Meet Ron Witherspoon of Ron Witherspoon Photography

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ron Witherspoon.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My life as a photographer began with a bag of Blue Chip Stamps. For those not old enough to know of them, Blue Chips were a trading stamp similar in size to a postage stamp, that was given with every purchase at stores throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. My mother said if I pasted the stamps in the stamp books, I could get whatever I wanted.

In doing so, I was able to locate a Kodak Instamatic Camera with a pop-up flash – and my eyes got the best of me. I began documenting family events, creating pictures of friends, and activities at the church my family attended weekly. I still have that camera!

Fast forward to a Bachelor of Arts degree in Radio, Television and Journalism from San Francisco State University, six years as a Photojournalist in the United States Army Active Reserves attached to 3rd United States Army traveling world-wide creating photographs and writing news stories about my fellow service-members, and a Master of Fine Arts degree in Photography and Digital Imaging from Georgia State University Ernest G. Welch School of Art and Design.

Round out those life experiences with positions as a part-time weekend radio announcer for a college radio station (KCSM-FM 91.1), basic radio and television instructor, TV studio cameraman, director of public information for a national non-profit, training director, sales manager, audio-visual center director and photography instructor, an exhibiting fine art photographer (ongoing with an art group called, Nuance) and you have a full picture of my experiences.

Photography has been at the core of most of my past experiences or I made integral and good use of my photography skills and experience while in those positions.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Absolutely not. However, if I did not continue to lean forward into my next life experience or adversity I would not be the person I am today. You should never give up on any challenge or obstacle. Just when life gets the toughest comes a breakthrough.

Not unlike many others, I have faced unemployment and not knowing when my next job or contract was coming through to pay the rent. Even in those times, I did not allow myself to get bogged down, I leaned forward to the future anticipating my breakthrough. If that meant knocking on doors, asking friends, or making endless phone calls in an effort to survive and thrive – I did it.

These experiences I gave to my two children who have acquired their own level of success because of their personal tenacity, and I like to think by observation and directed teachings.

Ron Witherspoon Photography – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Ron Witherspoon Photography is a full-service digital photography business specializing in satisfied clients. My goal is to create dynamic images my clients can and do use for public relations, marketing, advertising, brands and branding for people and product, in addition to historical documentation.

This may also include book covers, product placement content, the point of purchase images, portraits, events, internal and external advertising in magazines, on brochures, postcards, web and social media, buses and billboards and literally anything or anywhere a dynamic image is needed.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I define success by continuing to engage and apply my skill set to satisfy the needs and desires of my existing and new clients/business partners. I also define success as being able to choose clients I want to work with, or not.

Sometimes, sitting in my studio and learning about new camera technology or reviewing and practicing a new lighting technique or style is more important to me than accepting an assignment. That too is a success.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.RonWitherspoonPhotography.com
• Phone: (404) 964-4853
• Email: ronwphoto@gmail.com
• Instagram: www.Instagram.com/ronwitherspoon
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/ron.witherspoon.7
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/RonWitherspoon7
• Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronwitherspoon/

Image Credit:
Ron Witherspoon except Ron in military uniform by Sergeant Major Lawrence Stevens, US Army

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