VNPA2009 report
Hey everybody,
Since we only had three people show up this year for Saturday’s speakers we couldn’t have much of a meeting. What we did discuss, however, was pretty interesting and over the next few months I think you will see some changes to how the VNPA operates and what we do.
News & Changes:
I think the abysmal turnout this year, combined with a similar situation in Roanoke last year, proves that we can no longer afford to hold our contest and conference in conjunction with VPA. We used to rely on them to help draw attendance and clearly that is no longer happening as papers are less likely to spend the money to send their staffers to the convention and the venues are expensive thus making it unnattractive financially-speaking to anybody thinking of going on their own time.
So, we are thinking about having our own weekend in a more central location dedicated solely to photojournalism. So let me ask you: If you were attend such an event, what would you want from it? Would you want to see the contest judging? Speakers? educational sessions? a miniworkshop where you actually shoot and get critiqued? Think on it and let me know your thoughts…
In other news, the clip contest is now one division. No more small and large categories. New rules and procedures are coming soon….
Congrats and thank-yous:
Congratulations to Jill Nance, our Photographer of the Year. She edged out Stephen Katz by a mere three points, primarily because of points she won by finishing second in the clip contest. The lesson? Enter the clip contest!
Also, congratulations to Scott Elmquist of Style Weekly for two reasons: First, he won Best in Show for his photograph of a candlight vigil not only in VNPA but at VPA as well. Second, he is now a father to a beautiful three-month-old daughter. Congratulations Scott!
Finally, a big thank you to our judges. They came in at the last minute and put together some great presentations, and despite having only a handful of people in the audience, soldiered on. As always, I came away feeling pretty good about pictures despite the gloom that is hanging over the business right now. So, thank you to Bill Bangham, Bob Jones, Jr, and Medford Taylor for a bit of inspiration.
Also, before I forget, thanks again to Bob Martin and Kevin Morley for running the contest. Things went pretty smoothly. Thing you can step into their shoes?? The contest gurus are looking to step back a little bit and while, still happy to help, would like somebody else to jump in the driver’s seat. Anybody interested should contact either Kevin or Bob.
Judges finalized for Norfolk
We have our three judges for this year. I am happy to announce that Bill Bangham, Bob Jones, Jr. and Medford Taylor will be joining us this weekend in Norfolk.
Bill Bangham, from his Lightstalkers profile:
“Bill Bangham is a photojournalist, writer and editor working out of the United States from Richmond, Va.He currently serves as director, editorial and photography, for an international non-profit organization. He has worked in more than 70 countries and received awards in writing, photography and design in both secular and religious competitions, including the University of Missouri International Pictures of the Year competition and the National Press Photographers Association Best of Photojournalism competition.”
Bob Jones, Jr:
A four-time Virginia Photographer of the Year, Mr. Jones is an independent photographer based in Richmond. Before striking out on his own, he was a Navy combat photographer for five years. You can check out his work at http://www.bobjonesjr.com/
Medford Taylor:
A former staffer at The Houston Chronicle and The Virginian-Pilot, Mr. Taylor is a Richmond-based freelance photographer. His work has been honored by The Virginia News Photographers Association, White House News Photographers Association and Visa Pour l’Image. In 2002 he published his first book “Saltwater Cowboys: A Photographic Essay of Chincoteague Island” His work can be seen at http://www.medfordtaylor.com
Topics for the business meeting
As you know, our meeting in Norfolk is more than just a contest. It is also a chance to speak your mind about what you want to see the VNPA do in the future. I’d like to know what concerns you have, what issues you would to discuss or anything else on your mind that we as an organization need to talk about. If you can’t make it this year but still would like your voice heard this is a good spot to comment.
So, whether you are planning to join us in a few weeks or not, please share your thoughts in the comments below so we can get a discussion going that we can continue in person on Saturday, March 21. I look forward to hearing from you. -Mike Morones