Pam Setchell opened her first studio 22 years ago, but her journey began at the age of 4! That's when she wrote a letter to Santa asking for a camera.

Prior to planting her feet back in the USA, she had the privilege of photographing for the travel industry in places that you couldn't pronounce. She believes that this is what has given her the vision that she has for her fine portraiture of children, family and pets.

She has been recognized for her talents by receiving many awards and been on the cover of many magazines along with getting her Masters and Craftsman quite some time ago. She used to be busy on the lecture circuit both here and abroad and then settled to open a larger studio and broaden the scope of her business. Times have changed dramatically and she will discuss how she has been combating "the recession".

Her lighthearted approach to her "two and four legged" subjects, creativity and patience are what make Viewpoint Photography, her studio of 22 years stand out above the rest.

She will talk about the art of the family portrait....children and incorporating their furry creatures into the scene. We are coming into the fall season, our busy season with children and families and discuss the promotions that she implicates to get the most out of this time of year. Although during this time of the year most of her portraits are outdoors, she has a great passion for classical studio portraiture, primarily of a single subject. She has educated her clientele on the importance of a family heirloom and an individual heirloom for each child....and pet.

Although her animal portraiture has been highly noted and published, 65% of her business is family and children, the balance being pets. Over 30% of the non-pet business came from "pets". She believes that they are all family members and that to advertise to pets can bring you many "humans". It's another avenue of advertising that many photographers don't think about.

"In these times we have to be creative. It's harder now and it is important to create something of great elegance that they can not in any way, do themselves. We must find the passion in the relationships and record it to create a lifelong treasure and heirloom."