PIttsburgh G20...Coming soon to our town!

I've been very busy planning and marketing for the historical G20 Summit that will be taking over Pittsburgh on September 24-25. For the week prior to that time expect to see journalists from all over the world come to our city to start their reporting. I have already put one estimate out for event photography during the summit and I'm sure that more event opportunities will present themselves. It will be easier for media to rely upon local photographers than trying to book non existent rooms and have strangers dealing with tough travel restrictions. It will take a local to get through the streets and to their assignment with a minimum amount of hassle. I have also put together a proposal for the Pittsburgh ASMP chapter to have an awesome photo show at Pittsburgh International Airport. I'm waiting to hear if we can hold the show there, as it would be an amazing place for International travelers to get their first taste of Pittsburgh as seen through the eyes of some of Pittsburgh's best photographers.

For more info on the G20 feel free to stop over at another one of my blogs:

Pittsburgh-G20

I'm also looking for partnerships that are interested in my book: Pittsburgh: A Photographic Portrait. The book would make a great gift to dignitaries from county offices, politicians and corporate hosts. It would be great for hotel gift baskets, a take away from dinners, etc. If anyone knows of any connections, I'd greatly appreciate hearing any information you might have!

Panoramic photo of Pittsburgh

This was shot on a foggy morning for my book, Pittsburgh: A Photographic Portrait. It didn't make it, but one that was warmer and showed the sun did. It was an amazing sight to see!

Senior Portraits, Book Reviews and assorted photo ramblings

It's been awhile since posting. I've been pretty busy recently with an assignment from PNC and a number of senior portrait sessions. The phone has been ringing with students who are tired of the same old looks from traditional portrait and wedding studios and they are looking for customized and photos with a slight edge. I've really been enjoying working with the kids and the cool thing about it is that even the boys (who never want their photos done) get caught up in the session and actually enjoy themselves and my working style. My working style is loud music rocking the location, working quickly, getting Mom involved in the process by holding a flex fill reflector, and just trying to have as much fun as possible! The photos I'm getting have been great and if this trend continues, I can see myself opening a small boutique type studio for the retail business. I'm learning more about the retail business every day and it really differs from the commercial circles I'm used to running in.

Pittsburgh: A Photographic Portrait has just been reviewed by Pittsburgh Magazine, July 2008 issue in a glowing and positive manner. Here is an excerpt from the review by Hattie Fletcher wrote, "...You know, I actually have seen all these things, and some of them I wouldn't even call all that pretty. But gosh, Bolster makes them look terrific!"
As a professional photographer I have spent a career working hard to make the non pretty...pretty. So I am pleased with her assessment of my talents!

ASMP Pittsburgh chapter sponsored a talk by former Chicago photo rep, Carolyn Potts last night about the changing world of commercial photography and giving examples of why it is so much tougher these days to communicate with art buyers and to get assignments. Much of the well presented lecture was stuff I already knew, and it could have been useful to have examples of photographers who have adopted and are thriving (if they exist!) As a lecture and seminar junkie, I still always find at least one tidbit of info I can use down the line and that is why I spend time and money to attend those things. In fact, her energy inspired me to write this blog which I have neglected for a couple of weeks! You have to listen with a skeptical mind but yet be very open to new ideas of thinking. Since many of the programs are sponsored by vendors there is usually a soft sell of their products which I don't mind too much as long as it doesn't go overboard. After the seminar it was nice just getting together with fellow shooters at a Sanremos Bar pounding down pitchers of beer and discussing our businesses, our frustrations and our dreams. I, for one, intend to remain focused, positive and will continue to learn and explore all areas of photography. I remain confident that the next "BIG" idea is just around the corner!

These photos are from a recent shoot with high school senior Liz. They were made on an extremely hot and humid day, yet she and her mom hung in with me, worked hard, and we made some stunning photographs! Thanks Liz and Denise!

PHOTO QUOTE OF THE DAY: If you are out there shooting, things will happen for you. If you're not out there, you'll only hear about it.-Jay Maisel

Environmental Portrait for American Bar Association

This is a photo of a political refugee from South America made at LaRoche College in Pittsburgh.

