About
PHOTOGRAPHERS VISION
I believe every photo either has or portrays a personality, mood, or an emotion to be discovered. The image should stir some emotion through detail, complexity, simplicity, or possibly desire. Every individual will view my work and react to it differently. Whatever viewing brings about, just be willing to take the time to look.
John O. Dixon
I’ve been involved in photography 30 or more years, 20 as a professional photographer, worked in camera shops, published in both newspaper, magazine. My worked has been displayed in shows, ads, hung in office buildings, including several pieces displayed at House of Delegate Annapolis.
Specialties
Location
Event type
Budget
Guest count
Delivery format
Photos and videos
Reviews
Danielle C.
James E.
James T.
Sarah T.
Annmarie C.
Giulia C.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Event Plan
Details about day are important, the clothes, timing, people, locations, lighting. Tensions are high, scheduling is tight, and emotions are charged. A wedding shoot is not the time to test one’s people skills or experiment with portraits. It is a day that an experienced photographer must practice everything he or she has ever known.
· Do your research!
· Determine the couple’s style.
· Are they traditionalists?
· Are they contemporary?
· Do they want color or black and white?
Individual Plan
These are some simple, but important steps you should do to be ready for your next event.
1. Pre-Visualization/Create a Master Schedule
Arrange a pre-wedding meeting with the bride to plan out a 15-minute incremental schedule of the wedding shoot.
· Shot List Arrive at the venue at least an hour before you are to begin shooting. Once you are on location, map out your location flow. Where will you start out and what shots will you take in that area? Where will you go next? What distractions must you watch out for in each location? Where is the light? 2. Be Connected
Get the phone number of the wedding coordinator, the best man, and the bride’s personal attendant. If (and when) the wedding schedule gets off, you will want to be sure that the wedding coordinator is in the know.
3. Have help!
An assistant will help you keep track of your shot list, schedule, managing the individuals for large group photos. In the very least, an assistant is available to carry equipment, keep track of the cell phone, and holding reflectors.
4. Dress for the Event
Make sure you know the dress attire so you blend in with the crowd and look like you belong. As the old saying goes, it’s better to be overdressed than undressed; go with a suit and tie and nice shirt underneath. The suit coat and tie (or for the women, a nice jacket) can always be removed if things turn out to be a bit more casual.
5. Prepare for Bad Weather
If it’s an outdoor event, be sure you have coverage for you gear and a back-up plan for being able to capture the action.
6. Most Important. Have Confidence! Be Patient!
Equipment Plan
In keeping equipment plan simple, I have an equipment checklist I use for pre-event packing, if you don’t have one you can find one online to modify for your style of shooting or the types of equipment you have. This list is important, no matter how many weddings I’ve shot organization is the key.
· Knowing ahead of time what you need.
· Backup equipment.
· Pre-cleaning Equipment.
· Pre-Charging Batteries
· If your camera has function pre-programming memory for different shooting situations.
1. Knowledge
Know your equipment inside out. You must know it so well that you don’t even think about it. This only comes from repetitive use and/or practice.
2. Camera Cleaning and packing your cameras is one of the most important steps, whether you’re shooting portraits, wedding, cycling event, or your child’s soccer game. If your equipment is dirty, simply put, you end up with poor results, cloning out dust particles from portraits is time consuming, your time could be better spent. Poorly packed equipment, leads to damaged equipment or inaccessible equipment. · Clean Lenses and Camera Bodies · Clean Filters and Extension Tubes · Pre-Format Memory Cards · Pack Cables & Remotes · Clean Flashes and Test · Pre-Charge Batteries and Spare Batteries · Organize, Organize, And Organize! 3. Lighting
Many affairs can be quite dark with only candle or low light to create a mood. Make sure you have enough flash power to get proper lighting for your shots.
4. Storage
Plan ahead for a location to safely stow your equipment, somewhere out of site, safe but accessible to you, in case you need a piece of equipment. This is best done by visiting your location prior to event and if you’ve done the Pre-Visualization and the preparatory meeting with wedding coordinator this shouldn’t be a problem.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Experience
IT: CASA of Cecil County
http://cecilcasa.org/
Build and maintain website
· Photgraph Events
· Tech computers
Board of Directors at Cecil County Arts Council
http://www.cecilcountyartscouncil.org/
Responsibilities: Treasurer
· *Participate and ensure viability of at least one CCAC Committee.
