Connie Mettler, asked that I stop by the Discussions area and introduce myself. Hopefully, this is the appropriate place. So, here goes . . .
My name as Weldon Lee. My wife, Lori Huff, and I live in the small mountain community of Allenspark, near Estes Park, Colorado. I have been photographing wildlife professionally for 25+ years. My company, Rocky Mountain Photo Adventures, leads wildlife photo adventures around the world. In addition, I conduct a number of all-day seminars on topics ranging from wildlife photography and marketing, to Photoshop. Over the years, my images have appeared in numerous publications around the world. I also have a couple of books to my credit. Since 2001, I have been working with Nature Photographer magazine as Assistant Editor, my images and articles appearing in almost every issue. Selling wildlife photo art is relatively new for me, having started only two or three years ago. Likewise, so is selling my work at art/craft fairs.
My work is currently displayed in a couple of galleries in the area - The Old Gallery (Allenspark) and the Art Center & Gallery (Estes Park). I am also a Board Member at the Art Center, as well as Chair of their Marketing Committee. Since we host Art Market over the Memorial Day weekend in Estes Park, I am somewhat familiar with the hazards of outdoor art shows, thus my reason for wanting to focus more on indoor shows.
I welcome everyone's questions, suggestions, and comments.
Replies
Welcome Weldon!!
Looking forward to seeing you in the forums and blogs!
Thanks, Karole. I'm happy to be here and learn from others.
Welcome to AFI Weldon!
Thanks, Cassius.
LOL! Yes, of course you want to focus on indoor shows -- best wishes on that one, Weldon! Here's the deal, the public loves outdoor shows and the number of attendees is so much larger at those. Trying to get people indoors for art, not so easy. Not that numbers are necessarily the answer. It is always the right person at the right time, but somehow we've never been able to earn as much at the indoor events.
Love your background and sounds like you've definitely been working on promoting art with your gallery connections, as promotion is the second part of the equation. We're pleased to have you join us. You'll be a welcome addition to the photographer's group also.
Thank you for your wonderful comments, Connie. I noticed that you live in Michigan. My wife was raised in Holland, Michigan. We were there a couple of years ago during a Southwest Michigan Council of Camera Clubs annual conference where I was one of the keynote speakers.