March 2015
“Magical Moments ” Image by Teri Whittaker ,CPP
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March 2015
Message from the President March is the month of expectation. In winter, I plot and plan. In spring, I move. --Henry Rollins Let the movin’ begin! --Belinda Higgins February was another busy month for PPGH! Not only did we have a wonderful, inspiring program presented by Texas’ own Luke Edmonson, but we also had our annual Past Presidents meeting/ luncheon and a super school sports workshop by Jenny Eisenhauer. Thanks guys! Wow!! As a photographer that loved entering competition for many, many years, (and encourage everyone of you to do so), I am thrilled with the exciting growth of interest PPGH is seeing in ‘Image Competition’, locally and with IPC!!! Because of this peaked interest, we are adding new workshops and programs with an emphasis on image competition. You asked for it, you get it!! Our February speaker, Luke Edmonson, so eloquently shared that “he & his father are passionate followers of the principle that Iron sharpens Iron and it manifests itself in their continuous participation in print competitions at home and around the globe. Firm believers that competition is about more than winning awards and accolades; it’s about pushing yourself in a never ending pursuit of growth.” Per PPA: Entering your local district competition is one of the best ways to push yourself to be more. You’ll learn where you stand—how your photography matches up with your peers. You’ll learn about the 12 elements of a merit image, and star to incorporating them into your daily photography. You’ll learn what it takes to create a
merit image, and if you stick with it, work your way up to the Loan Collection. You’ll learn you’re capable of so much more than you imagined. It’s perfectly normal to be a little nervous going in, but don’t be afraid of getting better. Personally: I can remember our first competition print many years ago. A 72, I believe! ( ) But it was a starting point. Other photographers began explaining what we needed to do to improve. We started watching the judging process. We learned how to present our images. Then, thru a number of years, I earned my Masters! One merit at a time!! And the best thing about it was I grew as a photographer. Both myself and my clients benefited. Continued on Page 4.
Editor Richard Higgins,CPP 2015 Committee Members Tom Hathcock,M.Photog.,CPP Karen Butts,M.Photog.,CPP Kevin Falcon Teresa Casillas Kathy Scalf, Cr. Dixie Dobbins, M.Photog.,Cr,CPP Hallie Keller,CPP The Viewfinder® is a monthly publication of the Professional Photographers Guild of Houston.
Professional Photographers Guild of Houston March 2015
2015 Board of Directors
Chairman of the Board Kim Christensen Email Kim
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Executive Director Tom Hathcock, M.Photog.,CPP Email Tom
President Belinda Higgins, M.Photog., Cr., CPP Email Belinda
Membership Director Blanca Duran Email Blanca
Vice President Teri Whittaker, CPP Email Teri
Director at Large Sherry PichĂŠ, CPP Email Sherry
Secretary Aileen Harding, M.Photog.,CPP Email Aileen
Treasurer Kevin Falcon Email Kevin
Director at Large Orpha Garcia-Labohm Email Orpha
Director at Large Nikky LaWell, CPP Email Nikky Director Images Courtesy Belinda Higgins, M.Photog., Cr., CPP And Denzal Lovett
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March 2015
TABLE of CONTENTS Message from the President
1
2015 Board of Directors
2
Calendar of Events
5
Birthdays
5
Committees
7
Member Blogs
9
Master Photographer of the Year
11
Photographer of the Year
12
New Members
13
Honoring One of Our Own
16
What is the Merit & Degree program?
17
February Meeting Images
18
February Image Competition
19
Tips and Clips from PPA
25
Comprehensive Speaker List
29
WE WANT YOU TO MAKE OUR VIEWFINDER GREAT!
