Oct. 2002
President's
Message
Focus On...
Focus On...
Daniel Korup
My start in photography began when I was a preteen and my father handed
down an old fixed lens Argus camera. I loved that little camera and shot
a lot of pictures, not knowing what I was doing. I even took it apart
to see what made it work. Somehow it got misplaced, my interest in photography
waned, and I didnít get back into photography for some time.
One day I heard that my bank was selling its operation to another bank
and offering a severance package for anyone who would stay and work for
the company. As a result, I did some homework and bought a Minolta to
use for wedding photography. I shot some pictures and people were generally
interested and impressed. I soon realized the limitations of this camera
and decided that if I was going to be serious about photography, I needed
to purchase something that was going to provide me with the needed functions.
That led me to the Nikon F4 I currently own and the world of slide photography.
I started using slide film when a couple approached me to shoot pictures
for them. They were trying to adopt a child from Romania and needed "A
day in the life of.." photographs. So, for a nominal fee I took the
pictures. To their surprise and happiness the adoption was approved and
they had a brand new baby girl. They confided in me that the photographs
had a significant role in the adoption process. Needless to say, my confidence
was bolstered.
I had another passion, motor sports, and I still was a little uncertain of my skills. So, I took a ride to a local camera store for some advice. On the table where I entered was a small pamphlet describing The Delaware Photographic Society. I read it and took it home for my wife to see. She encouraged me to pursue my photography, and I attended my first meeting a little over a year ago. I have to say I have been hooked ever since. The members are nice, experienced, and forthright with critiques that will improve my photography.
Since joining the Club, I have pushed my passion for photography and motor sports to the next level. I attended several races as part of the working press, entered a photo contest for the Sierra Club of Delaware (won grand prize) and even started building an on-line portfolio on my website. None of this would have been possible if I hadnít picked up that little yellow pamphlet.