Back to School Blues by Kim Hartz, CPP
1
3
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Headshots for Houston
INTERNATIONAL PRINT COMPETITION
16
Member Results
12
4
HOW TO CREATE TEXTURED MATS PPA Member Article
WELCOME New Member
BACK-UP PAINS PPA Member Article
SCHOLARSHIPS
14 Apply Now!
17
WORKSHOP WRAP UPS
29 Print Competition
22
AUG MEETING Print Competition
30
28
Suzy Fulton: Seniors
JULY MEETING Bill Freeman: Workflow for Senior Photography
UPCOMING PPGH WORKSHOPS July to November 2017
UPCOMING ARTICLES Sharpen Your Saw
NEW THIS MEMBERS INSIDE ISSUE
21
JUL MEETING
AUGUST MEETING
STAFF Publisher
Aileen Harding, M.Photog. Cr., CPP
Graphic Design/Layout Theresa Campbell Jeanie Galvanni Proof Readers Karen Butts, M.Photog., Cr., CPP Kevin Falcon, CPP Teri Whittaker, CPP Photographers Booker Shelton, Jr.
~David Petersen It's been a difficult past two weeks...beginning first with the wind, then rain, and then floods. So many of our members have suffered during this time. We know of at least 12 who have lost their homes and studios, and there are others still who we haven't been able to reach. Aileen Harding M.Photog., Cr, CPP Please know that we are not alone. Leaders from PPA, TPPA and Guilds around the country have reached out to Houston, telling us how much they care and asking what they can do for us. Tracey Bosworth Page, our May Speaker, began a “Headshots for Houston” movement, which has grown into “Headshots for Harvey” after the storm inundated Beaumont, Port Arthur, and many other towns along its path. PPA Charities has embraced this program and many others, and has pledged to match the first $100,000 raised for Hurricane Harvey Relief. Kat Mack has agreed to be our Volunteer Coordinator. She will be our clearing house for those who need help, and those who are able to offer help. Look for the link on the PPGH website to fill out a form with your information. This includes studio usage as well as borrowing equipment, helping on jobs, etc. If you are a current PPGH Member, be sure to join our Members Only FaceBook page, where you can be up to date on any last minute requests. I have said it before, and will say it again, “We are a Village. A mighty, wonderful Village.” Together, we are strong and we will make it through this difficult time. Remember that the greatest gift you can give, is to allow those around you to help. Reach out. Let us know what you need and how we can help. We are family. We are PPGH.
PPGH WORKSHOP SERIES PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Editor Theresa Campbell
Clouds, leaves, soil, and wind all offer themselves as signals of changes in the weather. However, not all the storms of life can be predicted.
Aileen Harding, M. Photog. Cr. CPP
THE VIEWFINDER Fonts: Aparajita and Mistral
SEP 2017
1
PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS GUILD OF HOUSTON 2017 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
To contact your officers or director, just click on their name.
Chairman of the Board Teri Whittaker, CPP
President Aileen Harding, M. Photog., Cr., CPP
Vice-President Kevin Falcon, CPP
Secretary Nikky LaWell, Cr., CPP
Treasurer Kathy Kinser, CPP
Executive Director Belinda Higgins, M. Photog., Cr., CPP
Director - Membership Laura Mansur, CPP
Director/Webmaster Duane Blocker
Director Kat Mack
Director Booker Shelton, Jr.
