Getting back to my journalism roots - Katy, TX photographer

January 31, 2014 • 1 Comment

Since moving back to the Houston-area in June, I have become pretty involved in the Houston photography community. I've become a member of the Professional Photographers Guild of Houston (one of the largest photography guilds in the US), joined the Houston Photogs group on Facebook, (not an official group per say, but it has opened up a lot of other photography opportunities), started my wedding photography internship with Katie Lamb Photography (found the internship on the aforementioned Houston Photogs), and also joined a smaller group of like-minded, lady photographers in Katy who are either just getting started in photography or are in their first years of owning their photography business.

All of these groups have become special to me in their own way, because they each have helped me develop in different aspects of my business. Not only is it nice to hang out and chat with fellow photographers, but it's also inspirational and motivating to get a monthly dose of photographic education and fellowship. These groups have introduced me to many talented and helpful photographers who have all been encouraging to me. Many of these people have inspired me to push my creativity and expand in to other reaches of photography in which I was previously too scared to venture.

But back to the journalism side of things. When I joined the Professional Photographers Guild of Houston, they were encouraging everyone to volunteer for a committee. The whole organization is run by volunteers, so everyone has to do their part to keep the guild running. Being new to the guild, I didn't want to just jump into something, especially when I didn't know too many people. After attending a few meetings though, I was asked to help edit their monthly online publication, The Viewfinder. The editor heard that I had a background in journalism. So I told them I could definitely help with that. I spent a good bit of time helping edit copy when I worked in newspapers.

I think the October or November issue was the first one I helped edit. I figured they'd hate me after I turned in about three pages worth of corrections. Grammar police would be a good term to describe me...might as well throw in spelling and punctuation police as well. They were actually very appreciative of my help, which surprised me a bit. Not too long after that, I got a call asking if I would like to step in as editor of the magazine for 2014. I was a little shocked, but also honored with the opportunity. I was also a little intimidated to start the job so soon. I had done layout work on the Sunday Lifestyle section of The Baytown Sun for a few years, but that was about six or eight pages with all of the information handed to me. For The Viewfinder, I'd be putting out a magazine that could be about 40-60 pages and I'd need to play a big part in collecting the information. December was going to be pretty busy for me, so I wasn't sure if I could put out a quality magazine in January. So, I told them I'd take the job, if I could just wait and start with the February issue. That would give me a little more time to brainstorm and learn the new layout software I'd be using.

After about six weeks or a little more of planning, designing and laying out, I've completed my first issue of The Viewfinder. I hope you enjoy it. And, if you're a photographer, think about becoming a part of the Professional Photography Guild of Houston. #PPGHouston

http://issuu.com/theviewfinder/docs/viewfinder_february