President’s Message: Bob Minutello

                 I started my career in photography selling cameras in a New York City camera store.  Soon after that, I left to join American Photographic, a photographic studio and lab, where we processed 4-5 thousand sheets of 5x7 film per day.  I eventually became the director of their labs and was in charge of all the "Santa Claus"  photography in the department stores throughout the U.S.

I left to join the Army and spent a year in Viet Nam as a combat photographer for the First Logistic Command.  I photographed many celebrities during their USO tours but,  spent  most of my time  in the field photographing our men during combat. My work was printed in "Stars and Stripes"  as well as local newspapers. 

When I returned from duty, I went back to American Photographic, continuing as the Director of the labs and The Santa Clauses nation wide, until the company's demise.  I then became a photographer for LaMont Tunisen, a premier photographic studio, serving Long Island's "Gold Coast"   I left after 2 years to venture out on my own, opening  my first studio in Oakdale, Long Island and then another in Port Jefferson, Long Island.  I was in business there for about 25 years before moving  to Florida.  My family and I have resided in Bradenton for the past 12 years.  My wife, Marcia,  now shares in our studio and is a member of Bay as well. 

I look forward to a  really exciting time at Bay this year. We will be hosting this year's "Battle of the Bays" and bringing the trophy home, I'm sure.  Our Program chair, JR van Lienden has promised great programs, some of which will be full day events. 

It is my hope that we will share an incredible exciting and educational year.  I'd like to wish all of you the a Happy Healthy and successful  New Year!

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