Press Release - Occidental's Volunteer Heroes - Photography by John G. Blair-Occidental, California

Occidental professional photographer and artist, John G. Blair, received the President's Award from the Professional Photographers of California (PPC). Laura Kostelac, President of PPC, presented the award to Blair at the officer installation banquet in Sunnyvale on July 13, 2003. The award was presented for many years of service on the Executive Board and for his hard work and dedication to the association. Blair was retiring from his position as PPC's First Vice President.

Blair is the current "Photographer of the Year", "Wedding Photographer of the Year" and creator of "Print of the Year" for Sonoma, Marin, Napa, Lake, and Mendocino counties. As well as being an active member of the Occidental Chamber of Commerce and First Vice President of the Professional Photographers of California, you may recognize his name on the Occidental Community column for the Russian River Monthly newspaper. He is a member of the Professional Photographers of America and he speaks to associations of photographers around California, as well as assisting other professional photographers with their move into digital photography. A professional photographer for 35 years, Blair's photographs are on display throughout the West Sonoma County area. He is especially known for his black and white portraits and specialized work with digital photography. Besides weddings and portraits, he enjoys photographing animals. Blair currently creates from his studio location above Occidental and offers a unique backdrop of beautiful redwoods overlooking the Russian River Valley to his clients.

He is available for consultation by appointment and can be reached at 874-2399 or by visiting his website at: www.jgblairphoto.com