Hugh Scott has been in the business of photos for quite a while. From an early age he knew that his true calling in life was photography, so when a photojournalism job came open at The Daily Oklahoman, he knew it was meant to be.
"My cousin told me about the job," said Scott. "It's funny because I actually came in second for the job. Someone from Dallas was chosen ahead of me, but he didn't work out, so about a week later I got a call asking if I could start tomorrow? "
He's been working at The Oklahoman ever since.
Between his photo assignments for the paper, Scott finds time to explore the creative side of photography while earning a little extra income. On weekends, you can usually find him taking family portraits and head shots, or on those occasional rainy nights, hunting down lightning strikes to photograph.
But Scott recognizes the tough economic times that are affecting news media, and specifically the photojournalism area.
"We've had to lay off two or three photographers in the last six months," Scott said. "I know that personally I've lost my assistant which has really affected my work load."
Though he acknowledges the difficulty that students are having finding jobs out of college because of the layoffs, Scott says that it's not impossible, you just have to do the right things.
"You have to be constantly taking photos," says Scott. " You have to keep your work diversified to build your portfolio for your job interview. It's also important to keep up on your writing skills and your knowledge of photo editing programs. The most important thing is to just be persistent in your photography. You have to always be learning."
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Monday, October 25, 2010
Sunday, October 10, 2010
The SWAN song of Norman
The Song Writers Association of Norman's mission statement reads, "The Song Writers Association is a non profit group organized under the Norman Arts Council and is designed to promote and support the creation of original music in the greater Norman community."
But after visiting one of the weekly meetings and song circles, you realize that this organization is more than just a group designed for promotion of music. It is a family, of friends and strangers, that comes together every week to share and encourage those around them.
Along with the valuable feedback and encouragement the musicians gain from the group, the Song Writers Association of Norman, or SWAN, provides help with copywriting original material, tips for song writing, and musical showcases at various local venues around Norman.
SWAN was started a little more than a year ago, but the foundation of the organization was born long before.
Contacts and relationships made through open mics and song circles led Richard "Daddy" Love to realize that the Norman music scene was lacking something. The musicians of the city needed a steady place to feature their talents and get feedback to their original songs.
Love decided to reach out to one of the local musicians he had met at a music event.
Michael Bendure, who is the publicity officer of the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, listened to Love's idea and decided to pitch it to Rick Fry, head of the Norman Arts Council. After some discussion of what the goals and aspirations of the organization would be, SWAN was officially formed.
The organization has quickly gained momentum with more than 25 members eager to share their musical talents and learn about the “ins and outs” of the business.
At the beginning of every month, before the music starts, there is an informational presentation.
"It's a different thing every month," said Love. "We usually try to do the nuts and bolts of song writing. We've had presentations on how to set up a PA, how to use social media to promote your music, home recording, and even workshops on how to write lyrics."
SWAN is always looking for new artists to join and share their talents. The fees are very affordable at just $30 for a basic membership and $20 for students, educators, and seniors.
The growth of the organization doesn’t seem to be slowing any time soon. The members of the group have just recently released a compilation CD of their original works, and are adding a new element to the meetings. In addition to the song circles and open mics, there will now be an occasional “jam session”, where the musicians will play their instruments together instead of one after the other.
Love is inspired by the progress that SWAN has made in the musical community, and how it has helped the local musicians of Norman get there names out there.
"I'm proud of what we've done. The best music in the world is what you've just stumbled onto; what you weren't expecting to hear. There's a whole lot about the songs that people write themselves thats amusing, or interesting or intriguing, and thats what we do here."
But after visiting one of the weekly meetings and song circles, you realize that this organization is more than just a group designed for promotion of music. It is a family, of friends and strangers, that comes together every week to share and encourage those around them.
Along with the valuable feedback and encouragement the musicians gain from the group, the Song Writers Association of Norman, or SWAN, provides help with copywriting original material, tips for song writing, and musical showcases at various local venues around Norman.
SWAN was started a little more than a year ago, but the foundation of the organization was born long before.
Contacts and relationships made through open mics and song circles led Richard "Daddy" Love to realize that the Norman music scene was lacking something. The musicians of the city needed a steady place to feature their talents and get feedback to their original songs.
Love decided to reach out to one of the local musicians he had met at a music event.
