Puc̕ - The Sandy Puc̕ guide to childrens portrait photography

I t is amazing to look back on my life and realize that being a photographer has been the only real job I have ever known (if you do not count a briefstint at Kentucky Fried Chicken). Photography has long been my lifes passion. In the beginning, I was consumed by the desire to learn. Many of the photographic legends that were so inspirational during the beginning of my career are now some of my dearest friends.

Although I could never possibly acknowledge all of those who have played a part in my life-long transition, there were definitely a few special people who made a permanent impact on my life.

During one of the first photographic seminars I attended, I had the honor of watching photographer Lizbeth Gurrenia provide what I consider to be one of the most awe-inspiring moments of my life. Until that point, I had thought of photography as a skill, not an art form. It was Lizbeths passion for true art that ignited a burning flame inside me. Her seminar moved me, and I could not help but desire to follow in her footsteps. From her insight, I knew that a caring portrait artist could immortalize special memories.

The second part of my growth has to be attributed to Ann Montieth, from whom I learned that reaching our full potential as photographers requires understanding the business side of photography in addition to the art. Her business first attitude became my motto and her insights inspired me to grow. Additionally, Ann inspired me to become a volunteer with the Professional Photographers of America. Like her, I wanted to share my time and talents with those who are just starting out. I have a great love for teaching and am thankful that I have found this outlet to show my gratitude to the profession and to the many teachers and mentors who have inspired me along the way.

My great friend and source of inspiration is Dave Junion. Dave single-handedly (and patiently) brought my studio out of the film age and into the world of digital capture. Daves visionary disposition and never-say-die attitude also spurred me to take my work to a new extreme. The many philanthropic projects we have also worked on together proves to me that photography is not only an opportunity to capture moments; many times we are also the caretakers of someones final memories.

I would be remiss if I didnt note that I am a product of how I was raised. My parents are the foundation of my world. In my mind, my mother was something of a superhero. She took care of her fathers farm, raised five children with very distinct personalities, and took on many church responsibilities in addition to the daily tasks required to manage a householdIm not sure how she actually did it all. My father taught me honesty and that a job was not done until it was done right, but one of the attributes I admire most is that my dad is always quick to forgive. He believes that people are inherently good and he always looks for those redeeming qualities in other people. I owe my parents so much for what I have becomeand having children of my own now, I only hope that I can be half of the influence that my parents were to me.

Finally, it is important to note that I get far too much credit for the world that I live in. The truth is that from the beginning, I have surrounded myself with amazing people. First and foremost, my husband Edward and my children Katie, Alek, Nik, and Julz have been my greatest inspiration. Their trust, patience and love have determined all of my choices. Everything I am and hope to be is tied into the love that I feel for them.

I have also been blessed to hire the most incredible staff that I could have ever hoped for. Dont get me wrongnot every person who has worked for me was a perfect fit. However, each person helped me learn more responsibility and how to become a better caretaker. Whether they were with my company for six months or six years, each person I have hired was, in one way or another, a part of my growth and ultimately the companys success. The energy that is created when happy people work toward the same goal is so powerful.