· *Attend CCAC events throughout the year
· *Procure gifts for CCAC from personal resources (give or get)
· *Participate in development and fundraising
Staff Photographer Piranha Sport
Staff Photographer, travel with company photographing Triathlons through Tri season, September through May of 2015. Organize photographers at different stages, set up race course, set up and tear down race equipment. Upon returning from events, edit an upload sometimes up to 3,000 or more images for staff IT personnel to put on Piranha Sports website.
Lens To Life Photography
Owner - Operator, Lead Photographer
Freelance Photographer
Photograph Indoor Track & Field Athletes from Cecil County High Schools as they compete in local events at surrounding area Track Meets. Articles about events written by me as well.
Cecil Guardian Newspaper
Honors & Awards
Merita McMillian Best in Nature Award
John Dixon “Flowing Fall Leaves”
Honorable Mentions:
John Dixon “Wilmington Waterfront”
John Dixon “Restoration Project”
Nov 2015
Focus on Cecil County 2012 Photography Contest
1st Place Winner Professional Category, Focus on Cecil County 2012 Photography Contest, images published, printed and hung in new County Administration Building.
Issuer: Cecil County Administration
2009 Photographic Invitational Show
Oxford Arts Alliance, Exhibited Photographic Work
Oxford Arts Alliance
Interview & Photograph Paul R. Jones Art Collector
Interview & Photograph Paul R. Jones Art Collector, at a showing of his collection of African American Art in 2004 at University of Delaware, for Cecil Community College. After interview portrait I captured of Paul R. Jones and his wife was signed, printed and sent to him as future part of collection.
Cecil Community College
2005 Visual Communications Annual
Cecil Community College, Students Publication, Annual Exhibit, Pieces on Exhibit.
Publications
Daily Herald
Antique bike enthusiasts hosting event in downtown Wheaton
Members of The Wheelmen will be cycling down the Illinois Prairie Path and into downtown Wheaton on July 8. The nonprofit group is dedicated to researching, collecting, riding and restoring antique bicycles.
Courtesy of John Dixon/Life to Lens Photography (3 Images)
Daily Herald: June 23, 2016
The Wheelmen Issue #87
Dedicated to the enjoyment and preservation of our bicycling heritage.
Riding, Collecting, Restoring, Research, History
Editor of Publication: Gary W. Sanderson, Verona New Jersey
Nov 2015
Book: Life to Lens Photography
By John O. Dixon
Print Book, 74 Pages, 10x8 photographic book, a collection of images by photographer, and author John O. Dixon.
Cecil Guardian Newspaper
Oct 20, 2015, Feb 25, 2010, Feb 4, 2010, Jan 21, 2010, Jan 14, 2010, Etc...
Freelance Newspaper: Photograph Indoor Track & Field Athletes from Cecil County High Schools as they compete in local events at surrounding area Track Meets. Articles about events written by me as well.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your services? If so, please share the details here.
Wedding Photography
Photographer will photograph your wedding and or reception; your images will be professionally retouched, as part of the final edit, at no additional charge. Your choice of B&W, and or Color is included at no additional charge.
All of our Photography Sessions Include:
· Online Gallery for viewing (Gallery can be password protected.)
· Edited Images on Flash Drive
· We deliver your images personally reviewed by our staff, checking for clarity, color, and exposure.
· Print Release
· All Sessions have option to add more prints.
Engagement & Couples $275.00
The shoot will take place at a location of your choice. We will edit, color correct, and retouch all images.
2 hours coverage
35 edited images on a Flash Drive
11x14 print of choice
8x10 print of choice
Wedding Package (A) $775.00
This package is our most affordable option. We will provide one photographer for your ceremony and portraits immediately following. This package does not include any reception coverage. If you wish include coverage of additional locations or reception, we suggest the five-hour package.
Wedding Photography (Ceremony + Portraits Only)
3 hours coverage
(2) 11x14 print of choice
(2) 8x10 print of choice
Wedding Package (B) $1175.00
This package will provide enough time to capture the details of your special day. We will provide one photographer, with the option to add a second.
