Photographers Helping Photographers
[by Judy Herrmann]
Photographers helping Photographers
A few weeks ago, ASMP Minneapolis-St. Paul hosted my I Need to Jumpstart My Career seminar. After the program, I went out for a bite with a small group of attendees including Steve Umland, who had served on the ASMP National Board in the 1980s, Bruce Kluckhohn, whose tenure on the National board overlapped with mine and Karl Herber, who’s currently serving as the chapter’s Treasurer.
As we were sitting down, Steve relayed a story about a shoot he’d done several years ago in Dallas. He’d never shot there before, he said, and needed help lining up resources. So he phoned the president of the Dallas ASMP chapter, who was home, in bed, with the flu. Steve explained what he needed and a couple hours later, this flu-stricken stranger in Dallas had sent him a comprehensive list of reliable local resources.
Laughing loudly in agreement, Bruce told us of several similar experiences with ASMP members across the country. “I got my best client through ASMP!” Karl announced. Several years ago as a chapter volunteer, helping to organize a members-only exhibit, he asked an Art Director he respected to jury the show. The A.D. got to know Karl in his capacity as the organizer, saw his work in the show and invited him to estimate on a project. They’ve been working together steadily ever since.
As the evening wore on, I watched the pair of young emerging photographers at our table avidly soak in the stories and anecdotes, gleaning tidbits of wisdom and advice between the jokes and laughter.
There’s no doubt that ASMP’s actions on a macro level – advocacy, information, education – have placed our Society on the map. But each and every one of us contributes to ASMP’s success by sharing these moments, being part of these stories and practicing these small, yet life-changing acts of kindness and generosity towards our peers and our colleagues.
Judy Herrmann, photographer, business consultant and former ASMP national president volunteers on ASMP’s Strategic Research and Web Oversight committees. Learn more about her at www.HSstudio.com
One Response to 'Photographers Helping Photographers'
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This could not be more true. I never hesitate calling another photographer when coordinating out of town, and have returned the favor for others. We all benefit from this community, thanks for the post!