Why DC Shot List?

Photo by loving and supportive husband, Adam Clarke

'Scuze the Jay-Z reference in the title but I felt a line from Public Service Announcement to be apropos, since DC Shot List has been going on for a few months.  Also, I've been listening to Dangermouse's Grey Album all day today.  If you haven't heard it, it's a fabulous mash-up of Jay-Z's Black Album and The White Album by The Beatles.  But I digress...

My name is Betsy Spruill Clarke, otherwise known as Foto Maven, as deemed by the gmail email I have been using ever since gmail came about.  Whatever, call me Betsy.  I am a photographer, a publicist and now a blogger.

Why DC Shot List?

"*Belch* Why not!?!?!"  -Bluto from National Lampoon's Animal House

As I have been telling people over the past months of social marketing the blog, DC Shot List is DC's hot list of all things photography.  This includes photographers-pro and art, galleries, exhibitions, events, etc.  As you may or may not be aware, DC's photography industry and market is very saturated and this blog aims to sort through it all.

The mission of DC Shot List is 3 fold:  to help Washington, DC stake it's rightful claim of being THE city of photography; to shine a light on the best photographers and supporters; and to motivate networking among DC's photographers, purveyors and photo-fanatics.

How did DC Shot List come about?  Being in the photography business since 2000, I've observed that there are two types of photographers in the industry:  those who are territorial, closed off to others and feel that they know all there is to know about imaging; and those who are open to networking, sharing referrals and never accept that they have learned enough. 

I have seen overpaid photographers who are jaded and could care less about fostering a new generation of up-and-comers.  I have also seen many lesser-known photographers who produce incredible composition and quality and live for the next shoot.

On this site, you will read about the latter and whether you are a motivated photographer or someone who's looking for a true hot shot, a great night out at a fantastic photo-art event or even an exhibit to cruise, I think you will find benefit in the content. 

I promise, to the best of my abilities, to give you open and honest reviews about shows around town, give you the heads up on fun events, spotlight photographers and photo-supporters worth knowing.  And, even though this isn't a me me me site, I will occasionally put up my own photography from some events around town, when I'm able.  So, if I took a photo of you at an event, this might be the spot to check it out. :)

I want to hear from you.  Your opinions on the site, articles, photography, even photographers. If you know of events around town, know of sites and other photographers that I should check out, or even feel like you want to be seen, too, I'm all ears.  Please share! 

You can contact me through flickr, email foto.maven@gmail.com, facebook, twitter, whatever.  You might also have a good chance of running into me at many events around town.  At any rate, hope to see or hear from you soon!