Audit Chairman: Kim Christensen Blair Haynie, CPP, Lynda Meyer Bylaws Chairman: Tom Hathcock, M.Photog., Cr., CPP Dixie Dobbins, M.Photog., Cr., CPP Alvin Gee, M.Photog., Cr., CPP Clean Up Board Liaison: Teri Whittaker, CPP Communications/Graphic Design Chairman: Alison Carlino, CPP Jessi Marri Becker, Kelli Leaker Ethics Chairman: Dixie Dobbins, M.Photog., Cr., CPP Mindy Harmond, CPP Hallie Keller, CPP Curley Marshall Cr., CPP
2 SEP 2017 Fonts: Aparajita and Mistral
PPGH COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Belinda Higgins, M.Photog., Cr., CPP Fellowship Chairman: Kevin Falcon,CPP Image Competition Board Liaison: Teri Whittaker, CPP Chairman: Vera Brock Sherry Piché, M.Photog, CPP, Blair Haynie, CPP, Duane Blocker, Cat Dybala, M.Photog., M.Artist Librarian Chairman: Curley Marshall, Cr., CPP Booker Shelton, Jr. Membership: Chairman: Laura Mansur, CPP Sandy Buller, CPP, Karen Butts, M. Photog., Cr., CPP, Hallie Keller, CPP Mentor Program /Certification Chairman: Karen Butts, M.Photog., Cr., CPP
THE VIEWFINDER
Nomination Chairman: Tom Hathcock, M.Photog., Cr., CPP, Mitch Daniels, Cr., Alvin Gee, M.Photog., Cr., CPP, Kevin Falcon, CPP, Belinda HigginsStanford, M.Photog., Cr., CPP, Kim Christensen, Karen Butts, M. Photog., CPP, Tony Chicas, Johnny Wilson PPGH Workshop Series Board Liaison: Teri Whittaker, CPP Chairman: Teresa Casillas Procedures and Controls Board Liaison: Teri Whittaker, CPP Social Media Board Liaison and Chairman: Kevin Falcon,CPP Telephone Board Liaison: Booker Shelton, Jr.
Vera Brock, Rebeca Calzado, Juliana Cedeno, Ursula Chester, Tara Flannery, CPP, Kelli Leaker, Lynda Meyer, Danielle Moore, Sadiqa Sevier, Booker Shelton, Jr. Web Site Board Liaison: Kevin Falcon, CPP Web Master: Duane Blocker Marvin Labohm Welcoming Board Liaison: Curley Marshall, Cr., CPP Tom Hathcock, M.Photog., Cr., CPP
PPGH MEMBERS - 2017 IPC RESULTS
The Grand Imaging Awards are awarded yearly at Imaging USA based on the results of the International Photographic Competition. Diamond Photographers of the Year and Medalists are honored at the ceremony. The top images in ten categories as selected by International Photographic Competition jurors are announced as well, with the top image from all categories earning the Grand Imaging Award! • A Diamond Medalist is presented to a photographer who has four merited images and four loaned images. • A Platinum Medalist is presented to a photographer who has four merited images and three loaned images. • A Gold Medalist is presented to a photographer who has four merited images and two loaned images. • A Silver Medalist is presented to a photographer who has four merited images and one loaned image. • A Bronze Medalist is presented to a photographer who has four merited images.
Grand Imaging Award 2018 Finalists PPGH Member Francie Baltazar Stonestreet Maryanne Keeling
Image Name The Taxidermist Sculpted Elegrance
PPGH Member
Category
Award
Francie Baltazar Stonestreet
Open
Diamond Medalist
Francie Baltazar Stonestreet
Master Artist
Silver Medalist (1 Showcase)
Melanie Hall
Open
Gold Medalist
Aileen Harding
Open
Gold Medalist
Maryanne Keeling
Open
Silver Medalist
Laura King
Open
Bronze Medalist
Teri Whittaker
Open
Silver Medalist
Curley Marshall
Open
1 Loan
2017 Medalists
2017 Merit Recipients Francie Baltazar Stonestreet Karen Butts Kim Hartz Ann O'Neill Deal Monty Orr Armando Chacon Rhonda Floyd Paul King Laura Mansur Guerra
Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open
IPC RESULTS
Category General Portrait Wedding
3 Merited (1 Showcase) 3 Merited (1 Showcase) 3 Merited 3 Merited 3 Merited (1 Showcase) 2 Merited 2 Merited 1 Merited 1 Merited THE VIEWFINDER Fonts: Aparajita and Mistral
SEP 2017 3
HOW TO CREATE A TEXTURED MAT by Teri Whittaker, CPP
There are many ways to doing anything in Photoshop. Here is one way to create a textured mat. I open the image that I would like to mat and double click on the lock to unlock the layer.
FROM OUR MEMBERS
LOCKED
UNLOCKED
4 SEP 2017 Fonts: Aparajita and Mistral
THE VIEWFINDER
I am going to create a double mat and will start by creating a blank layer beneath my image layer.
THE VIEWFINDER Fonts: Aparajita and Mistral
FROM OUR MEMBERS
For the first mat layer, I will increase the Canvas Size of the new background layer by going to: Image>Canvas Size and I have entered 0.5 inches in both the Width and the Height boxes. The Relative box is checked, then click OK.
SEP 2017 5
FROM OUR MEMBERS
Next, I create a Stroke Line around the Image. Double Click on the Image Layer to bring up the Layer Styles box and place a check in the Stroke box.