March 2015
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Message from the President...Continued from Page 1
However, it is important that I point out, it was NOT an overnight trip, but a lifetime of challenges and growth. We, PPGH, have a wonderful group of Judges and Master Photographers absolutely willing to talk to you and help you with your images. Ask! Buy them an iced tea one afternoon. You will never regret it. I saw this on PPA’s website, thought it was worth sharing the laugh…. “Get better. Try new things. Enter photographic competition and get your work trashed and decimated in a public forum, take notes and enter again. Bring to a boil, don’t reduce to a simmer, burn the pot and grab a bigger one.” LOL Now, most jurors don’t “trash” or decimate images, but this quote says a lot about the learning process and how we feel when we hear jurors say things we really don’t want to hear, but need to hear to get better. Competition should be a constant learning tool that pushes us and raises the bar every year. We need to be able to take criticism to learn and grow. Don’t be offended and don’t be so emotionally attached to your image that you can’t listen to advice. Stay Tuned for more programs to be announced. - May 19, Michelle Parsley, Creating competition and Fine Art Images - Summer 2015, Image Competition Workshop; not only will this workshop explain how competition works, from the beginning to the end, but there will be an opportunity for you to submit a few images for a panel of judges to review (anonymous). This will be ‘not to miss’ workshop. Hear how some of our masters have learned to play the game. What judges think. How judging works on the ‘inside’. How to process your images at the right density. How to fine tune your best images. How to ‘mat/border’ your images. Etc. - Many of our speakers for 2015 are active in Image competition, meriting and winning awards. They all will touch on their views of how to do this successfully. Try not to miss any of the programs in 2015!! “You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” -- Eleanor Roosevelt
PPGH Mini-Workshop Review On February 22nd, Jenny Eisenhauer of Jenny Rhea Photography came down from Austin to share her program “Winning with High School Sports.” She shared how she books sports teams, creates products they can't live without, and makes them so happy they want to use her year after year. Jenny also brought her Virtual Background Machine and demonstrated how she uses it on location for her sports images. On March 1st Sherry Piche of Piche Photography presented “Show and Sell Your Way to Success.” This program began with a tour of her lovely home studio. Then she demonstrated how she uses ProSelect software to help her clients with the selection process, beginning with setting up your account and continuing through setting up pricing, uploading folders, using the amazing room view feature and also using templates to help the client visualize their custom wall art. March 3rd was the conclusion of our MiniWorkshop month with a program by Blanca Duran on “Photographing Weddings and Creating Exhibition Pieces.” Blanca is an award winning wedding photographer known for her cinematic images. Her program covered lens choices for different effects, using off camera flash and multiple light sources to create dimension and mood and post processing work flow. PPGH is committed to providing high quality education at an affordable cost to their members. Most Mini-Workshops are hands-on events and therefore limited in attendance. Check out our website at PPGH.org to see what new and exciting workshops we have scheduled for the rest of the year.
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March 2015
Calendar of Events Local Events (Register Online) This is a quick view list - A speaker summary is located at the end of this publication. Comprehensive and specific information will be included in individual ads to be included in this and subsequent Viewfinder publications.
March 17
March Meeting: Earl Nottingham, Texas Parks and Wildlife
March 29
PPGH Social Event and Wine Tasting, Haak Vineyard, Santa Fe, TX
April 18
April Meeting: TBA
May 12
All Day PPA Merit Workshop Karen Butts - Image Preparation for Competition
May 19
May Meeting: Michelle Parsley/Retouching
State and National Events March 1-31
Registration Continues for Texas School by TPPA
April 28 - May 1 Texas School - Addison, TX
Birthdays Curley Marshall, Cr., CPP Robert Berger
March Birthdays 2 Dixie Dobbins, M.Photog., Cr., CPP
5
12 Pamela Culpepper, CPP
14
Kelly Staudt
18 Marvin Labohm
19
Carol Andrews Jensen, M.Photog, Cr.
21 Kim Hughes
21
Robert Bivens 25 Teresa Casillas 28
Sheila Richards
29
March 2015
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CPP Image Submission Dates 2015 April 10-24 June 12-26 August 14-28 October 9-23
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March 2015
Committees
Standing Committees
Bylaws
Nominating
Chair, Tom Hathcock, M.Photog.,CPP Alvin Gee, M. Photog., CR., CPP Kelly Willis Dixie Dobbins, M.Photog., Cr., CPP Hallie Keller, CPP
Chair, Tom Hathcock, M.Photog.,CPP Alvin Gee, M.Photog., CR., CPP Kim Hartz, M.Photog.,CPP Dixie Bobbins, M.Photog.,Cr.,CPP Hallie Keller, CPP
Ethics
Audit
Chair, Janice Jones‐Bosnic, CPP Hallie Keller, CPP Curley Marshall, Cr., CPP Mindy Harmond, CPP Dixie Dobbins, M.Photog., Cr., CPP
Welcoming
Board Liaisons, Tom Hathcock, M.Photog.,CPP Curley Marchall, Cr.,CPP
Clean Up
Board Liaison Teri Whittaker, CPP
Membership
