Tag Archives: ASMP

Are you an unsuspecting Mentor?

KevinThe following is a blog on the Asmp.org site by my good friend, Kevin Lock who I’ve known a long time.  His blog post was part of a series about other photographers that had an effect on their careers and lives.  Here’s Kevin’s story.

Fellow photographer. Mentor. Friend.

Posted: 15 Oct 2014 09:01 PM PDT

[by Kevin Lock]

I met my mentor in college and didn’t even know it.

While attending San Diego State, I took my first ‘paying’ photographic job at the Daily Aztec.  After only being on staff for a few weeks I attended a slide show presentation on Somalia, presented by a photojournalist whom had begun the rocky transition from newspaper photographer to freelance.  After the presentation I ran down the photographer and interviewed him for an hour or so.  I had no idea at the time how profoundly this photographer would affect my career and how quickly.  I had just picked up my second job. Assistant.

Over the years my relationship with this photographer grew.  My photographic career metamorphosed.  He introduced me to his fellow photographers which led to new jobs, I mastered the art of being his gopher, dark room technician, second shooter, digital retoucher, studio manager, problem solver, occasional house sitter, and in time, business partner.  This ever evolving relationship has taken us on photographic adventures across the country and to a few international destinations.

It was with his encouragement that I joined the ASMP in 2003.   I attended a few board meetings and then he pushed me to run for president of my local chapter. After 2 years as president and as I approach my final year on the national board, I can’t help but think how differently things would be for me today had a photographer not taken interest in my journey and taken the time to help me succeed over the years.

Joel Zwink,  I thank you for your guidance, encouragement, and your friendship.

Kevin Lock is a current director of the ASMP.    While Kevin and Joel joined the ASMP at different times, they both continue to give back to their community by being photographers, helping photographers in San Diego and in a town near you.

 

Techy/Credits:  Photo of Kevin Lock by Joel Zwink

Kevin’s website:  http://www.kevinlockphotography.com

My sites:  http://www.zwink.com  –  http://www.bigstudioz.com

 

 

ASMP RESOLVE……

This slideshow requires JavaScript.


(To my regular blog readers this post is directed at ASMP, an organization I’ve belonged to and believed in since 1992.  If you don’t belong, think about it.  Protect your rights as an Image Maker.)

2013 New Year Resolutions for ASMP

Here are some resolutions or answers I would like to see for the coming year.
1. Resolve the dreaded * asterisk. The election season is coming soon and I hope the National Board can solve this before it get blown up again. My take…… do away with it. Don’t do any thing to influence voters one way or another. Please do it sooner than later.
2. On the subject of the election I would like to see high profile photographers be more involved and run. Out of aprox. 7,000 members there has to be some fresh talent out there.
3. Experienced GM pros, pay back and get involved with the local chapters. Help strengthen the local chapters that helped when you were younger. And don’t give us the “I’m too busy excuse”. We’re all busy.
4. Look at #3. There is no reason for a non-GM to be President of a local chapter. And before you reply, talk to National, they quietly passed it to allow anyone in the chapter to be pres. now.
5. In 2013 I would like to see ASMP be more relevant to General Members. For several years a push has been made to sign up more non-GM members making GMs more of a minority in the organization. When I was joined I was given the goal to become a GM and often reminded that ASMP was founded to advance the cause of the GM in the industry. I would like ASMP to clarify their current mission statement. Are we (as a group) here to support the pros or here to support the new influx into the society who has no goal to be a GM?
6. These are some of my questions and possible resolutions for ASMP for the coming year. May you all grow in your business for 2013.
It’s not too early. Think about it. What would you like to see in ASMP for 2013?

©2012 ZWINK PHOTOGRAPHY

techy stuff:  www.asmp.org           local organization:  www.asmp-sd.org    my site:  www.zwink.com