Dear Prodigers,
I want to reintroduce myself. First though I have to admit to the oft
maligned lurking practice for much of the time since my first introduction a
few months ago. I realize now that had I "lurked" longer before issuing my
putrid previous intro, I'd known the kind of things to include so that you
would know where I was coming from in the event I actually post. So rest ye
merry lurking souls, and lurk on so then when you do begin contribution you
have a solid feel for the kind of people and problems associated with this
list.
Now, about me.
My name is Robert McClory. I was born, raised, and have lived in Florida all
my life for better or worse. My wife is British which could explain why I'm
here (Prodig). I have been a photographer in for about 12 years. I went to
school at the Southeastern Center for Photographic Arts and received a
rounded education in B+W printing/processing, color printing, fine art,
portraiture, commercial studio and everything in between (not that ANYONE,
client or otherwise has ever cared).
After graduation, I immediately began freelancing, actively seeking whatever
fashion work to be found in Central Florida, which wasn't much. In those
days I did everything that could be done with a camera. Architecture,
sports, fashion, PR, you name it, I did it. I was shooting 35mm, 4x5, 2 1/4,
location, studio (I owned a small studio in Orlando), anywhere and
everywhere.
Slowly I began to focus on illustrative and editorial photography. It was at
this time I began to work for a local arts 'Zine and took up writing as well
as photo editing duties (in addition to learning the finer points of layout
and design on the Mac).
That lasted for a couple of years, during which I slowly phased out my
fashion work and most, if not all my focus shifted to sports/event coverage.
After leaving the magazine in 96, I continued to cover sports for another
newspaper in Orlando, but having neglected my other shooting, I dropped off
the face of the photographic planet. My gear started to be sold off, and
marriage sealed the deal. I got the proverbial day job (working for a
printer doing electronic prepress) and quit pursuing a full time
photographic career, Orlando Magic coverage being my only remaining outlet.
Jump to to 6 months ago. At request of my lovely wife, who despite the
earlier reference to marriage in conjunction with dropping out of
photography has never been anything but supportive, I began slowly renewing
contacts in the community to make a return to shooting full time again. I
have also launched into direct print sales (ehhh) for Martial Arts
tournament competitors to supplement my other photo-income.
It was really the evolution of digital that made the decision to get back in
easier. My love for computers predates my love for photography, so the
combination of the two is perfect for me.
I am now back soliciting clients for all manner of jobs as well as expanding
my sports coverage.
I am using a Nikon D1X with a Powerbook G4 667 onsite (looking into portable
drives instead of the laptop) and a PC for the rest of my image processing,
with Photoshop, Photomechanic and Quark being my main software. I have also
dusted off the 4x5 and am looking into digital backs for it but considering
the kind of work I am doing now, will probably stay with film for the time
being.
Over the years I have done thousands of B+W prints, color prints, and am
constantly in awe at how little I know, despite my best efforts, about
Photoshop and the digital imaging world versus analog.
To say I am in love with Digital would be an understatement, but along with
that love comes the realization that many of you have so eloquently pointed
out in the recent thread about the emotional difference between film and
digital. That realization is that this technology is not only enabling
professionals to work in different ways, but it is also contributing to the
dumbing down of the masses (especially in the US) and creating a climate
where image quality is no longer a premium with many photo buyers not to
mention the general public whom I have the distinct displeasure to deal with
frequently. I can only have faith that with like all other tools of
technology, at the end of the day high end digital photography will belong
to the professionals.
So, I would like to say thank you for the months of insight you have given
me to all manner of photographic and digital imaging issues and I will try
to contribute when I feel I have something to offer. I am certainly not at
the level of many of you, but I will try to be at the least thoughtful
whenever I can with the hope that I represent the Colonies well.
Thank you all,
Robert McClory
---------------------------
Robert McClory Photography
Featuring Kickshots
www.kickshots.com
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
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