A liberal interpretation is: one who has extensive knowledge and experience with a subject and is willing to share it with others.

Biography

Larry Padgett is an advocate for the art of photography. More specifically, he has a passion for helping artists succeed in their efforts to be successful in the pursuit of exhibiting, publishing and selling their work. He believes photographers represent the truest entrepreneurial spirit: creating art forms from intangible concepts that express the soul of their creator.

In 2003 he founded The Center for Fine Art Photography and was its executive director until 2009. An international nonprofit organization, the Center promotes the art of photography and provides educational programs that foster the growth of creative artists. During his tenure he provided venues and a voice for artists from more than 25 countries, hosting more than 60 international exhibitions, directing three traveling shows, while publishing three collections. Additionally, he designed one of the first programs for online image submission and jurying, and a program for hanging exhibitions in a fraction of the normal time.

An early adopter of internet marketing, Padgett began consulting for companies when the Internet was more concept than reality. Using his knowledge of how the Internet works, he achieved a number of significant milestones for The Center for Fine Art Photography: a Google page ranking of 6, and consistent top-ten listings, out of 16 million, for Google searches on fine art photography and fine art photographers.

In five years, Padgett grew the Center to a half-million dollar organization and one of the larger U.S. facilities dedicated to fine art photography. He achieved this remarkable growth using the for-profit business model, where the quality of services the Center offered created its success. Less than two percent of the Center’s income was derived from grants or major contributions. At the time of his departure, the Center had moved to its third facility to provide two galleries, class rooms, darkroom, space for a digital lab, and the F/Stop Café coffee shop.

Prior to founding the Center, Padgett taught college-level photography classes and workshops, and was a successful commercial photographer for ten years.

He has spent in excess of 30 years in marketing, sales and business development for various industries besides the arts. His entrepreneurial spirit and innovations have led to creating several successful enterprises built on truly out-of-the-box concepts providing innovative solutions. Along the way, he chaired the Business Assistance program for the Grand Rapids, Michigan Chamber of Commerce, and was selected by the Michigan Small Business Development Authority to mentor the owners of struggling companies.

Today, Padgett provides consulting services tailored to an individual photographer’s growth plans. He integrates the business of photography with marketing and sales opportunities as they apply to each person’s capabilities and resources guiding artists through the maze of business challenges, while showing them how to make information-based decisions that will lead to their initial success, or grow them to their next level. In the process, artists become empowered to apply what they learn to their new and expanding opportunities.

In addition to consulting for photographers, Larry provides lectures and provides workshops on Internet marketing, conducts portfolio reviews and consults with directors of arts organizations. He reviews for Critical Mass and Photolucida.

Padgett’s photography experience includes ten years as a commercial and fine art photographer. He received a BS in Business Administration — Marketing from Grand Valley State University.