Then I click on the bar next to the word Stroke and the options for altering the Stroke line will appear. I can change the size of the stroke line and the color of the stroke line, among other things.
6 SEP 2017 Fonts: Aparajita and Mistral
THE VIEWFINDER
I am going to select the size and color of my stroke line and then click OK.
THE VIEWFINDER Fonts: Aparajita and Mistral
FROM OUR MEMBERS
Next I am going to use the Paint Bucket and color my Background Layer with a color selected from my Image Layer.
SEP 2017 7
FROM OUR MEMBERS
Next, I create a second background layer and drag it to the bottom of the layers pallet.
On the second mat (background) layer, I will increase the Canvas Size of the second background layer by going to: Image>Canvas Size and I have entered 2 inches in both the Width and the Height boxes. The Relative box is checked, then click OK.
8 SEP 2017 Fonts: Aparajita and Mistral
THE VIEWFINDER
Then to create the second stroke line, right click on the Effects on the Image Layer and select Copy Layer Style.
FROM OUR MEMBERS
And right click on the First Background Layer and Paste the Layer Style:
THE VIEWFINDER Fonts: Aparajita and Mistral
SEP 2017 9
FROM OUR MEMBERS
Then I click on the Second Background Layer and use the Paint Bucket to fill the layer with the selected color.ÂŹ
Next, I select the texture that I want to use on my mat and drop it above the layers that I want to affect (you could have the texture just affect one mat, both mats or have it affect the mats and the image). Note: If you drop the texture above both of the backgrounds, it will affect your second stroke line and you will want to make appropriate adjustments to your stoke lines.
10 SEP 2017 Fonts: Aparajita and Mistral
THE VIEWFINDER
And finally, I adjust the size of the texture to cover the mat and adjust the opacity of the texture layer to taste.
FROM OUR MEMBERS
There you go! Have fun making textured mats! Teri Whittaker, CPP Teri received her Certified Professional Photographer designation in 2011. She is a portrait photographer and is Past President and an active member of PPGH. She has won multiple awards and received multiple merits for her fine art photography.
THE VIEWFINDER Fonts: Aparajita and Mistral
SEP 2017 11
FROM OUR MEMBERS
BACK-UP PAINS IN BUSINESS by Nikky LaWell, Cr. Photog., CPP In November, my senses started tingling and telling me it was time for a new computer and I slowly listened. Several months later, the research was done, and a PC gaming computer, 2 TB with all the bells and whistles was purchased. This computer is for imaging and upload to the labs only. No email, documents or personal items on this desktop. There’s a separate desktop for documents, emails, web surfing and other stuff. My hard working HP, of 10 years, must have recognized it’s time was ending. No sooner than I had the new ASUS gaming bad boy turned on to clone the hard drive, the HP gave up the ghost. Dead, nada, nothing to clone. Thankfully, I use Carbonite as a cloud based back-up. Carbonite only saves images and documents, not programs. Naively, I didn’t think that I would need my programs to be saved, since I had the program activation codes and DVDs. What I didn’t take into consideration were the many updates to the programs and my favorite user settings. I also didn’t realize how long it would take to download my files…two weeks, unless I wanted to pay an upgrade and have a hard drive overnighted and then return within 24 hours. So I waited two weeks. I was able to use the other computer to pull images, from Carbonite, that I needed to work on while the wait continued. After the seemly never ending download was complete, I turned on the new computer, viewed the images and started arranging my programs. When the last program was set, the motherboard went out… of the NEW computer! I called tech support, friends, researched the problem and had to return to the store. The Geek Squad agreed with my diagnoses, but they have a protocol to follow. Three days later, Best Buy agreed with me and issued a full refund. Back to square one to research a new computer. I went to Micro Center and purchased a Dell XPS 8900 16 GB 64 Bit 3.40 GHz with Pro-Support. The download process with Carbonite started all over again. Two weeks, programs installed, everything is great for a few days, then there’s an internal BIOS
12 SEP 2017 Fonts: Aparajita and Mistral
THE VIEWFINDER