5 hours coverage
(1) 11x14 print of choice
(2) 8x10 print of choice
(1) Book: Standard Landscape, Hardcover, Image Wrap, 8×10 in 20×25 cm, or 10×8 in 25×20 cm, up to 65 pages (Premium Paper, Luster or Matte)
Additional Pages, $0.45 per page
Add a full set of prints (4x6) to this package for $125.
Add a second photographer for $325. A second photographer will give you the opportunity to capture additional angles, moments, and memories.
Wedding Package (C) $1375.00
This package allows you extra time to include preparation or additional locations in your schedule. We will provide one photographer, with the option to add a second.
7 hours coverage
(2) 11x14 print of choice
(3) 8x10 print of choice
(4) 5x7 print of choice
(1) Book: Standard Landscape, Hardcover, Image Wrap, 8×10 in 20×25 cm, or 10×8 in 25×20 cm, up to 85 pages (Premium Paper, Luster or Matte)
Additional Pages, $0.45 per page
Add a full set of prints (4x6) to this package for $175.
Add a second photographer for $425. A second photographer will give you the opportunity to capture additional moments and memories.
Wedding Package (D) $1575.00
This package offers even more time, which allows for photography before your ceremony, or extended time for a lengthy reception. We will provide one photographer, with the option to add a second.
8 hours coverage
(1) 11x14 print of choice
(2) 8x10 print of choice
(6) 5x7 print of choice
(2) Book: Standard Landscape, Hardcover, Image Wrap, 8×10 in 20×25 cm, or 10×8 in 25×20 cm, up to 110 pages (Premium Paper, Luster or Matte)
Additional Pages, $0.45 per page
Add a full set of prints (4x6) to this package for $225.
Add a second photographer for $575. A second photographer will give you the opportunity to capture additional moments and memories.
Wedding Package (E) $1975.00
Our most complete wedding package. We will provide one photographer, with the option to add a second.
12 hours coverage
(1) 12x18 print of choice
(2) 11x14 print of choice
(2) 8x10 print of choice
(6) 5x7 print of choice
(2) Book: Standard Landscape, Hardcover, Image Wrap, 8×10 in 20×25 cm, or 10×8 in 25×20 cm, up to 130 pages (Premium Paper, Luster or Matte)
Additional Pages, $0.45 per page
Add a full set of prints (4x6) to this package for $300.
Add a second photographer for $800. A second photographer will give you the opportunity to capture additional angles, moments, and memories.
Photography Session
Newborn: $185
20 edited images on a Flash Drive
11x14 print of choice
8x10 print of choice
Maternity: $325
3 hours coverage
50 edited images on a Flash Drive
11x14 print of choice
8x10 print of choice
Family Portrait: $275
35 edited images on a Flash Drive
Copy of edits on a disc for each family member
8x10 print of choice (1 for each family member, limit 6)
Family Portrait Large Group: $375
(6 People or More)
50 edited images on a Flash Drive
Copy of edits on a disc for each family member
8x10 print of choice (1 for each family member, limit 6)
11x14 print of choice
Senior Session: $225
25 edited images on custom flash drive
Print release
11x14 print of choice
8x10 print of choice
Birthday/Parties: $375
3 hours’ coverage
125 edited images on a Flash Drive
(1) Book: Standard Landscape, Hardcover, Image Wrap, 8×10 in 20×25 cm, or 10×8 in 25×20 cm, up to 50 pages (Premium Paper, Luster or Matte)
Additional Pages, $0.45 per page
Additional Photography: Contact for Pricing
Wedding
Pet Sessions
Fashion Sessions
Adventure Days
Sports Photography
Reunions
Anniversaries
Business Headshots
Company Faculty - Group Pictures
High School Reunions
First Communion
Church Events
Travel Photography
Nature and Architecture
Property/ Real Estate Photography
Custom Packages
How did you get started in this business?
Photographer Bio: John O Dixon
Life To Lens Photography
John Oscar Dixon Jr. grew up locally in Cecilton Maryland. John who is now 48, was born to Reba H. Dixon and John O. Dixon Sr. (SPFC4) on November 26, 1970. John and his younger brother Rachine were raised by their mother following the death of John Sr. John spent his childhood growing up in a farming community where he learned the value of hard work and an honest dollar, working for local farms and tree nurseries.
