Untitled DocumentDion McInnis is poet, author, photographer, public speaker, university administrator, husband and father. He brings his love of stories, images and words together to share with audiences the wisdom, beauty and joy of life, expression, creativity and humanity. He previously published Listen to Life: Wisdom in Life’s Stories with Xlibris, and three photography books. More of his work and workshops can be found at his site, w w w . dionmcinnis.com.
I know. I´ve already been told. All my life, I´ve been told to focus. But I have succeeded in my life of writing, photography, public speaking, fundraising, relationship building, teaching, managing and leading as an entrepreneur and a university administrator. And I want to share the lessons with you. Do I love too many areas of life and living to be a successful in any one area? Focus, focus. I don´t know the answer to that, but I do know that what I´ll share and teach and create with you will affect you, your team and your life. So, if I have to focus on one thing, I´ll focus on this: mom gave birth to a poet.
With those skills and sensibilities I have achieved in all those areas, blending a poetic nature with logical thinking and enthusiastic ambition. Go ahead. Hire a poet to change your life.
Higher E d ucation
Raised millions of dollars for four universities while engaging thousands of alumni, and hundreds of volunteers...all done "one friend at a time."
Photography
Owner of Dion McInnis Photography (1977-1994), freelance business providing commercial, portrait, public relations and fine art work in the Houston area. Currently providing fine art and commissions. www.dionmcinnis.com. < / a >
Photojournalist and writer for weekly suburban newspaper 1978-1982 (Advertizer Advocate, now out of business); won national award for series on special education in Fort Bend Independent School District.
Freelance writer for various publications, including two national photography magazines—The Rangefinder and Studio Photography. Fine art photographer, public speaker and author since 2001.
Serves as portfolio judge, critiques images for Houston Photographic Society, teaches photography and has organized photography exhibitions.
Photos exhibited in four one-man shows, held in archives of City of Houston library (“Alief Faces”), and shown in several juried competitions.
Currently teaches at The Arts Alliance Center at Clear Lake, College of the Mainland, UHCL, and Houston Center for Photography. Also, one of the founding reviewers of Houston Photography Study Group.
Serves on the board of The Arts Alliance Center at Clear Lake; a founding reviewer for the Houston Photography Study Group.
Cited as “Man Who Champions Women” by New Mexico Woman Magazine for his work; also, received Bay Area Turning Point shelter’s “Caring Heart” volunteer award.
Writing
Published fiction and nonfiction; prolific with essays, stories and poetry. “Best Fiction” award in 2002 Bayousphere literary j o u r n a l.
“Listen to Life: Wisdom in Life’s Stories” published by Xlibris in December 2005 based on Dion’s weekly newsletter by same name. Previously wrote for two national photography magazines: The Rangefinder and Studio Photography.
Recently published three photography books: “The Seeing, Not the Taking: A guide to seeing for photographers,” “Show Me Who You See in Me: Close, closer, closest,” and “Poetry of Pregnancy.”
Writing: for participants in “Woman: Imprints, Legacies & Tales” (my project that inspired the creation of Her Legacies Foundation) and for the community, including women’s shelters, women’s ministries, young women (13-16) and m o re.
Photography: as a creative outlet and/or for healing, to men, women and children. Varied topics. See “Dion’s Topics” and speaking calendar at www.dionmcinnis.com.
Regular presenter at photography organizations, including Houston Photography Study Group, Houston Photographic Society, NW Houston Photo Club, League City Photo Meetup, Woodlands Photo Club and more. Teach at College of the Mainland and San Jacinto Community College.
Media Citations
"Top Ten Most Common Parenting Mistakes" in Kaboose
"How to Deal with a Tight Tuition Squeeze" in Austin American Statesman
Holiday Photo: Taking Professional-looking pictures of babies and toddlers iParenting Online Parent C o m m unity
"Sweet Sendoffs" about "sending your kids to college with hugs" in August 2008 Better Homes and Gardens Magazine
"Companies Embrace Praise" in Christian Science Monitor
"Employers Help Ease ´Buyer´s Remorse´ in Hiring New Employees" in Globe and Mail: Canada´s National Newspaper
"25 Ways to Sabotage Your Job Search" in MSN/ CareerBuilderand CNN
"5 No Brainer Morale Boosters" in Careerbuilder.com
Shoeshine Sales Lessons in AdvantEdge Magazine
Book Summaries
Daddin’: The Verb of Being a Dad Using stories and poetry, see the world of a father who loves his role as dad, and was blessed in his life as son.
Listen to Life: Wisdom in Life’s Stories When the student is ready, the teacher will appear according to Buddhist wisdom. For those who listen, teachers appear every day. Using stories citing conversations and interactions with family, sons, strangers and friends, this book shares wisdom…from life’s stories.
Poetry of Pregnancy (published by Blurb; check Dion’s website) During the full course of Pixie’s pregnancy, she inspired poetry and photographs…I wrote my poetry on her before photographing her as a way to document the emotions, changes and sensatio