Michael Bendure, who is the publicity officer of the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, listened to Love's idea and decided to pitch it to Rick Fry, head of the Norman Arts Council. After some discussion of what the goals and aspirations of the organization would be, SWAN was officially formed.
The organization has quickly gained momentum with more than 25 members eager to share their musical talents and learn about the “ins and outs” of the business.
At the beginning of every month, before the music starts, there is an informational presentation.
"It's a different thing every month," said Love. "We usually try to do the nuts and bolts of song writing. We've had presentations on how to set up a PA, how to use social media to promote your music, home recording, and even workshops on how to write lyrics."
SWAN is always looking for new artists to join and share their talents. The fees are very affordable at just $30 for a basic membership and $20 for students, educators, and seniors.
The growth of the organization doesn’t seem to be slowing any time soon. The members of the group have just recently released a compilation CD of their original works, and are adding a new element to the meetings. In addition to the song circles and open mics, there will now be an occasional “jam session”, where the musicians will play their instruments together instead of one after the other.
Love is inspired by the progress that SWAN has made in the musical community, and how it has helped the local musicians of Norman get there names out there.
"I'm proud of what we've done. The best music in the world is what you've just stumbled onto; what you weren't expecting to hear. There's a whole lot about the songs that people write themselves thats amusing, or interesting or intriguing, and thats what we do here."
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Michelangelo's Masterpiece of Local Music
If big concert halls, huge audiences, and expensive ticket prices aren’t your idea of a fun night, then you might want to stop by Michelangelo’s Coffee Shop and Wine Bar in downtown Norman.
The first thing you notice when walking through the doors is the intimate feel of the small venue. Decorated with rows and rows of local art and bright red-orange paint, the walls are accented by the modern deco track lighting and colorful pennant’s that hang from the ceiling. The whole quirkiness of the atmosphere is topped of with a white grand piano that looks like it should be out of place, but just isn’t.
The musical atmosphere of Michelangelo’s is generally laid back with an intermingling of genres. You never know what you might get when you walk into one of the weekly open mic nights.
Small intimate venues like Michelangelo’s are committed to the promotion and growth of Norman’s local artists. Along with a commission free space for painters to present their work, and a venue for poets and musicians to test the performing waters, they also host a biweekly song circle or open mic sponsored by the Song Writer Association of Norman.
“I think places like this are essential to local music,” said Liz Reynolds, longtime barista for Michelangelo’s. “They give people that couldn’t draw a big crowd, or people that wouldn’t want to play in front of a large audience a chance to get their music out there.”
From the artwork on the walls to the types of music acts, the atmosphere of Michelangelo’s is constantly changing, and this might be one of the biggest appeals of the venue.
“I like walking in here and not knowing what to expect,” said Meghan Macdonald, a regular customer at Michelangelo’s. “It’s just a really nice place to come get some coffee and listen to some good music.”
So the next time that you’re out strolling the streets of downtown Norman and a craving for good local music hits you, stop by Michelangelo’s for a quick acoustic set with a side of quirkiness.
The first thing you notice when walking through the doors is the intimate feel of the small venue. Decorated with rows and rows of local art and bright red-orange paint, the walls are accented by the modern deco track lighting and colorful pennant’s that hang from the ceiling. The whole quirkiness of the atmosphere is topped of with a white grand piano that looks like it should be out of place, but just isn’t.
The musical atmosphere of Michelangelo’s is generally laid back with an intermingling of genres. You never know what you might get when you walk into one of the weekly open mic nights.
Small intimate venues like Michelangelo’s are committed to the promotion and growth of Norman’s local artists. Along with a commission free space for painters to present their work, and a venue for poets and musicians to test the performing waters, they also host a biweekly song circle or open mic sponsored by the Song Writer Association of Norman.
“I think places like this are essential to local music,” said Liz Reynolds, longtime barista for Michelangelo’s. “They give people that couldn’t draw a big crowd, or people that wouldn’t want to play in front of a large audience a chance to get their music out there.”
From the artwork on the walls to the types of music acts, the atmosphere of Michelangelo’s is constantly changing, and this might be one of the biggest appeals of the venue.
“I like walking in here and not knowing what to expect,” said Meghan Macdonald, a regular customer at Michelangelo’s. “It’s just a really nice place to come get some coffee and listen to some good music.”
So the next time that you’re out strolling the streets of downtown Norman and a craving for good local music hits you, stop by Michelangelo’s for a quick acoustic set with a side of quirkiness.
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