Why IthacaStock.com?
We started this business because we love photography.For many years Monroe has attended photography conferences because, he says, “I get to meet and talk with the neatest people on the planet.”
To keep those conversations going, he came up with the idea of supplying quality local iconic images.We also started this business because we want to make the process of looking for the perfect image a lot easier. Our prices are clear and reasonable. If we don’t have the perfect photo, we’ll get it for you. Call to ask a question and you’ll talk with a human being.
Here at IthacaStock.com, we begin with clients and end up with friends.
Who We Are
My Dad got me interested in photography at a young age. All through the spring, summer and autumn, he’d take pictures. Then over the winter, we’d go down into the basement on cold, snowy weekends, set up the darkroom, turn on the Metropolitan Opera, and develop and print pictures.
When I was old enough, Dad started teaching me with the original Kodak Brownie that he had as a kid. I learned composition from my Dad, mostly by looking at his pictures, and seeing the art. Anyone who’s gone on a photographic expedition with me will tell you how I scurry around to find just the perfect location to shoot from to suit my eye.
Most of my work is scenic, like my father before me. Working at a Naval Air Station, and being an airplane fanatic, I also like capturing our ‘winged warriors” doing what they do best.
I've known Monroe forever. His grandmother and my grandmother were neighbors and best friends. Monroe is basically the older brother I never had.
I am a professional photographer, father of five, husband, grandfather of six -- and a farmer. The order depends on the conversation at the moment, but at IthacaStock.com, photography comes first.
Back when I was young and foolish, my Dad gave me a Canonet 35mm camera, which lasted me for 30 years. Shortly after its demise, I happened into my Dad's darkroom. It had been probably ten years since he had done any real work there, but the chemical smell was as pungent as if it was yesterday. Everything came flooding back. My love for the craft, the time I spent there in the dark while Dad was developing Ektachrome for clients, all the black and white photos I did for the school yearbook. I wanted to recapture a bit of the good memories.
So I bought another camera--a Canon EOS Elan. In time, I started doing weddings for friends. Then my daughter Mindy started to show interest in photography, and so we two would do the weddings. By 1999, we were a real business: The Payne Family Photographers. We photograph weddings, portraits and events, virtual tours, and just about anything that involves capturing an image.
Oh, and I’m a member of Professional Photographers of America, and serve on the Professional Photographers Society of New York State Executive Council.
Abbie Smith, Office Manager
Originally a native from Michigan, I migrated, so to speak, to Ithaca in 2006. I instantly fell in the love with the history and community. This city is like no other place on earth. The amount of culture and diversity condensed in this "10 square miles surrounded by reality" constantly surprises me. There is always something to do or somewhere to be, from activities run by the city to college functions to festivals and seasons. I absolutly love Ithaca.
While my job includes all the dry bits of running a business, I am happy to take out my own camera and learn from some of the greatest photographers and artists in the country, constantly improving my own eye. I have the pleasure of editing our newsletter, and seeing all the competition entries. I have done many jobs in the last decade, and this is by far the best. There is nothing more satisfying than a job that makes you smile, and each of the works of art on our website take me on small vacations.
I'm never sure what the future will bring. I do plan to go back to school, and finish my degree in music education eventually. Even then, I can't imagine leaving the amazing community and family here at IthacaStock.com .
What we Do
IthacaStock.com markets quality artistic images by local artists, to graphic artisits, web designers, advertising agencies, architects, visitor bureaus and people who want a beautiful image to enhance the decor in their homes. Whether you are planning the decor for the interior of an office building, refreshing the walls of your business, identifying yourself as part of the local landscape either on your walls or as part of your web presence, IthacaStock.com has the images you need.
Our family of over 65 photographic artists are not only in Ithaca - they are all over. With artists in Syracuse, Rochester, Buffalo, Virginia Beach and even in Hawaii and the UK, we can provide "local" images wherever we have a photographer! And as a member of the Professional Photographers of America and the Professional Photographers Society of New York State, we have easy access to photographers in absolutely every corner of the United States.
Becoming a contributor for IthacaStock.com is not a sure thing. Our contributors have to have their work "juried in" by our team of professionals. Besides "seasoned pros", we are actively encouraging young photo artists to submit to increase their exposure, and for us to offer a program of instruction which will help them improve the saleability of their art.
Try IthacaStock.com for your next sales piece, invitation, report or for decoration of your public areas.
At IthacaStock.com, we don't do "satisfied". We GUARANTEE you will be DELIGHTED!