John attended Cecilton Elementary, followed by Bohemia Manor High School in Chesapeake City MD, where he developed a passion for art. While in high school, John acquired his knowledge of furniture refinishing from an art teacher who practiced the trade as a side business. Throughout his years at Bohemia Manor he received several honors for drawings, paintings, and clay projects. John was recognized for his willingness to help others as well as his passion for woodworking. His love of the camera came about after leaving high school in 1989. With no class projects as an outlet for his artistic eye, he soon picked up a camera after discovering works by photographers like Ansel Adams and John Garrett.
John later attended Delaware Technical College’s Engineering Program followed by Cecil Community College’s Visual Communications Program while working full time in construction management. While attending Cecil Community College, John was recognized by his photography instructors and the head of the Visual Communications Program, and was later hired by the college to work in its photography lab.
An active outdoor life style of hiking, mountain biking, and road cycling, as well as knowledge of architecture, and an artistic background has allowed John to photograph a wide range of subjects. The content in his photos is varied, professional, and personal. It includes portraits, weddings, sports, nature, landscape, night photography, and the occasional pet portrait. His artistic background has given him a unique perspective, and at times has allowed him a way to blend photography, sketching, painting and other mediums. John’s current favorite subjects are long exposure/night scenes and portrait photography on the personal level. Professionally John aspires to continue and further his photojournalism career while running his growing photography business, lifetolens.com.
Always open to new challenges, John recognizes that capturing a moment takes more than a camera. It takes an eye trained by years of experience to identify the lighting, lens, aperture, and exposure required to make a moment truly stand out. John uses dimension and space to capture the true essence of his subject aspiring to bring out qualities often ignored by other photographers. His work has appeared in numerous newspapers, gallery exhibits, office buildings, private homes and multiple websites including his own. John’s personality helps bring out the depth in his subjects. To him photography isn’t just a job, but a passion. Whether it is a school event, family reunion, pet portrait, or wedding photos, John wants to be the photographer clients call on.
John still lives in Cecil County, residing in Elkton, MD where he is the owner and president of Life To Lens Photography LLC. His busy schedule now also includes a full time position as bicycle mechanic at Wooden Wheels Bicycle Shop in Newark, DE. John has worked as a freelance photographer for local newspapers such as the Cecil Guardian of Elkton MD.
John appreciates and thanks his fiancé Terry Necole O’Shields, daughters Teneshia La Rae Dixon, Charnae Ne’Von Dixon, and Johchine Jordan Dixon for their patience and support. Most of all he would like to thank his mother Reba H. Dixon, and his grandparents Harry and Elizabeth Scott for the drive they instilled in him at an early age, as well as their love and dedication.
What types of customers have you worked with?
Wedding
Pet Sessions
Fashion Sessions
Adventure Days
Sports Photography
Reunions
Anniversaries
Business Headshots
Company Faculty - Group Pictures
High School Reunions
First Communion
Church Events
Travel Photography
Nature and Architecture
Property/ Real Estate Photography
Custom Packages
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Cecil County Arts Council Speaking Engagement
Good morning.
We spoke at the photo show opening about the possibility of your addressing Cecil County photo students from across all five high schools about what you do creatively, as an independent businessman, and professional photographer.
The date is November 13, 2015. We are there from approximately 9am - 11:00am. We would like a speaker to address students, for about a half hour, after the visitation and completing a worksheet. If this date does not work for you, I would also love to have my students meet you and see your work. I teach all photography classes. Thank you for your consideration.
Have a blessed day.
Jen Joy Fox: Photography Teacher
National Board Certified, EAYA
Elkton High School, MD
Life is like a camera. Focus on what’s important and capture the good times, develop from the negatives and if things don’t work out, just take another shot.
Thursday 11/19/15
Thank you for a great presentation! You covered a lot of info, and gave great tips to take the future photographers very far.
Leonard Jackson (Images in post by Leonard Jackson)
Thursday 11/19/15
Thank you for John for speaking today at the Arts Council!!!!! You are fantastic!
Jen Joy Fox
Photography Teacher