For Immediate Release:
August 11, 1997
Mansfield Ohio

Local Artist Receives Double Honor From National Organization

Mark Bohland of Maranatha Photography has recently earned the degree of "Photographic Craftsman" from the Professional Photographers of America. Bohland, who has lectured to photographic organizations in several states earned the degree for his efforts in "sharing the craft of photography" with his colleagues in the industry. He recently spoke to over 100 photographers at a 6 state regional photographer’s convention.

In addition to lecturing, other requirements for the degree were fulfilled by attending continuing education seminars and by submitting artistic portraits, which received exceptional scores from a review board of master photographers.

Several of these portraits, as well as others by the artist can be seen on his website at www.MPhoto.com. In addition, Maranatha Photography’s website has a library of links to "Family Values" websites.

Included on the web site is "Rose Petals", a storytelling portrait of two young girls. The portrait was chosen for inclusion in the permanent traveling loan collection of the Professional Photographers of America.  The PPA's photographic print competition is held in conjunction with the same annual international convention and print exhibit where Bohland's degree was conferred.

"We're pleased to have received this double recognition from our peers," said Bohland.  "It's always encouraging to have your work appreciated by a diverse group of master photographers . 'Rose Petals' is typical of our vision of children's portraiture.  We want our portraits to tell a story.  We are more concerned about who the subject is, rather than just what he or she looks like."

This is the second portrait Bohland has had accepted into this prestigious collection.  "Promise Me Forever", an engagement portrait created on the coast of Maine, was accepted in 1992.

The Professional Photographers of America is the oldest Photographic Professional Association in America. It exists to assist its more than 14,000 members in achieving their artistic and professional goals, to promote public awareness of professional quality photographic images; and to advance both the art and science of visual imagery.

 Original Photo © Deborah Bohland

Photographic Craftsman	Ohio Certified Professional Photographer