updated that was needed. Thank goodness for the ProSupport however, it took tech support about 48 hours to repair virtually. It’s now been almost six weeks without proper workflow and more has been learned about hardware than was ever wanted. Never wanting to go through this again, I started asking questions. PPGH VP and good friend, Kevin Falcon, happens to be an IT wizard for hire. After telling him of my experience, Kevin researched the best product for my business and workflow, finding Acronis True Image. It’s a back-up and cloning program. Kevin sent links of what to purchase, and he told me why, then he walked me through the process. Acronis True Image was installed and 2 external hard drives were purchased to clone as back-ups, (WD Blue 2TB Desktop Hard Disk Drive - 5400 RPM SATA 6 Gb/s 64MB Cache 3.5 Inch). Also, a hard drive docking station has a USB port and is plugged into the computer, (Newer Tech Voyager S3 USB3.0 Super Speed Drive Dock (NWTU3S3HD). The theory is, there is a back-up hard drive that is plugged into the computer and updated every day at the same time. If there is a hard drive failure, the back-up drive can be replaced quickly, no downloading from the cloud and the programs will have current work flow settings. There are two hard drives, both are cloned. One goes to a “safe house” meaning some place other than where the computer is, in case of fire/ theft it’s safe. The other is in the holder waiting for the daily back-up to sync. Mark the calendar to change the drives. For me, on the first of every month, change the AC filter, give the dogs their heartworm meds and swap the drives. All of this wasn’t as expensive as it used to be when back-ups and RAID systems started. Also, the hardware is only purchased once and the online programs are yearly. I already had Carbonite, so next year I might be able to switch to Acronis for everything online, eliminating one fee. $49.99 - http://www.acronis.com/en-us/personal/ computer-backup/ $59.99 - https://www.carbonite.com/en/ $68.88 x 2 - WD Blue 2TB Desktop Hard Disk Drive, 5400 RPM SATA 6 Gb/s 64MB Cache 3.5 Inch - WD20EZRZ.00
There’s a saying with computers, no matter PC or Mac, "it’s not a matter of IF your computer crashes, it’s a matter of WHEN.” Research and find out the best backup and recovery for your business, then implement. It’s part of being a professional photographer. Kevin Falcon at work.
FROM OUR MEMBERS
Max is on staff as an admin supervisor.
Nikky LaWell, Cr. Photog., CPP In addition to being a Photographic Craftsman and a Certified Professional Photographer, Nikky holds a BFA from the University of Houston. Her tremendous ideas and listening skills develop into memorable photography sessions. She has her own dimension of creativity and character that appears in her images and a sterling attitude of customer service.
eweer Tech Voyager S3 USB3.0 Super Speed Drive Dock N (NWTU3S3HD) $7.99 - ORICO 3.5 Inch Hard Drive Protector 3.5 Inch HDD Protective Box $284.73 -Total for peace of mind and a speedy backup
THE VIEWFINDER Fonts: Aparajita and Mistral
SEP 2017 13
SCHOLARSHIPS
We are fortunate to have a guild that appreciates continuing education for our members. The guild usually awards at least two or three $500 scholarships, and one $750 scholarship for the Judges workshop. FOR A $500 SCHOLARSHIP, IF YOU: 1. Have been a Professional Active Member or a Degreed Professional Active Member for two (2) years, 2. Have not received a scholarship from PPGH in the previous three (3) years, 3. Have paid your current dues for the year of scholarship application, …..then you need to go online and complete a scholarship form. FOR THE $750 JUDGES WORKSHOP SCHOLARSHIP, IF:
FROM OUR MEMBERS
1. Have been a Professional Active Member or a Degreed Professional Active Member for three (3) years OR be a Lifetime Member, 2. Hold a PPA Degree or Certification (priority is given to Master Degree applications) 3. Have not received a scholarship from PPGH in the previous three (3) years, 4. Have paid your current dues for the year of scholarship application (not applicable to Lifetime Members), 5. Must be willing to be frequently available to judge PPGH image competition for 3 years …..then you need to go online and complete a Judge’s Workshop scholarship form. You will need to login to the www.ppgh.org website. Go to the Members Only section. (Hover over the three lines at the end of the Menu line and you will see the Members Only section. Scroll down to the Scholarship area and submit the required information. If you are selected to receive a scholarship, the following reimbursement information will be helpful to you: 1. The scholarship is good for one year after the date it is awarded. 2. The scholarship may be used for a maximum of one educational event. 3. The scholarship has no cash value (it may not be redeemed for cash). 4. The scholarship may NOT be used for online education. 5. The scholarship recipient must have paid their current dues for the year of reimbursement (not applicable to Lifetime members). 6. The scholarship recipient must pay up front for the educational event. Reimbursement to the scholarship recipient will occur only after the recipient has attended the educational event and reported back to the guild about their experience (either by Viewfinder article or by sharing in person at a monthly guild meeting), AND submitted their receipts for reimbursement to the Scholarship Chairman.
