Beckoning Horizons

Never have I found the limits of the photographic potential. Every horizon, upon being reached, reveals another beckoning in the distance. Always, I am on the threshold.

—W. Eugene Smith

In the past three days, we've traversed the state of California, from San Francisco to San Diego. It's incredible how much emotional, intellectual and psychological distance can be covered in such a short time. Some things can't be measure in miles, only in milestones.

I wish I could share all of the business developments with you now, but many are looming like shadow play on the horizon. One thing is certain: LaCour and ShootQ stand together at an important crossroads.

Our first stop in San Francisco reconnected me with my mentor, Kim Komenich. During my time at the Missouri School of Journalism, Kim's passion for photography and storytelling fueled my love for photojournalism and life in general. He was both a guide and a friend. Having lunch with him was like coming home; it was a rare opportunity to witness life coming full circle. As I sat across a battered bistro table from someone whose influence on the direction of my photographic life is immeasurable, I felt ineffably grateful. Without Kim's guidance, I would not approach weddings with a storyteller's eye.



After lunch with Kim, Andrew and I joined a wonderful group of photographers in San Jose for a presentation about LaCour and ShootQ. We were thankful for the many insightful questions we heard from this group! It was a combined PUG, with San Jose, San Francisco and Sacramento photographers.

Andrew demos ShootQ for the PUG.

Following the PUG, Andrew and I had a series of encouraging, ShootQ-related meetings. As I said earlier, I wish I could share more details. More to come...stay tuned. Needless to say, my journey from student at the Missouri School of Journalism to wedding photographer to software company owner has been filled with curiosity, challenges and creativity!


Wheels up over Silicon Valley

Louisville PUG: Thanks for a Great Visit!

Rachel and I had fun tonight with the Louisville PUG group, hosted by the extraordinary (and poetic) Angela Anderson. Thanks to everyone who came to hear about LaCour and ShootQ!

Angela treated us to dinner at Proof, the swanky bistro-bar at 21c Museum Hotel. This place is a hip and modern amalgamation of art museum, hotel, bar and restaurant. Its rotating collection of art belongs to a private collector and is both quirky and inspiring. One of Rachel's favorite photographers, Bill Henson, has a piece hanging in the main lobby area.

At the museum, I discovered a Norwegian photographer named Simen Johan, whose fresh take on wildlife photography was captivating.



At dinner, I had the opportunity to talk extensively with ShootQ member Kitty Maer. Kitty told me about her firsthand experience using ShootQ. I value opportunities to sit down with ShootQ users and hear what they like and don't like about ShootQ. There is nothing more valuable when designing software than user feedback so we can improve! One commonality that I've observed between software and photography is that growing and improving is a journey. True success is found in perseverance and commitment to constant improvement!

Thanks Louisville PUG members for sharing your time and ideas with us!

Annette Biggers featured on DarynKagan.com

You might have already read on our blog (Part 1 and Part 2) about Annette Biggers of Triple Cord Photography who started a fantastic organization called Photographers for Africa after she gave a gift of an old film camera to someone in Uganda.

Annette's story (with a lot more amazing details since you last read about Annette) has just been featured on Daryn Kagan's inspirational website, which you might remember from our story about Malcolm and Kalshelia's Habitat Honeymoon.

**Click Here to view the video on Daryn's website featuring Annette's story.

ShootQ in Professional Photographer Magazine

We were honored when our friends (and ShootQ users) Garrett and Joy Nudd mentioned ShootQ in Professional Photographer magazine's section called "The Goods!"

Congratulations to Kathryn and Drew

Our friends, Kathryn and Drew Newman were married yesterday in Decatur, Georgia. It's always fun to photograph other wedding photographers' weddings, because there are always lots of cameras around. But this wedding was special — Drew and Kathryn had a parade that featured the The Seed & Feed Marching Abominable, a volunteer marching band based in Atlanta. It was a scene straight out of Mardi Gras in New Orleans! The parade escorted Drew and Kathryn from the ceremony, which took place in their back yard, to the reception hosted at the The Solarium in Decatur's Oakhurst district.



LaCour's Mark Adams participated in the parade by riding his pink Stella scooter.




Rachel, Mark and official photographer Katie Torres of 6 of Four Creations.

By the way, Drew and Kathryn, CLICK HERE to see who else was married yesterday :)

Don't Miss Joe Buissink and Yervant!

Joe and Yervant are coming to Atlanta on Friday, May 16. Their TWO VIEWS tour has received rave reviews and their dynamic teaching style is sure to inspire you, even if you are not a wedding photographer. We've had the pleasure of learning from Joe and Yervant at past seminars, and have always walked away with a renewed passion for photography.

To register CLICK HERE

We hope to see you there!

The Importance of Dreams

Today as I jumped head-and-heart-first into ShootQ Grant applications, I was humbled by the gratitude of so many photographers. Inside many applications were sincere, thoughtful notes that relayed each person's excitement and eagerness to pursue projects that make a difference in their communities, both locally and globally. Here is one particular note that summed up the importance of documentary photography. A special thanks to Mary Kate McKenna for taking the time to share these words with us. They are powerful in their simplicity.