Come Out, Come Out, Where Ever You Are….

So, I had a surprise the other day.

When I started this blog, I was really torn. I felt like advertising myself was a bad idea. I think part of my job is blending in. If I start to become more recognizable it might compromise the authenticity of my coverage of events. As it is, it happens often that I walk in and someone refers to me as “Photo Girl” or “RFT Girl” or “InsideStL Girl”. As I was leaving Felix Cartal on Friday, two guys in a car pulling out of a gas station rolled down their window and yelled “HEY RFT PHOTO GIRL!” as they drove by.

What happens if people know who I am? Will the same people appear in the slideshows because they seek me out? Will people avoid me because they don’t want to be featured? I think being an unknown factor is a good idea in my line of work. Happily, blending in something I do rather well. And that’s not a normal talent to put on a resume.

So, I’ve been sort straddling the fence in this blog. Giving some information, being delicate to give credit where credit is due, but trying to not give away who I was, where I’ll be, or any other details. And since I don’t own the photos published, as the copyright is sold to my employer when they hire me, it’s a tricky issue…

Well…I don’t have to worry about that anymore, because it’s official…my employer knows about the blog and all the information is out.

So…let’s embrace it.

I officially work, as a freelance photographer, for The Riverfront Times. www.riverfronttimes.com

The RFT gave me my first shot as a nightlife photographer. They watched me go through different phases, including the oh-so-poorly-thought-out zoomed in flash series. (We all try something new every now and then.)

I also officially work, on a freelance basis, for InsideStL.com www.insidestl.com

With the bevy of bikini contests, porn stars, and free-flowing alcohol, and the occasional Dirty Celeb, I have watched InsideStL throw the best parties in St. Louis for a while now.

I also work, again on a freelance basis, for Alive Magazine. www.AliveMag.com

Alive Magazine graced me with the honor of being an intern when I first started. And now, after over a year of freelance work at other publications and sites, I have been asked to participate as a product photographer and any other freelance assignments they wish to give.

So, there you have it. Photo Girl is officially out of the closet.