“It’s difficult to get noticed in the world of photography. Meetings, handshakes, business cards, portfolio reviews, follow-up e-mails and thank-you cards create a fog of noise that’s almost impossible to cut through. That’s why photographer and adjunct professor at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Gordon Stettinius developed his own idiosyncratic way of staying in the memory – by sending intentionally bad 8x10s of himself, in character, as follow-ups to industry professionals. ¶ “I sign portraits as though I am that somebody,” says Stettinius.” - × × ×

“On occasion, his unorthodox promotion backfires. “My looks change somewhat and thank-yous have sometimes been met with confusion,” says Stettinius. “One L.A. gallery asked me to never send anything to them again. Ever. I might send a follow-up.” - × × ×