One of the ways that I continue to learn and grow as a photographer is to be a part of photography organizations that offer programming and educational opportunites.  The Greater Rochester Professional Photographers is one such group that I'm a member of that has helped me greatly.  For the last two years, I've been a member of the board as 1st Vice President in charge of programming.  Recently, we held our meeting at the Genesee Center for the Arts in their photography facility.  We had a tour of the space, held a short meeting and then had some shooting opportunities for our members and guests.  We had two models in two locations with various lighting.  I focused on Cory and chose to shoot with speedlights.  It was fun to have feedback from fellow photographers as to the various ways we could light and pose him and I even found myself being the teacher.  Most of the time I see myself as the student, but I've come to realize that I do have a lot to offer newer photographers.  That was a great feeling!  A big thanks to the Genesee Center for the Arts and Education for providing a great backdrop for our meeting!  And to my model, Cory Gomez, awesome job my friend!!!

One of the most fun things I get to do as a photographer is to help out area high schools by photographing their musicals.  It all started when my kids were part of the casts.  I volunteered my time and talent to shoot the headshots for the program and display case and then the dress rehearsals for promotion and display.  They have graduated and moved on, but I have continued to support the stage arts by offering my services.  As I've said before about my senior portrait business, I love photographing high school students!  The energy and excitement is infectious!!  It's no different working with stage production students.  They love what they do too and to be able to give back to them is so great.

I've had the good fortune, for the past few years, of working with Webster Schroeder High School's theater department.  Carrie Zugelder and her staff and students put on an excellent production of Guys and Dolls.  It was a pleasure helping them out, from headshots to dress rehearsal.

A dear friend in Irondequoit has a daughter, Margaret, who is such a talented young lady and has been a major part of their productions for the past two years.  She asked if I would photograph last year's Legally Blonde and this year's The Drowsy Chaperone.  What a fun, truly funny show and I had a ball capturing the performance for them.  Rob Line and his cast and crew had me entertained from the first line to the last!

For those of you that enjoy a good high school musical, you need to do yourself, and the schools a favor.  Attend a show!  Support them and take a night out any time you can.  You won't regret it!!!

For more images click the link to my on-line gallery.