| |
Member Spotlight October 2009
Keith Pitts - Keith Pitts Photography
www.keithpitts.com
What is your background, education, training, work experience if other than photography?
When I left the Navy in '91 I intended to become an MD and went to college with that in mind. During my studies I took "intro to color slide photography" as an elective to kill a few credits. That Class was taught by David Gillison, a contributing photographer to National Geographic magazine and I was smitten. David liked my potential and recommended I stick with it. I took the darkroom component and was hooked. I dropped my major with only "Organic Chem lab" left before I was eligible for the MCAT.
In college I met another beginning photographer (who latter became one of my very best friends) and we decided to try wedding photography in a more documentary manner (which was not at all popular at the time). I worked as a darkroom tech and assistant for a local storefront wed/portrait photographer during the week. After a few years of this (coupled with a lot of Bar tending throughout NYC) I enrolled at the "Hallmark School of Photography" in North Western Mass. I was able to refine what I knew and learn things I didn't know I didn't know. I graduated with the First ever "Mamiya Award of Excellence" for the best portfolio. From there I assisted photographers of various disciplines in NYC including Ralph Gibson, Howard Schatz and Andrew Eccles. I started to do more commercially based work while still doing weddings on the side.
I got married, had a couple of kids and moved to Arizona which brings us to now.
In rereading the question... I would say that my years as a bartender were the most helpful in becoming a wedding portrait/ photographer.
 |
|
 |
How long have you been a photographer?
When and how did you get started? How did you learn photography? Please read above. I can't possibly type that again. I would say that I was professional (getting paid, earning a living with photography) since the mid 90's.
What is your specialty? Do you only do weddings or do you shoot portraits too?
I would say that I am currently about 60/40 child portraits/weddings. I also do occasional commercial jobs if they are referred and they are interesting or lucrative. I will mention for the sake of interest (since this is the PHX area) that I was asked to shoot the outdoor ads for the Phoenix Suns " Eye's on the Prize" and "Trophy Guy" campaigns. That was a ton of fun for me.
What are your goals for your business?
To generate enough business to be able to spend more time with my wife and two little girls over the summer traveling. I love what I do more than I can say ( I really mean it) but I love my girls more and I want them to experience the world so as to understand that everyone is more similar than different. Personal exposure helps a lot more than TV specials or textbooks.
 
What has been your most successful marketing effort to date?
I would say my involvement with charities. While I need to be paid since this is also a job, I never feel as justified in my career choice as when I am able to help those who REALLY need the help. I can't express the feeling of joy when I have given a family a portrait or their child who may be terminally ill or helping to raise money for very worthwhile charities. It is good karma and has also provided a number of clients to me that have heard that I do good work and have a charitable nature.
Why did you join the AzPPA? What has been the best thing you have gotten out of being a member? Or what do you look forward to the most out of being a member?
My primary reason is to connect with the local photo community. I hope to make new friends, share what I know and learn what I don't.
|
|