The deadline for scholarship submission is 12 midnight, on November 14, 2017.
14 SEP 2017 Fonts: Aparajita and Mistral
THE VIEWFINDER
NEW MEMBERS
THE VIEWFINDER Fonts: Aparajita and Mistral
SEP 2017 15
NEW MEMBERS
WELCOME: Lee Sadiqi I am originally from Indiana, where I graduated from Indiana University in 1979 with an undergraduate degree in Allied Health Management. Additionally, I trained as and worked a number of years (while taking classes toward my undergraduate degree) as a medical imaging technician. In 2014, I retired after working 27 years as a medical imaging equipment/device sales representative and manager. I have always enjoyed taking pictures but it was after I retired that I began to focus almost 100% of my freetime toward learning photography. My journey thus far has been one of searching and finding training opportunities basic to intermediary from books, workshops, and local classes, to YouTube and video training. While constantly pursuing training and shooting opportunities I am at the point of attempting to put together what I have learned about lighting, exposure, and composition in my own shooting experiences. I really enjoy the B&W work of Gregory Heisler as presented in his book “50 Portraits Stories And Techniques From A Photographer’s Photographer.” The drama created in his B&W images is remarkable. Another photographer’s work I enjoy is that of Joey L. In his book “Photographing Shadow And Light,” the Forward by David Hobby, states
16 SEP 2017 Fonts: Aparajita and Mistral
THE VIEWFINDER
that “Aspiring photographers are always looking for that edge. That fresh point of view to add drama to their images.” I think all photographers can appreciate that. Joey L. says one of the hallmarks of his style is positioning the shaded side of the subject’s face toward the camera as illustrated in his amazing shot of 50 Cent. This goes against basic teaching but is what sets him apart. The genre of photography that interests me the most is portraiture. I am inspired most by portraits of ordinary people being themselves in posed or natural situations created artistically in a way that flatters and tells their story. My journey has led me to focus on a particular portraiture style and I believe my skill, ability and creativity will evolve. I don’t expect to be good at everything but I want to become good at what I focus on and produce the type of images that really matter to me. That’s my story, Lee
Membership Levels Aspiring Member • $75.00 (USD) Not yet a professional photographer or visual artist as described in the Active Member level, but wishes to join PPGH for educational purposes and to build an association with other working professionals. Associate Member • $50.00 (USD) Affiliated with the photographic industry either through a studio or photographic industry related vendor. PPA Degreed Professional Active Member • $90.00 (USD) Professional photographer or visual artist creating work in various mediums, still or motion, within the scope of the professional photography industry for two (2) or more years and that has acquired and maintained one of four (4) degrees designated by the PPA. Professional Active Member • $95.00 (USD) Professional photographer or visual artist creating work in various mediums, still or motion, within the scope of the professional photography industry for at least one (1) year. Retired PPGH Member • $25.00 (USD) Active Member who retires at 55 or older and is no longer engaged in the photography business more than 10 hours a week. Student Member • $25.00 (USD) Preparing for a career in photography or graphic arts. Supporting Member • $50.00 (USD) Person who wishes to be a part of the photographic industry and begin their photographic career or hobby.
JANICE JONES BOSNIC'S AVOID WEDDING BURN OUT by Teri Whittaker, CPP
Janice met with an intimate group of wedding professionals at La Madeleine and shared her wedding expertise. The topics covered at this workshop were: wedding contracts, the inquiry, booking essentials, key questions to ask the client, the wedding day checklist, interacting with the wedding coordinator and product delivery. Janice is a PPGH past president and a CPP. We are thankful that Janice took the time to prepare and present this excellent workshop. Thanks again Janice!
KELLIE GANN RANDOLPH'S SUCCESSFUL SELLING by Teri Whittaker, CPP
DOC LIST: THE POWER OF OH! by Duane Blocker
I had the opportunity to attend Doc List’s workshop held July 6th at the United Way Center. The one thing I can tell you is that Doc is enthusiastic about the subject of Extracting and Compositing images. We weren’t just talking about it either, he had images for us to work on and was making sure we were and they he answered any questions we had. We did our first extraction twice just to reinforce what were were learning. When it comes to extraction, you need that practice. We worked with our Wacom Tablets which you really need for this type of work. There was a 4 page handout with steps and lots of good information. Doc also showed ways of matching the lighting to match the subject and the background which was a big aha moment for me. If you get a chance to take his class, I highly recommend it.
