Tidewater Member Spotlight

Greg Avant (Tidewater District, Chesapeake, VA)

Photography is your second career after working in IT. What led you to make that transition, and are there skills from your IT career that still influence how you approach photography today?

In IT, you always had a backup of your data, and you always had a backup plan if something went wrong. In photography, we all have had times when the flash did not go off, or a piece of equipment failed at the wrong time. Have an extra camera body and an extra flash, extra batteries, and memory cards. I was photographing a wedding reception, and the camera would not focus in the low light, so I decided to use my second camera; well, the flash I was using was jammed on the camera body and would not come off. What did I do? Reached into my bag and pulled out my second camera body and spare flash, and kept going.

Your work spans portraits, high school seniors, and sports. What do you enjoy about having that variety rather than concentrating on a single specialty?

Graduation from High School is one of the big moments in a high school student's life. Most students play sports or music or other activities. I like to capture these events and show the students larger than life in their portraits. It all goes together. It’s about being a one-stop, all-encompassing photographer for the High School Senior.

You’ve been teaching photography for many years. What is it about helping other photographers learn that you find so rewarding?

Many years ago, I went to an art show and saw a photographer with a very large print of the moon. I asked him what settings he used. He told me to use bulb setting for about 30 seconds, which was the wrong setting. Since then, I swore that if anyone asked me any questions about photography, I would give them the correct answer.

You’re especially passionate about helping photographers earn their Certified Professional Photographer credential. Why does the CPP matter so much to you, and what do you hope photographers gain from pursuing it?

In November 2018, I earned my CPP, and PPA had CPP Liaisons, which I signed up for because I found that studying the theory and passing the written test was like learning a different language. I did not have anyone to help me study, and I feel that the knowledge I learned from study notes, online forums, and quizzes- that some of the shortcuts for studying should be passed along. Of all the people who studied under me, only one that I know of did not pass the written test.

After more than 25 years in professional photography, what still gives you that feeling of “I can’t wait to photograph this”?

Years ago, after photographing a wedding, I printed a large canvas wrap of the Mother and Father of the bride. When I unveiled it at a party, the bride just kept saying Wow! Wow!. I live for the Wow. I am looking to wow each client I meet with lighting, posing, and editing.

What’s something outside of photography that is an important part of who you are but that fellow VPPA members might not know about you?

I play golf and do woodworking, making cutting and charcuterie boards plus other things out of wood.

You’ve been a VPPA member since 2010. How has your relationship with the photography community changed as you’ve gone from learning from others to teaching and mentoring others yourself?

Chris Taylor brought me to my first VPPA meeting and convention. He must have seen some talent in me. I was honored to meet and learn from members like Cathy Benton, Erin Clark, and Robert Holman. Now I just want to pass on the knowledge and raise the bar in the area. Everyone knows a Fauxtographer; we need to change them to Photographers.

At this point in your career, what would you still like to accomplish, either as a photographer or as an educator?

I have my sights set on my master's degree, which I have set a goal to get within the next two years. I would also like to keep teaching because it helps me be reminded of the things that make excellent photography.

You can follow Greg and see more of his work at https://www.avantgardephoto.net/

Some of Greg’s Favorite Images He's Ever Taken

Kim Kiely (Tidewater District, Williamsburg, VA)

You’ve been in business for 20 years. What has changed the most in how you see your work or yourself as an artist over that time?

Honestly, I think I’ve just relaxed into it. In the beginning, I had a bad experience with someone I thought would be a good mentor, but his approach to photography was just too rigid for me. I wanted to be more artistic than technical in how I created. This pushed me… it’s like someone saying you can’t do that and it just makes me want to even more. Now, I trust myself!  I’m focused on creating work that carries meaning—something that feels timeless and lasting.

Fine art photography can mean different things to different people. How do you personally define “fine art” in your work?

For me, it’s all about intention and that blurred line between painting and photograph. It’s not just about taking a pretty picture—it’s about creating something that makes people pause. There’s intention behind it, but I leave room for it to breathe. I’m always thinking about what stays with someone after they’ve seen the image. If it lingers, it makes me happy.

What does your creative process look like from idea to finished image? Are you more of a planner or do you let things evolve as you go?

I’m definitely a mix. I usually start with a spark—sometimes something I’ve seen in a museum or an old painting. I’ll plan out the general direction, especially with light and tone, but once I start shooting, I let things unfold. Some of the best moments come from not overthinking it.

Over a long career, it’s easy to plateau. What has helped you continue to grow and push your work forward?

Studying and researching—that’s been the biggest thing. I still take workshops, I still learn from other artists, and I try to put myself in situations where I’m not totally comfortable. Being around other creatives—like my best friend Becky and my colleagues—really fuels me. It keeps everything fresh.

Is there a body of work or personal project that feels especially meaningful to you right now? What makes it important?

Right now I’m leaning into quieter, more introspective work. It feels more personal—less about expectations and more about what I want to say. Studying and researching have been the most significant aspects of my journey. It’s helped me slow down, look deeper, and bring a quiet depth into the work. That shift has been really important to me.

