SMUGs are looking for speakers!

The SmugMug User Groups (SMUGs) are putting out a call for speakers for our 2012 monthly speakers series.

A SMUG is a place where you can learn, teach and meet up with other photographers who share your passion. It’s also how we can tell you what’s happening in our world and discover what’s happening in yours. SMUGs are a great way to connect with other photographers and add a few weapons to your creative arsenal. There are over 90 SMUGs worldwide. Rain or shine, it’s always a great idea to come to your SMUG’s monthly meetings. This way, you have a great collection of photos in every season!

We are looking for presenters that can speak about various photography related topics. Examples: Business topics, software, lighting, fusion, camera usage, portraits, photojournalism, sports, nature/landscape, commercial, boudoir, sports and weddings.

All types of photographers are welcome to present.

If you are interested in speaking, please send a short bio and course description and let us know why you would be great for our groups.  We really want people with something interesting to say so let us know why this is you.  These presentations are not sales-oriented so while you are more then welcome to mention products and workshops at the end, the bulk of the presentation should be on the chosen topic.  

This is a great opportunity for anyone to get in front of a large, active group of photographers.

You will also receive a free SmugMug Pro account as a special thanks from SmugMug (for as long as you are a speaker).

To submit your presentation or if you have questions, please email Rocky Bowles at rocky@smugmug.com. Once we receive your email, we will send out a manual that explains all of the details for speaking at SMUGs.

All submissions will be kept on file and we’ll contact you if we choose your presentation.  

SmugMug cannot thank you enough for your participation in becoming a speaker. It is the people like you that give SMUGs such a great reputation!

Inspiration at the Washington DC SMUG!

Nicole Wolff, owner of Sota Dzine, visited the Washington DC SMUG for some words of wisdom. She spoke primarily about self fulfillment and following your dreams to help others. Nicole broke her presentation to the SmugMug group down into three parts: 1) how she started and her business, 2) how to reinvigorate your passion, and 3) about self fulfillment and giving back.

Nicole started her business in 2001 and quickly learned to be true to herself. Forging a smoldering path within the wedding photography business based on her desires and vision, she realized that she loved to push the envelope in terms of artistic creativity.

Although difficult at first, Nicole stressed the need to be true to yourself and ensure that there is always an end goal to push towards. Merging her vision with ideal clients took some time to accomplish, but it was what separated her from other photographers in her space. Her unique style and attitude towards photography distinguished her in the Washington DC market.

In the weeks where she didn’t have weddings or commercial shoots booked, she would fly back home to be with her family. Through her trips back home, and her love for commercial fishing, Nicole began to document people and the hardships and challenges they experienced in their daily lives

Through her various trips, she accumulated a story that few have ever seen. This project took many years and many trips to compile; yet the creative process, and her love for the sea, allowed this creative outlet to compliment her current work.

The final part of her presentation discussed finding a deeper meaning through our work. Nicole, like many photographers, has been blessed with a gift to tell a visual story. She also wanted to use her gift to tell a  real story.

She was given the opportunity to volunteer in Haiti to capture images of travesty and desperation.  In her time there, she was able to connect with the people of Haiti, understand their struggles, and accurately tell their story.

But more so than simply document, she can make a difference. Nicole has started the Up From Under foundation (www.upfromunder.com). It is dedicated to building houses for those who have lost everything in the earthquake.

Her organization  has built two houses and is on the brink of building another four houses. Her message: As artists, we have a unique gift and a unique opportunity to help those around us, a gift that should not be squandered but cultivated.

Submitted by the Washington DC Scribe: Sunny Mathur

Check out Sunny’s Facebook!