WORKSHOP WRAP-UPS
Kellie came in from Lufkin to share her thoughts on being successful in selling. She says that, as artists, we tend to be afraid to sell ourselves. Her program covered overcoming obstacles associated with product development, pricing, in-person sales, packaging, and workflow. Kellie believes that all of these areas are important when developing our personal brand and enabling us to reach our sales goals. It's not enough to be talented and creative behind the camera. We have to be confident enough to tell our clients what they want, and organized enough to fulfill those promises once the sale is made. Kellie discussed the psychology of in-person sales, what it takes to keep a high sales average and most importantly, what it takes to keep happy clients. Many thanks to Kellie for making the trip to Houston and teaching this workshop for us! Also, many thanks to Alison Carlino for hosting the workshop.
TERI WHITTAKER'S FINE ART FLOWERS by Aileen Harding
A great time was had by all during Teri's workshop. She began by showing how she creates her award winning flower images. We learned about composition and color harmony, how to choose subjects and pair them with vases or other props. She then set up several different lighting stations, with umbrellas, softboxes, and natural light. There were multiple types of flowers and vases available and poster board backgrounds of different colors. We took turns in the various shooting bays setting up our own shots and comparing notes as to what combinations worked best. They must have looked good because we had a hummingbird who kept trying to come through the window and join us!
THE VIEWFINDER Fonts: Aparajita and Mistral
SEP 2017 17
Teri Whittaker's Fine Art Flowers (continued)
WORKSHOP WRAP-UPS
Then we uploaded our images and worked on them as Teri explained her processing techniques. She showed us Topaz Impressions and Nik Efex, both third party filters she occassionally uses when “finishing” her images. Everyone left with beautiful, ready to print, images! The time flew by and I was amazed at all the opportunities we had to practice these new techniques and play. The multiple shooting bays and many flowers and vases were so much fun! I highly recommend this workshop!
FRANCIE BALTAZAR STONESTREET'S PRINT IT! HOW TO PRINT FOR IMAGE COMPETITION by Teri Whittaker, CPP
First, I am going to say that I love our PPGH Members Only Facebook Group...AND..I love our giving members. For those of you that weren’t on the thread when this topic came up, the PPGH Board mentioned that we were interested in having a physical print competition in the fall. Lynda Meyer mentioned that she would like to participate, but needed some education on printing for competition 18 SEP 2017 Fonts: Aparajita and Mistral
THE VIEWFINDER
and there were quite a few of us that agreed we would benefit from this education as well. Francie stepped right up and said she was willing to do the workshop for us. Francie explained to us the uniqueness of paper types and how they can enhance or detract from an image, and what “print density" means and how to adjust it. She also explained presentation and what to consider when matting an image. Additional-
ly, she shared her experiences with using a lab to print her competition images as well as printing her images from her personal printer. These were just the highlights. It was a very useful and well attended workshop, and we were all sponges absorbing the information as Francie poured out her knowledge on us. Thank you Francie!
NIKKY LAWELL'S REFINING & OPERATING A HOME STUDIO by Teri Whittaker, CPP
CAROL ANDREW JENSEN'S MARKETING MALL CRAWL by Kathy Kinser
You will look at store décor and product placement with fresh eyes after taking a Marketing Mall Crawl with Carol Andrews Jensen. Linda Meyer summed it up best at the end of the mall crawl when she said “I’m never going to look at retail in the same way.” Carol led the group through some stores while pointing out different marketing techniques in use. Then the attendees were asked to walk through the same stores looking for product placement, color, collections etc. Stores were observed both from the outside and inside. Then they were compared with others for differences used to appeal to different clientele. Next attendees were sent out to find a store that represented a place that their ideal client might shop. A fascinating discussion followed with everyone sharing their store and why they chose that particular one. During this discussion, lots of questions were asked and Carol did not hold back any secrets. I marveled at how when a question was posed, Carol always had a unique way to lead the questioner to the answer or to suggest something that we would never have thought about doing. Carol shared places to get marketing ideas, books to read to stimulate creativity, along with reviewing painters and photographers’ work. I have never met a more giving, sharing person than Carol. Remember how once you “saw the light” you watched movies in a different way, seeing how light was used to create moods? Our group feels the same way about Carol opening our eyes on this mall crawl. THE VIEWFINDER Fonts: Aparajita and Mistral
NEW MEMBERS WORKSHOP WRAP-UPS
I had the pleasure of participating in Nikky’s workshop. We had a great group of inquisitive participants and we were so thankful that Nikky opened her home studio to us. She willingly and transparently shared her experience and expertise as a successful owner of a home studio. She discussed her thought process when she designed her home studio so that it would work well for her and her family. Nikky told us how she maximizes the space in her home and property for both photographing and for the storage of equipment. It was an information-filled day and we all went home with plenty to consider for our businesses. Thanks Nikky for spending the day with us!
