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Dexter's Betsy Finn named one of the Top 7 Photographers of 2008 by Professional Photographers of Michigan
PUBLISHED: February 21, 2008
Local Dexter photographer Betsy Finn was recently named one of the Top 7 Photographers of 2008 by the Professional Photographers of Michigan. This award was given in recognition of Finn's accomplishments at the 2008 Print Competition.
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The award for "Top 7 Photographer of 2008" is not based on a single image, but on the photographer's overall score of the "Top 4" images submitted. All of the prints Finn entered received awards, including three "Awards of Excellence," two "Gold Court" ribbons, and one "Award of Merit." Her portrait of a local family was the recipient of two additional awards. The family portrait, "Three vs. One," was the recipient of the award for the "2008 Highest Scoring First Time Entry," and the "2008 Court of Honor Portrait" award.
"I was so happy with how well my prints did, but I admit I was surprised to keep hearing my name called during awards," said Finn, who owns Betsy's Photography in Dexter. "It is a great honor to be recognized for my photographs."
The print competition was held in Ypsilanti during the state's largest photography event, the Professional Photographers of Michigan Convention.
The following is a "close-up" look at Finn's background, career, goals and interests.
Name: Betsy Finn
Age: 24
Business name: Betsy's Photography
Business address: 902 Marshall Lakes Dr, Dexter, MI 48130 (residential studio)
I've been in business five years. Before I was married, I photographed under my maiden name, Elizabeth Diane Ash Photography. I did portraits, weddings and sports photography. When my husband and I got engaged in 2005, I decided I needed to create a business that would grow as my name changed from Ash to Finn. So, at that point, I created Betsy's Photography, and narrowed my specialization to mainly portraits and wedding photography. I personally photograph all weddings and portrait sessions, and my husband, Steven, is my second photographer and assistant at weddings.
Photography organizations: Professional Photographers of America (since 2005), Professional Photographers of Michigan (since 2007), and Detroit Professional Photographers Association (since 2006). Finn also is a member of the Dexter Area Chamber of Commerce.
Native of: Ann Arbor. When it was time for my husband and I to buy a home, the logical choice was Dexter. Here, we are close to family and friends, yet able to enjoy the "small-town" atmosphere and community that Dexter has to offer.
Education: Bachelor of Arts from Hope College in 2005 (double major in Studio Art and Business Management). Studied photography at Michigan State University (2005). In 2006, Finn received the title of Certified Professional Photographer (this is an elite program that requires passing a written exam and having a portfolio of actual client work reviewed by nationally recognized photographers). She also attended the Great Lakes Institute of Photography in 2007.
Hobbies and other interests: I am a self-proclaimed bookworm, although I haven't had time to cuddle up with a good book recently. I love sports - played soccer and swam when I was younger, and wished I could have played hockey. I content myself with being an avid sports fan and watching my nephews and niece during practices or games. I still love the piano, and although my piano hasn't made the move to our new home yet, I do enjoy playing when I can. We also have the cutest cat, whose name is Jake. He spends hours getting into trouble by opening doors and stealing things from my purse.
Camera: Nikon. I mainly use Nikon Digital SLR's because I started investing in Nikon lenses and equipment. I am very happy with the quality of the images I can create, and now that I'm completely digital I can take some more creative liberties when photographing - while still maintaining a consistent level of quality and creativity.
How did you first get interested in photography?
I've always been interested in creative things - in first grade I convinced my grandmother to teach me piano; when I was a little older I would run an art store in my parents' basement, and the walls on the basement stairs were covered with "art gallery" items. So photography was a natural creative outlet that I became interested in. My parents have a picture of me when I was about 3 where I am holding a box of film - at 5, there is a snapshot of me peering through a "big" Nikon SLR and telephoto lens. Those snapshots are actually more a reflection of my natural curiosity and desire to try new things than a sign that I was "born to be a photographer." Photography, like my other creative outlets, came naturally to me as part of my desire to capture and document life around me - moments and memories that cannot be repeated.
What do you like about your job?
I love everything about it! In addition to having a wonderful use for my creativity, I get to build wonderful relationships with my clients, and share my artistic vision. Most of all, I love creating something unique and beautiful for them. Sometimes I work with a client who has had a less-than-desirable photo experience - I love creating something they will treasure. By specializing in weddings and portraiture, I have the opportunity to help document unique moments in my clients' lives and to capture their emotions and memories.
How do you go about shooting a portrait?
Before a portrait session, I typically meet with my client to talk about what they want, and what ideas they have. From there, we decide whether to do a location or studio session, and what style of portraiture they like (it can range from casual and fun to more traditional). Because of the emphasis I place on getting to know my clients, during the session, things are relaxed and my clients are even able to enjoy themselves! For me, photography is not just about the end result, but the experience that creates that wonderful image. I've planned senior portraits with classic cars on location, engagement portraits with a favorite pet, to name a few.
It's a very competitive business you are in, what makes you unique?
I am the only Certified Professional Photographer in the Dexter-Ann Arbor area that that offers wedding and portrait services with a creative, personalized and timeless style.
Why is the "Top 7 Photographer" award special?
This award, "Top 7 Photographer," is special, because it recognizes me as one of the top seven Michigan photographers. While the other awards I have received are based on individual images I have created, the award for "Top 7 Photographer" recognizes my accomplishments based on a set of my photographic images.
What are a few of the photos you have taken that are special to you?
One of my favorite images is a portrait I created of my grandfather while on vacation in Switzerland. We never had time to schedule a portrait session here in Michigan when he was alive, and I do regret it deeply - but I am glad for the portrait I do have to remember him by. He looks at peace, relaxed in that portrait. That's one of the reasons I feel that it is so important to create wonderful images for my clients - they are wonderful memories now, and down the road, the memories become priceless.
Another one of the best images I have created is of a wedding couple. During the reception, I typically whisk the newlyweds away for a brief time after the main festivities. We went outside the reception hall and found a lovely grassy area with some trees - and they had time to relax together; I created some lovely portraits and captured a few great candid moments that they will treasure. It was their first time to be alone the whole day, and they were so happy to have a moment together - almost by themselves. It was so wonderful to step back and let them enjoy each other - while I captured that special moment for them.
What are your future goals?
I am a dreamer, so consequently I have many goals! The hard thing is putting them in words. Professionally, I am working towards my Master of Photography degree. This degree is awarded by the Professional Photographers of America to photographers that do well enough in print competition over a period of time (earning "merits"), and by attending programs and seminars. I plan on keeping Betsy's Photography more client-oriented, even as my business develops and matures.
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