You bring a lot of creativity and energy to planning and decorating the convention party each year. What do you enjoy most about that, and how does it connect to your artistic side?

I love creating an experience. It’s very similar to what I do with photography—just on a bigger scale. I’m thinking about mood, light, and how people move through a space. And honestly, it’s just fun. It gives me a chance to be playful and collaborate in a different way.

What’s one decision you’ve made in your business or creative journey that had a bigger impact than you expected?

Investing in education early on was huge for me. It changed how I saw my work and what was possible. And later, fully leaning into fine art—that was a turning point. Once I trusted that direction, everything started to fall into place. Stepping away from the noise and focusing on what was calling me, instead of what others were doing, made all the difference.

Looking ahead, what are you most interested in exploring or experimenting with in your work?

I want to push further into that painterly direction—really playing with light and texture and creating images that feel like they could live in a gallery. More storytelling, more depth… less about capturing what’s there and more about creating something from it.

Some of Kim’s Favorite Images She’s Ever Taken

Richard St. Peter (Tidewater District - Carrollton, VA)

My career job in the Air Force was as a Motion Picture Cameraman. Additionally, I operated still cameras as back up to my coverage of events. I also operated as an Aerial Photographer in Vietnam both motion picture and still photography. Upon return to the states, I was assigned to a Television Production unit and operated Video cameras. The concept was that the basics of operating and using the different cameras was similar in the areas of framing/composition; lighting; exposure; focus etc. 

1966-1978 U S Air Force, motion picture cameraman, still photographer, and aerial photography.

1978 – 1992  Civilian GS11/12 Video Producer Ft. Eustis, script writer, video camera operator 

1996 –2011   Contractor with Northrup Grumman, Video Producer, script writer, video camera operator, video editor

(40 year career with hands-on experience) 

What first pulled you into photography, and what has kept you behind the camera all these years? 

It was either become an Air Policeman after basic training or a photographer. Both careers were available and I chose photographer. After basic training, 12 weeks of photography training and then OJT under more experienced photographers. Being a photographer was a good job and provided lots of travel opportunities. We covered events the Air Force needed documentation coverage of, i.e. C5 roll out in GA, later C5 flying first time, Thunderbirds show team at Las Vegas, Best summary is we were like ABC, NBC and CBS for the Air Force. Later, as my 12-year career sent me places, Vietnam—112 aerial missions, Bob Hope Christmas show in Vietnam—twice, search and destroy missions with Vietnamese soldiers, 88 POWs returning from Vietnam to Kelly AFB, Texas, and then Wilford Hall Medical Center, San Antonio, for medical treatment, covering riots in cities after Dr. King’s assassination, etc. To me, my job In the Air Force was the best job you could have. Travel, experience and a job that could transfer to civilian life when discharged.                                        

Is there an early assignment or moment in your photography career that still sticks with you?

Just the opportunity to do my job at many locations and see the results in the monthly commander's call film, Air Force Now. It showed the Air Force story each month, and I would be a part of it. 

What part of photography brings you the most satisfaction today?

Still, the hands-on shooting which was what I enjoyed the most. The sitting behind a desk editing or writing a script did not bring the same satisfaction. The photographer captured the moments and then the editors told the story. I preferred the many different locations, events etc that were mine alone. 

What’s one piece of practical advice you’d share with newer photographers?

Keep a camera with you and keep your eyes open for a moment to capture. 

What type of photography do you specialize in, and how has your style evolved over time? 

My favorite style of photography is the documentation of events. However, my style changed to include weddings, sports events etc. I also photograph scenics whenever I am travelling and selling these images or displaying them at events.

How has being part of VPPA influenced your growth or your work? 

Very simply. In 1994, I joined VPPA to complement my photo partner at photographic events. I tell people, VPPA taught me the creative side of photography after the documentation/war style my career had been. Monthly meetings, conventions, and other photographers encouraged my efforts to broaden my abilities. Print competition also rewarded the efforts to show my ability and be rewarded. I became an AFP, FP, and was also awarded Best of Show for my prints. It is a good feeling. 

What do you enjoy most about being involved in this association?

The ability to interact with other photographers through monthly meetings, social events and seminars of photographic methods, i.e., lighting, posing etc. You can always learn something no matter how many years you have been behind the camera. Print critique was and is a good opportunity to hear comments to improve your image. Learning from others is a great way to improve your skill and your final image. 

What’s something you’re currently excited to learn, explore, or create?

To be honest, I currently enjoy my retirement status that allows me to travel, still learn from VPPA events, and photograph what I like, people, landscapes, covered bridges and lighthouses. After a career of over 40 years, heading for locations on one hour notice and being gone, even if I might not want to be, it is nice to be able to relax, learn and apply without any stress but good opportunities to apply the new or “teach a dog a new trick.” My 31 years in VPPA have made me a better photographer and allowed me to feel confident about my images and my stories I can tell of the past and present. I have had an enjoyable and good life as a photographer. Thanks VPPA for your part in my development. 

Some of Richard’s Favorite Images He's Ever Taken