thompson (again), and Bill Vaccaro. In my new copy of Lenswork, I saw Mitch Dobrowner’s name on the cover. He is in the Portfolio section of Red Dog Journal Portfolio section. Congratulations to you all!

I know how difficult it is to persevere against what, at times, seems like insurmountable odds, but the rewards can be very gratifying. Even after all the years I have been working in “type” or “print,” it still makes me feel to good to see my name or an image I have created be published. I hope that thrill never disappears.

In light of that, I would like to know what you have found the best method to promote your work. Is it a website? An email newsletter? Direct mail? Word of mouth? Galleries? What keeps you doing what you do? Are you affected by the (very) slow economy?

At Red Dog Journal, we are working on a new program that should help you promote your work. It is called PhotoArts Collector.com. For many years I have heard from quite a few of you how difficult it is getting your name “out there.” I guess I finally took serious note of your pleadings. We intend to operate this program in a very simple manner: for a reasonable amount we will select an image to promote. We will then work as hard as we can to get that image in the hands of collectors, museums, galleries, etc. PhotoArts Collector is still in the planning stages, but we plan to have it operational very soon. If you would like additional information, contact me here.

I hope you have a very happy and rewarding Turkey Day!