About NDP
Father and child pause to watch a late afternoon rainbow paint itself across the eastern sky - Photo by Gary Gardiner
Welcome to Lessons for New Digital Photographers where seasoned professional photographers will help you become better at the craft of photography.
Digital cameras have leveled the playing field making it possible for amateur photographers to have access to the same quality camera and lenses previously available only to professionals.
Where once the daily cost of doing business for a professional photographer was determined by film and processing, and the startup cost was set by the price of professional-level equipment, that is no longer the case.
Today’s photographer’s cost of doing business is determined more by startup costs than operating capital.
A $1,000 digital SLR with a set of included lenses ranging from moderate wide angle to extended telephoto places the fledgling photographer among what was once a rare club. The decreasing price of digital camera technology has removed the barriers to entry into what can be a challenging career.
Just as owning a set of brushes and paints doesn’t make their owner an artist, there is more to being a photographer than buying new equipment.
That’s what Lessons for New Digital Photographers is all about. We’ve collected a group of working professional photographers who will help you become better at the craft of creating great photos.
They’ll help you learn about the skills of composition, lighting, and timing. There will be little discussion about equipment. It’s not real important. What is important is learning to shoot better photographs, to better tell the story of your life and your customers.
Our Staff
Gary Gardiner is a former Associated Press staff photographer and photo editor who’s photographed the Arnold Classic and Arnold Sports Festival for more than 20 years and been its primary photographer since 1994.
Jay LaPrete is an Ohio-based professional freelance photographer contracted to AP, USAToday, and European Press Photo Agency. His recent works includes the NHL Stanley Cup finals, NBA and NFL Playoffs, World Cup Soccer, NASCAR races, the Olympics, and numerous national championships for NCAA football, hockey, soccer and volleyball.
Ron Schwane often finds himself focused on second base at Cleveland Indians games or the corner end zone marker at the Browns. Based in Medina, Ron is a founding member of Ohio Sports Shooters where he covers sports for clients and families.
Chris Putman follows speed wherever that leads him. From Daytona for cars and motorcycles to Ohio Stadium for the Buckeyes, Chris continues to shoot sports in a unique way.
Let us help you become better at photography.
