@49ersofficialphotog’s journey to becoming a #CanonExplorerOfLight: “Today, you look at me and you see a sports photographer. The journey began long ago and really emanated from a small business I started as a wedding and portrait photographer. As my business started to grow, I wanted to learn more about the business side and all other aspects relating to the profession. I subsequently joined my local photography association that would meet monthly and began to learn everything I could from the members and guest speakers. It was only a short time later that I began to attend photo conventions around the country and became a member of PPA, the governing body of professional photography.
I have always been a sports fan. I was granted the opportunity to photograph an NFL game on the sidelines at one point in my career, which ultimately led me to my position as photography director for the San Francisco 49ers. All along, I maintained my wedding/event business and I continued speaking and presenting topics at industry conferences. Pretty soon I was becoming well known around the country. Then I was introduced to the Canon Explorer of Light program and began to wonder how one could become an Explorer of Light for Canon.
2006 was the year I was named into the Canon Explorer of Light program after a 3 year process that began in 2003. This was one of the highlights of my career as a photographer. If I had to select an image that has influenced me in my journey as a Canon Explorer, it’s not one of my many wedding images or even a sports shot. It must be an image taken while I was teaching and photographing live demonstrations on the Canon stages at conventions. When you are in front of an audience of your peers, you have their attention, you are able to give them an example of what you do, and your style of shooting, this is a great experience. And hence, one of my favorite photos.
I produced this image on stage for Canon early in my journey. I was using one soft box, camera left of my model as you can see the catch light in her eyes, and you are able to see the highlight and shadow on her face.”
📸 #Canon EOS 50D
Lens: EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM
Ciao, Nihon.