Jon Cox caught the photo-bug at the age of 21 in college while attending the University of Delaware where he earned a BS in entomology and plant pathology. In 2004 he received his Master of Fine Arts degree from the same university. His goal was to land a job save up some money and quit when he was thirty to try and become a photographer.After only a year and half working for a tree company diagnosing diseases, he left to follow his dream. He is currently teaching nature/wildlife photography courses for the University of Delaware running wilderness trips to locations such as Antarctica, Tanzania and the National Parks of the United States. He is also the adventure photographer/writer for Digital Camera Magazine in addition to running a digital photography business. He published his first book Digital Nature Photography in July 2003, and his second book Digital Nature Photography Closeup is available for pre-order now. Both books may be ordered from either www.amazon.com or www.barnesandnoble.com.

Jon’s Inspiration:
I have always been drawn to the natural world; backpacking to remote places as far away from people as possible to photograph the untouched landscape and its inhabitants. Waiting for the “perfect light” brings life to my images. A misty morning, a golden sunset, or a looming storm inspires variety in my work, while revealing nature’s emotions. These private and untouched moments give me the peace and solitude I yearn in myself and in my work. These images document my favorite times and viewers can walk away with a greater appreciation of and a desire to help conserve nature.

Equipment:
My first three years of photography were spent with a film camera around my neck. In 1999 I made the switch to digital. I have chosen digital as my preferred medium because it gives me the flexibility I need as a nature photographer. I shoot with a Nikon D1X and a variety of Nikkor lenses depending on the subject and location.

I use Adobe Photoshop as a digital darkroom adjusting the image to capture the essence of my subject. I print my images using a state-of-the-art Epson 7600 or 2200 printer with ultrachrome ink on a variety of fine art papers. All are offered as signed, limited edition prints.

Wow …what a great 2 months we have had here in DPP! We have had the two hottest speakers in the country here at Delaware Photographers to speak.

Doug did not dissappoint. He lit a spark in all of us wedding photographers. He is a down to earth great guy and DPP loved having him speak.

Kevin Kubota is one of the smartest and funniest speakers out there. His actions and Lightroom intro were awesome. We went home with our heads reeling with information.

Getting up on the table and dancing livened up the day!

In response to our member survey, where the overwhelming area of interest was “workflow”, we have invited Kevin Kubota, a national speaker to Delaware on Friday, April 27th! This is going to be an all day program from 10 - 6pm and will be packed with great tips on workflow as well as Photoshop techniques that you cannot afford to miss.
Because Kevin was already in the area we have a great deal on this all day…

DPP members only $79
Non members only $129

Price includes lunch at the famous Buffet of Dover Downs!

Come and meet this nationally acclaimed speaker and past PPA president at our first meeting

Where : Dover Sheraton

When : January 25th 7pm

Why : Meet the board, hear a great speaker AND support DPP

We will see you there!

2006-2007 Board of DirectorsChairman
Ann K. Monteith
CPP, M.Photog.Cr., ABI, API, A-ASP, Hon.ASP

Like many PPA members, Ann Monteith’s first career was not in photography. Before coming to the profession, she taught high school English, college journalism and served as director of public relations at a local college.

It was during her time as a public relations director that Ann first heard the call of photography. “As a PR director, one of my many ‘hats’ was photojournalism,” comments Ann. “I soon learned that I really enjoyed photographing people in their environment.” At the same time, her husband Jim was growing tired of his job as the general manager of a plastics company - and he expressed a desire to spend more time on his long-time photography hobby. “Once Jim and I realized we would both rather be doing photography than anything else, one thing led to another, and suddenly we were in a full-time photography business,” says Ann.

Having given up the relative stability of their previous jobs, Ann and Jim became photography entrepreneurs just as the economy was attempting to pull out of a recession. “If you were to look for a period that illustrates the need for photography studios to have sound financial and promotional planning, the mid-70’s would be it,” comments Ann. “It wasn’t exactly the best time to ‘quit your day job’.” However, Ann soon found mentors who could bolster her existing business and photography skills. Joyce Wilson, Al Gilbert, Joe Zeltsman and Bud Haynes have all gained Ann’s respect for both their photographic and business talents.

Since those early days, Ann and Jim have built a successful business specializing in portraits of families, children, pets, and seniors - all based on a foundation of high-quality portraits and sound business planning. While photography is now her profession of choice, Ann has never lost an interest in education - only now the focus has changed. “Understanding the importance of business skills is one of the largest hurdles to success,” says Ann. “As a member of the Board, my main focus has been to see the association become as good at educating members on becoming better business people as we have been in helping them become better artists.”

So, if she were no longer a photographer, would she go back to education? “No,” she says smiling, “If I ever got out of the photography business, I think I’d like to work in law enforcement, probably in the area of crime detection.”