In other news today, Barnes and Noble in Cranberry Township is firming up plans for me to give a lecture on taking better vacation photographs along with a book signing for my book, PIttsburgh: A Photographic Portrait in June. I'll keep you posted here as soon as the date is set. Also be on the lookout for an article featuring my corporate portraiture in Professional Photographer Magazine in June.

Quote of the day: Keep it Simple-Alfred Eisenstaedt

Elmira Star-Gazette article on my book...

John Cleary, writer for the Elmira Star Gazette newspaper wrote a small article about myself and my book, Pittsburgh: A Photographic Portrait for todays Sunday paper. The article can be read here: Star Gazette Article

Book signing Sunday!

Well it's been a few days...ok....a week...since I last posted. What can I say, been busy...
I spoke with the manager of the local Borders store in the Northway Mall yesterday, and he told me that my book, Pittsburgh: A Photographic Portrait, was selling very strongly and was the top seller last week of their featured books! I'm not sure what it all means, as I doubt that I'm outselling Jackie Collins, John Grisham, or Dean Kuntz, but its all good as far as I'm concerned! I hope everyone that wants copies will be able to get them for Christmas. I still have a few copies available as a limited edition package available directly from me.

The bookstore is looking forward to me doing a signing. So please come out to see me this Sunday, Dec. 16 at the Northway Mall Borders on McKnight Road in the Pittsburgh North Hills. I'll be there from 1-3PM.
I'll be signing purchased copies of my book, answering questions about photography, and am looking forward to meeting all fans of Pittsburgh and photography! Please stop by and say hello so I don't look lonely in the height of the Christmas shopping rush.

Off to shoot pharma for a couple of days...

I probably won't make any posts for a couple of days, as I'm headed up to Toronto to shoot for one of my favorite clients, King Pharmaceuticals. I've shot their annual report and senior management for a few years now and they are a delight to work with, and appreciative of all the hard work and hours that I put in for them in numerous locations around the country.

Tommorow will be my first trip to Canada in six years and I'm a little nervous about going through Canadian customs with my photo gear. Canadians for whatever reason really don't want US photographers working in their country even for just a few days. CANADIAN shooters seem to come and go into the US without any problems, but even with NAFTA in effect, if you come across a Customs agent who hasn't yet had his coffee, had a fight with his wife, or doesn't like the shirt you are wearing, they can make entry miserable.

Oh well...it's all part of being a road warrior and having backup plans in place if things suddenly turn for the worse. Been there...done that. These are a couple of photos that were culled from last year's annual report assignment.

On another front...Just heard from my publisher today, and my book, Pittsburgh: A Photographic Portrait has arrived in the Boston warehouse and will ship to bookstores
later this week! I will be also be getting the advance copies this week, so those of you who have pre-ordered the signed book/print package can expect to receive yours very soon. The book is a couple of weeks behind schedule due to some minor printing problems and the entire run needed to be reprinted and bound. Thankfully, the printer was able to get the book reprinted in a fast track mode and we are good to go! I'll send an email reminder to friends of Mark Bolster Photography next week to remind you all that books are available and that Christmas is coming quick...(hint.hint...)

Pittsburgh: A Photographic Portrait-Available SOON!!!

I'm excited that the book that I started shooting for two years ago is finally hot off the presses and is on a ship headed towards the United States as I type this! My publisher, Twin Lights Publishers, Inc. informs me that they expect my new book to be on the shelves in local bookstores in mid to late November of this year. Just in time for Christmas (hint..hint...:-)

I received my advance copy of the book a few weeks ago, and it looks AWESOME! Great color, nice printing, and a very clean design done by SYP Design makes for a dynamic book that showcases Pittsburgh as a wonderful place to live, work and play.

If you want to be sure you are able to get a copy, you should pre-order via my website, because the print run is only about 5,000 copies and based upon the buzz and interest around town, it will go fast. Check out the book section of my website
at: www.markbolster.com for ordering information and a few sample pages.