Just over a year ago, I participated in a human scavenger hunt. The "scavengers" were given a list of 15 people to photograph, with the idea that the subjects would be strangers to us and that they would be looking at the camera, knowing that their picture was being taken. I went out on this photo safari and shot 13 of the 15 in just about 3 hours. That was the day that Nina told me to just go for it, to see would happen if I made a full-time to commitment to photography. Well, 12 months later, I...

• have had over 700 photos published in 1 local weekly
• have had nearly 40 assignments for the daily paper, 6 of which were multi-image (4-20 images) spreads, and another 7 assignments had at least 2 images published
• am shooting regularly for 2 other local weekly papers
• have won a 1st and a 3rd in the Virginia Press Association competition
• have shot some magazine assignments
• have shot some for the Associated Press
• have shot some weddings
• have shot a lot of portraits
• have sold a fair number of prints
• have a semi-permanent gallery at the 3rd St Diner
• have prints hanging in the Lt. Governor of Virginia's office

I have shot sports: football, field hockey, ice hockey, lacrosse, basketball, ping pong, golf, yoga, volleyball, track, road-runners, fishing, roller-skating, NASCAR, Indy cars, putt-putt, monster trucks, bicycling, soccer, weightlifting, cheerleading, gymnastics, wrestling, rugby, bouldering, and swimming. I have shot little league, youth league, high school, college, and professional sports.

I have covered news conferences, grip and grins, and spot news. I have shot features for businesses, restaurants, government agencies, school programs. I have shot authors, students, faces in the crowd, politicians, beggars, civic leaders, musicians, artists, spectators, firemen, athletes, criminals. and celebrities. I photographed the President and Air Force One.

I have shot parades, festivals, block parties, luncheons, receptions, fundraisers, fires, birthday parties, a funeral, and a prayer vigil. I have shot architecture, landscapes, food, people, animals, flowers, and bugs.

I have shot before the sun came up and well after it has gone down and every time in between. I have had some 4 minute assignments, I've had some that have lasted for hours. I've had some assignments that required only 2-3 images, some that have taken 2-3 THOUSAND images. I've had some assignments scheduled for months, I've had some where they needed me as soon as I could get off the phone. I've had some where I had weeks to do the editing, I've had some where they wanted an image directly off my card as soon as I could give it to them.

I have shot a lot, but I haven't shot it all. Ive still got a long ways to go and a LOT to learn, but Im thoroughly loving all of it.

I have to thank Ken Odor at the Mechanicsville Local for asking me, "what would you rather be doing?," and to Greg Glassner at the Herald-Progress for giving me a start. I'd like to thank Jerry Burd at the 3rd St Diner for commissioning the 35+ prints that are hanging in the diner, and I'd like to thank Bob Brown at the Times-Dispatch for recognizing that I knew which end of the camera to point at something. Also at the TD, I'd like to thank Dan Beatty for all the time he has spent with me, critiquing my work, and trying to teach me the subtle differences between a good photo and a great photo. Thanks, also, to all those talented shooters at the TD who've patiently answered my questions and helped me along the way. A big thanks to Jason Jenkins and John Harrelson for the incredible motorsport shooting advice. And a huge thanks to all the other photo directors and editors out there who took the risk hiring a relative unknown--I truly appreciate the opportunity.

I owe a special thanks to Tom Dozier, the sports editor at the Herald-Progress. Because of his vision and willingness to take risks, we have collaborated on some of the most incredible pieces Ive ever seen in a weekly paper.

Thanks also to all my friends, supporters, and coaches at that wonderful online photography community, dpChallenge. The feedback, support, and encouragement that I received there has been invaluable. I hate that I can't name everyone, but I really do want to recognize Ed Clarke, Jon Lucas, Debi Tipton, Linda Hall, and Aznym Adams for their inspiration, support, and friendship. Even though I didn't have time to participate as much as I would have liked, I did manage to bring my average up a quarter point this past year, as well as win a a few ribbons!

Most importantly, I wouldn't be able to do this without the support of my family and friends, especially my wife, Nina. She is one of the most remarkable people I've ever met, and not a day goes by that she doesn't make me feel like the luckiest guy on the planet.

I also have to thank my kids, Lexa and Beau. I can't count how many times I've had to drag them out with me because I didn't have coverage. Lord knows, I have stretched their patience, making them hang out in the bleachers while I shot some high school sport that really didn't interest them. I know it hasn't always been fun for them, and I really appreciate the way they've pitched in. I also should thank our friends Laurie and Rhonda, for watching Lexa & Beau as much as they did.

Some of the things I learned...

I would say to anyone interested in trying something like this: you CAN do this, if you want to. It takes time, effort, commitment, and desire. Equipment helps, as does skill and experience. However, nothing is more important than commitment. If people can sense your commitment & passion, they are willing to bend over backwards to help you get where you want to be--and they are a lot more understanding if you're not there, yet. Don't be afraid to try, and don't create imaginary hurdles for yourself. If you want to do it, JUST GO FOR IT!!!

commitment During the past year, I never turned down an assignment, unless it was physically or logistically impossible for me to make it. I never asked what it was before saying yes. I know I took a lot of assignments that others would turn down if given the opportunity--but, for me, it was all about having an opportunity.

what NOT to do Don't complain, whine, make excuses, rationalizations, and/or justifications as to why you can't do something. There is nothing wrong with having fits of self-doubt--that's normal. However, it's unacceptable to blame anyone for what you don't have or can't do. Life's not fair, but the people trying and failing seem to get a lot more support than those crying and quitting...

practice, practice, practice, practice!!! If you really want to get good at this, you can't just take 100 shots a week. The first ice hockey game I shot, I took almost 700 frames. A pro asked me why, when I had probably met the assignment in the first 50 shots. Well, I don't shoot just to meet the assignment; I shoot for practice--whenever I have the opportunity. (I also like to see who wins the game!) It's not just about getting the job done--it's also about having fun while pushing yourself a little farther.

the bottom-line Nothing is automatic, or overnight, but, if you work hard, make the most of the opportunities you're given, and treat people decently and honestly, you can have a pretty nice trip, as well as meet a lot of really cool, interesting people along the way!

So, let me thank all of you--the subjects, the clients, the customers, the editors, the photo directors, my family, friends, supporters--again, for making this past year such an incredible year! Here's to the next one!!!

Skip Rowland, Photographer
April 20, 2006