One of the ways I’ve done this is by joining a newly formed professional photography association called UPPPA or United Professional Portrait Photographers Association. UPPPA is an online forum of professional portrait photographers from across North America  (even possibly the world) and is headed up by industry leaders who believe in giving back to other photographers and the communities around us.

What impresses me the most about this association is the willingness of it’s member to share information freely, give to those that need and make donations to charity and others that are less fortunate.

Membership into UPPPA is not as simple as signing up and paying a fee. You have to be a legitimate business and submit images before being accepted. That’s what sets this association apart from other that don’t have these requirements.

If you’re interested in learning more about UPPPA then head over to their web site. This link will give you an explaination on what UPPPA is about and why you should join.

Why Join UPPPA?

If you decide you’d like to give it a try then mention my name in your application. UPPPA runs specials now and then for new members and referrals but that doesn’t really matter to me. I only want to see photographers that want to learn, improve their skill-set and give back.

UPPPA Application

See you on the forums!!

1. I consider myself left-handed but in reality all I do left handed is write and eat… everything else I do with my right hand and right-handed. There’s a saying I’ve always liked it goes something like this: If your right half of your brain controls your left half of your body and you left half of your brain controls your right half of your body; then left handed people are the only ones in their right mind?  I wonder if that really applies to me…
2. When I was in the Navy I reenlisted in the desert with camels. I was on a detachment to Saudi Arabia when my time came up and I thought it would be interesting to reenlist out in the desert with some camels. So what did we do… our dumb butts took a drive out in the desert, found some camels and I swore in… For real, I have picture to prove it!
3. I have a tattoo, just one. It’s on my back a few inches below my neck. It’s of a design I made myself but what’s really significant about it is that I got it the same day I met my wonderful wife Janet. Yep… it’s true!
4. So I grew up in the 80′s… yeah, I’m old… lol. But if you know anything about the 80′s it’s got to be the music and fashion. I was in a rock band… I had long hair, long BIG 80′s hair… and I wore spandex pants. lol Not a good visual I’m sure. If you look around a certain social media web site you may find some evidence of such activities… just sayin’
5. My name is Scott… obvious… and my name is in public bathrooms all across with US, possibly the world… I’ll let you think about that one……

So that’s it, my 5 random things about me! I hope you’ve enjoyed them as I’ve had fun thinking about what to write. Now you can say you know a little more about me… Scott Russell, that photographer from Jacksonville Florida, and maybe even some things that others don’t know, unless they read this blog.

What are your 5 random things?? Share them in the comments if you’d like, I’d love to read them!

Have a great day! It’s Friday!!!

Personalized High School Senior Portraits

If you’re a WordPress user, please take some time and update to the new 3.0 version of WordPress. You can view an overview video here:

Also, if you’re a photographer and looking for a great WordPress theme to use for your site then take a look at the ProPhoto Blogs Theme. Check out this short video to find out more about ProPhoto Blogs and to get $10 off your purchase! Or just use the discount code SCORUS838 and still get $10 off your purchase!

• Bluehost.com – I use Bluehost for my web hosting needs. They have unlimited disk space, transfer, domains and offer a free primary domain name for the life of the account. All starting at $6.95 per month. Click the Bluehost.com link to get started!
• ProPhoto Blogs WordPress Templates – I’ve been a long time WordPress user but finding the right theme has always been a challenge. Well if you’re a photographer or want to create a nice photo blog then take a look at the ProPhoto WordPress theme. After months of searching I finally decided to get this theme and have been happy since. Check out this short video to find out more about ProPhoto Blogs and to get $10 off your purchase! Or just use the discount code SCORUS838 and still get $10 off your purchase!
• Zenfolio Photo Hosting – While setting up my photography business web site I was looking for a way to host my client session photos. I wanted an easy solution that allowed me to customize the site and give the client a way to proof and order prints. Being a fan of Mpix as an on-line photo printing service, their Zenfolio hosting seemed like a match made in heaven. Use this Zenfolio Referral Code: 1U8-A6R-Z6X to save $5 off a subscription for their service.
• NAPP Membership – By joining NAPP (National Association of Photoshop Professionals) you get discounts on hardware and software and first class Photoshop and Lightroom training. By using this the link provided and promo code: friend you can get a Sign-up Bonus: Free copy of The Best of Photoshop User: The Eleventh Year DVD. Not too bad.

As I’m sure everyone knows, by using discount or referral codes, it not only helps out the person using the code, but also the person who has supplied the code. So please help out a fellow blogger/photographer and use my codes. I’ll keep them updated and add any additional codes as I get them! Thank you!

What I like about using WordPress is that it is one of the best and most popular blogging software’s out there. Then by using the ProPhoto theme which is custom built for photographers, all the pieces just fit together.

So keep an eye on the site as I hope to refine the layout and add blog content on a regular basis.

See you soon!