Mr. Miller is long gone, but you can see his work in all kinds of places. There was a treasure trove of his work at a place in Dallas (Lakewood), Texas, called Curiosities. Count yourself lucky if you have some of his folk art.

Research continues into just who the stars are in the Dallas advertising, marketing and public relations markets are. It looks like a subscription to Dallas Business Journal is in order.

The search for viable targets in the Dallas marketing agencies category certainly leads to … some exceptional marketing of the marketing agencies. I may be a bit slow on the uptake, but I am certainly impressed to the point of reading further – articles like “The End of Link Building as We’ve Known and Loved It” brings to light changes I observed in my website creation last year. The Google formula has changed for the better – incredibly better. That article is published by SQ1, an agency that, while it doesn’t appear to employ photographers, is an important read for those of us in the website design and marketing of those sites on a micro scale.

I would have to be living under a rock to not know the size, scope and power of The Richards Group in Dallas, Texas. Although I have been in to talk to art buyers there, it was during the dark times of 2008-2009, when new dynamics were sweeping through the entire US ad media landscape. Frightening was the general vibe. What a great place with a site that opens with my mantra, “Let’s Go Have Fun.”

Digging into the search further, and the focus is definitely on marketing via web > social networking > blogging and e mail marketing. Whether or not an agency like Agency Entourage is interested in integrating photography / video into their overall plans, it would seem like a logical step in adding value and services. So many people don’t have the first clue about how to feed their beast of a site for the benefit of themselves and others.

It certainly is creatively refreshing to peruse sites like Duncan Day and the sidebar in their blog contains plenty of great retweets related to the business of media.

Somewhere else along the spectrum is ACC Agency, which definitely has a more modest look, but certainly delivers on the creative side. Anyone who takes the time to consider the ramifications of the Weinermobile has to be good.

So many agencies seem to be short-changing their clients, with the generic stock images these days. It’s not like the clients can’t afford quality photography, if they can afford quality agencies! I have plenty of stock images that sell, but they have always been in pretty innocuous categories. Live by the sword. Die by the sword.

I do like the diversity and realism of the imaged Triad Business Marketing uses for their clients like Alcoa, Huck and LeTourneau.

These agencies talk a lot about targeting, and it makes me wonder just how often they are targeted – by photographers. It certainly is a worthwhile exercise in search and targeting for the new year. I will be taking a look at the smaller markets, and drilling down to the smallest market right here in the home town. Dallas is certainly next door, but I wonder what Houston has to offer?

All I know for sure is, every day is a winding road.

Every day working is a good day, but when one of your clients treats you to a full day fly fishing in the New Orleans marshes, for giant redfish, I just have to give a shout out – WHAT A GREAT DAY! Thanks to Jerry Goodale, owner Dark Horse Productions, for the great trip and camaraderie.

Louisiana redfish courtesy of Jerry Goodale. Photo Courtesy Jerry Goodale / Dark Horse Productions

It was a good day of shooting yesterday at Interphase, and the creative team from Rednok Marketing made everything go smoothly – as usual. The folks at Interphase certainly were cooperative as we virtually took over the place.

Today it was to the American Airlines Center to scout a potential shoot of the luxury suites, and other locales in the AAC. It was pretty impressive, even in the dark. I took along my new Nikon1 V1, and it performed like a champ. That camera is my new permanent jewelry. Love it. Nothing beats working for Bloomfield Knoble and Redonk Marketing – business friends.

Now there’s the huge onslaught of phone cameras that are not only wiping out an entire section of the “cheap” camera market, they are popping up everywhere. Just look at the next campaign announcements – winners, losers, whatever – at the next stop for the Republican party in whatever state you choose to watch. Typically, people are stuffed in a hotel ballroom in Podunk, USA, waiting for the candidate to walk up to the lectern and give their spin on the primary outcome.

At the back of the room are the video guys, these days pretty “casually” dressed, and on the same level as the hundreds of people in front of them. The candidate walks in. Up pops a forest of arms holding phones shooting stills and video.

So, my prayers are finally answered. I just procured the new Nikon1 V1 camera, and it is nothing short of revolutionary. Small, sharp, a whole new set of lenses, accessories and just a plain sexy camera. Don’t be surprised if you see it around my neck the next time you see me – and it shoots dazzling video as well! Never a dull moment.

The latest cover of Texas CEO came my way when I was doing their next cover in Houston, Texas, a couple of weeks ago. Time sure does fly when it’s this busy. Their next cover should be a bit more indicative of having time to spend lighting and honing the look – in camera.

I’m still in the process of shooting a campaign for Redonk Marketing out of Plano, Texas, and will be on location with them tomorrow. Then, one of the local Classic auto dealerships is throwing a party Saturday – so it’s party pic time of year again!

Last image from Veteran’s Day 2011, on the Square in Downtown Denton, Texas.

Soon enough, the young strong eyed hard bodied troops will age gracefully, and be part of their own band of brothers, with stories to tell and left untold.

A tough image to make with the flags constantly blowing, but I just admire their dedication, and the diversity of people serving our country in the twenty-first century. Plenty of young people could learn something about leadership from these folks – and they will some day.

It’s only a matter of time before these become the early images of congressmen, senators, presidents and corporate executives. And when I say, “matter of time,” I mean a short time. Obviously universities like Texas Woman’s University, and the University of North Texas recognize that their best and brightest come from these ranks, and are actively pursuing veterans for their student body.