SEP 2017 19
IMAGE COMPETITION  / GUILDS
The image competition held at our monthly PPGH meetings is a great way to hone your skills and get feedback from proven and respected professionals in this industry. These talented individuals volunteer their time to judge images and provide valuable feedback utilizing the 12 elements of a merit image. You can earn merits on a local level and progress your image to the next level of competition to earn recognition and even degrees through the Professional Photographers of America. All district competitions lead to the annual International Photographic Competition. Visit these links to learn more about entering competition.
SKILLS IN IMAGE
COMPETITION To learn about the guidelines for entering image competition at PPGH meetings visit:
http://www.ppgh.org/Resources/Documents/Image%20Competition/2015%20 PPGH%20Image%20Comp%20Rules.pdf Follow along with image judging on the Game Day App, downloadable from https://printcompetition.com/. Membership is optional but if you join PrintCompetition.com you can search thousands of archival images to see scores and hear audio from the image competitions. It is a terrific resource.
To learn about upcoming competitions throughout the region visit: http://www.ppa.com/competitions/
AR
XAS
TE
Did you know you can enter the PPGH Local Photographic Competition at any level of membership?
R
OT HE
NEW MEMBERS:
HONE YOUR
G UIL DS OUND
When you are traveling around Texas, stop by and visit one of the local affiliate guilds. Click on the links below to find out more about each one. Be sure to tell them you are from PPGH.
LOCAL AFFILIATES AUSTIN
Austin Professional Photographers Association
BRYAN/COLLEGE STATION
Brazos Valley Professional Photographers Association
DALLAS
Dallas Professional Photographers Association
FT. WORTH
Fort Worth Professional Photographers Association
LUBBOCK
South Plains Professional Photographers Association
S AN ANTONIO
Professional Photographers of San Antonio
T YLER
Professional Photographers Forum of East Texas
WACO
Heart of Texas Professional Photographers
JULY 2017 | MASTER
|
First Place
Eye Contact by Armando Chacon
AUGUST 2017 | MASTER
|
First Place
Is That a Treat? by Kim Hartz, M.Photog., Cr., CPP
AUGUST 2017 | MASTER
|
Second Place
Back to School Blues by Kim Hartz, M.Photog., Cr., CPP
AUGUST 2017 | MASTER
|
Third Place
Tending the Nest by Aileen Harding, M.Photog., Cr., CPP
AUGUST 2017 | ACTIVE
|
First Place
Back Road to Sienna by Maryanne Keeling
AUGUST 2017 | ACTIVE
|
Second Place
Queen of the Orchids by Curley Marshall, Cr., CPP, Author
AUGUST 2017 | ACTIVE
|
Third Place
Dancing in the Wind by Curley Marshall, Cr., CPP, Author
JULY MEETING
Bill Freeman
28 SEP 2017 Fonts: Aparajita and Mistral
THE VIEWFINDER
Suzy Fulton AUGUST MEETING
THE VIEWFINDER Fonts: Aparajita and Mistral
SEP 2017 29
30 SEP 2017 Fonts: Aparajita and Mistral
THE VIEWFINDER
THE VIEWFINDER Fonts: Aparajita and Mistral
SEP 2017 31
THE VIEWFINDER Fonts: Aparajita and Mistral
SEP 2017 32
Resources to Keep Photographers more Prepared & Protected. ! m e h T e s U
Make sure you cover your business with PPA’s contract and form templates. Photographers who are with PPA have access to a variety of downloadable contract and form templates to help their businesses Be More Protected. With everything from guidelines on creating original contracts to in-studio templates, client templates and release forms for your models, you will Be More Prepared for any job that comes your way thanks to the right document from PPA.
Learn more and find the right documents at
PPA.com/FormsContracts Protected