USAirways and AIG Coverup?

I really don't believe much in conspiracy theories, but something really stinks regarding photographer, Stephen Mallon's photos of the recent US Airways flight/cruise in the Hudson River... Online Photographer has an interesting article about the attempted suppression of the crash recovery photos. Check out the article, but the essence of it is, once again big corporations not playing by the law, but still beating up on photographers because they can out spend them in court. AIG is REALLY getting on my nerves these days...

New ASMP National President from Pittsburgh!

As a professional Pittsburgh photographer, and founding Pittsburgh ASMP chapter member, I'd like to thank Richard Kelly and say congratulations for stepping up to ASMP National President. This job is not for the weak of heart. There are lots of arrows to dodge and critics to deal with, all while trying to maintain your own photography business. I have worked with Richard in the past on the local board of directors and I'm confident he will remain focused and on message about the changes that need to take place within the National Organization.

ASMP is a funny place. Lots of everyone saying they could do things better, but then those very same people not stepping up and volunteering to do the heavy lifting. In the past few years, Richard has taken on the role as a photo educator and has helped many young students and aspiring photographers understand that our business is more than just "taking pictures", but instead an ever moving target of economic swings, copyright battles, and professional communication in the new digital age.

I wish Richard the best and I'm sure all my other Pittsburgh photographer ASMP members do as well.

Also a big thanks is in order to the local board for hosting a wonderful presentation on "The New Social Media" with Rosh Sillars last night at Point Park University. The talk was well attended and I learned a few things, which is always a great thing!

Canon Professional Services...Where is the Love?

As a life long Canon user, I'm more than just a little upset about Canon now charging professionals for their Canon Professional Services memberships.  While I can ALMOST understand their need to charge something (like FedEx'ing 300mm 2.8 lenses for free), there should have been a little more thought put into the structure of the program.  The biggest gripe, is Canon now dictating WHAT equipment you must own to qualify for CPS membership.  Not all cameras (some that can deliver pro quality images) are on their list.

Instead of me ranting further , take a look at longtime friend, Chicago photographer, Joe Pobereskin's Blog.  I have also made a comment over on his blog about the CPS story.

It's a tough economy and spending money on CPS will need to be one of those luxuries that get cut from yearly overhead.

I'm off to shoot a CD cover for the upcoming band,  "The Stickers" so I best start packing....

ASMP Seminar-New media Secrets with Rosh Sillars

I'm looking forward to attending this event aimed at commercial photographers.  Photographer and web socializing guru, Rosh Sillars will be speaking at Point Park University, downtown Pittsburgh on Wednesday, March 25th at 6PM.   I'm looking forward to attending this lecture and maybe finally get an idea of why it's important for me to be spending time on Facebook, blogging, LinkedIn, etc., etc.  It's all about the new social interaction with people that quite frankly, doesn't seem all that social to me, but then again, I'm an old guy and trying to stay hip and cool and stay in the business for another 30 years :-).  I'm open for all new ideas and this lecture has to be very interesting.   See ya there!  For additional information go to the ASMP Registration site to sign up.

Welcome to Pittsburgh Photographer News!

Welcome to the new blog of Pittsburgh corporate advertising photographer, Mark Bolster!  My intention of this blog is to post relevant photography business news, photo events and lectures, and industry news as it breaks.  Though the blog will be aimed primarily at working professional photographers, there will be items that photography students, fine artists, graphic artists, and even hobbyists could find interesting.  I will post links that I find interesting, fun, or useful.  

As a former founding board member of the Pittsburgh ASMP Chapter and past ASMP Pittsburgh President, those in the industry know I can be outspoken and have little use for political correctness.  All of the opinions expressed are mine, and I don't pretend to speak for anyone else.  You can be sure however, that everything I post comes from the heart of someone who has been a photo assistant and working professional for over 30 years in the commercial photography industry.  In those years I have always been a strong advocate for photographers practicing good business habits and the need for ethical practices with clients and vendors.

If you feel you would like a particular subject covered at any time, feel free to drop me an email at: mbolster(at)markbolster(dot)com.  I look forward to hearing from you and look forward to some interesting posts as I can get to them!