Team Lead, Blanca Duran Tom Hathcock, M.Photog.,CPP Karen Butts, M.Photog., CPP Kevin Falcon, Kathy Kinser, Laura Mansur, Hallie Keller, Kim Christensen, Sandy Buller, Vanessa Matthews
Events
Board Liaison, Belinda Higgins, M. Photog., CR., CPP
Librarian
Team Lead, Curley Marshall, Cr., CPP Booker Shelton
Fellowship
Board Liaison and Committee Chair Teri Whittaker, CPP
Chair, Greta Jacobs-Mee, CPP Shelia Richards Kathy Kinser
Committees Image Competition
Board Liaison: Sherry Piche´, CPP Chairman: Macon Lieper Cat Dybala, M. Photog Sandy Buller
Mini-workshops
Board Liaison, Alieen Harding, M.Photog.,CPP Tom Hathcock, M.Photog.,CPP Kim Christensen Kathleen Kinser, Vanessa Matthews Brenda Logan, Vicki Longoria Dixie Dobbins, M.Photog., Cr., CPP, Curley Marshall, Cr.,CPP
Viewfinder
Board Liaison:Tom Hathcock, M.Photog.,CPP Chairman: Richard Higgins, CPP Karen Butts, M.Photog.,CPP Kevin Falcon Teresa Casillas Kathy Scalf Dixie Dobbins, M.Phot5og.,Cr.,CPP Hallie Keller,CPP
Photographer
Board Liaison, Kevin Falcon Nicki Evans Simpson Denzal Lovett
Telephone
Board Liaison, Orpha Garcia-Labohmn Kathy Kinser, Teri Whittaker, CPP Aileen Harding, M. Photog., CPP Mary Blackwell, Irma Furnish Vera Brock, Kevin Falcon Tom Hathcock, M. Photog., CPP Kim Christensen, Blanca Duran Nikky LaWell, CPP Sherry Piché, CPP
Procedures and Controls Board Liaison
Teri Whittaker, CPP Vicki Longoria
Mentor Program
Certification Team Leader Curley Marshall, Cr.,CPP
Web Site
Board Liaison: Kevin Falcon Chairman: Vicki Longoria Marvin Labohm Tom Hathcock, M.Photog.,CPP
Social Media
Board Liaison and Chairman Kevin Falcon
March 2015
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Member Blogs Kim Hartz, M.Photog.,CPP http://kimhartz.com/blog/ Francie Baltazar Stonestreet, Cr. Photog.,CPP http://fireheartblog.com Sandy Buller www.bullerphotography.com/blog Melanie Hall, Cr., CPP http://www.melonheadphoto.com/blog/blog/ Greta Jacobs Mee, CPP http://lakewoodphotography.com/blog/ Jennifer DeLancey Heylmun http://jennifermariephotographytexas.wordpress.com Nicki (Evans) Simpson www.nickievansphotography.com/blog
March 2015
March 2015
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March 2015
Master Photographer of the Year Armando ChacÓn, M.Photog., Cr
tinues to practice his craft and enjoys producing one of a kind images for his customers. Membership in the following organizations: The Professional Photographers of America-PPA Texas Professional Photographers Association-TPPA Professional Photographers Guild of Houston-PPGH International Professional Photographers Association on the border-IPPA
Armando ChacÓn, M.Photog., Cr
Armando is an award winning photographer who has been in the business of photography for over 25 years, learning his craft from some of the best photographers in the industry. Specializing in portraiture and acquiring an early knowledge of digital imaging, Armando has always been on the cutting edge of his craft, giving lectures and teaching at local, regional, state and international conferences for the last 20 years. He is a member of several Photography organizations like the Professional Photographers of America, Texas Professional Photographers Association, International Professional Photographers Association on the Border, and the Professional Photographers Guild of Houston in which he served on the Board of Directors, as well as being president of the 200 plus member strong association in 1998. Currently based in the Cypress area, Armando con-
Awards: Master Photographer of the Year 2014 PPGH Best Adult Portrait of the Year Trophy 2014 PPGH Best Animal Portrait of the Year Trophy 2014 PPGH Best Overall Scenic of the Year Trophy 2014 PPGH Best Illustrative Print of the Year Trophy 2014 PPGH Master Photographer of the Year 2013 PPGH Best Portrait of a Child 2007 PPGH Fuji Masterpiece Award Kerrville, TX 2003 Best Illustrative Best Overall Illustrative Trophy Kerrville, TX 2003 Best-Unclassified Trophy Kerrville, TX 2003 Presidential Award at Kerrville, TX PPA for highest scoring print case June 2002 Photographer of the year 2001 Professional Photographers Guild of Houston Best Electronic Imaging Print of the year in 1999 PPGH Best Electronic Imaging Print of the year in 2000 PPGH Best Electronic Imaging Print of the year in 2001 PPGH Best Electronic Imaging Print of the year in 2002 PPGH Best Illustrative Print of the Year 2002 PPGH Best Individual Portrait of the year 2003 PPGH Best Individual Portrait of the year 2001 PPGH Best Individual Portrait of the year 1998 PPGH Best Family Portrait of the year 1996 PPGH Merited prints throughout the years at PPA International Print Competition. Plus a host of distinguished print, and judges’ choice ribbons earned at the local and state level. As an artist I am always striving to produce different and unique images. Images that strike the heart… Images that touch your soul… Images that will forever live in your memories… Memories that will last a lifetime.
March 2015
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Photographer of the Year Karen Butts, M.Photog., CPP I grew up in a modest home in a tiny, isolated Wyoming town, population 4,200. My dream was to become an artist, but instead, I followed my dad’s wishes and went to college to become a teacher, which did not come to fruition. After attending college for two years, I got married and raised three wonderful children who have given me four grandchildren. Art has always been a common thread woven through my life from the time I could first grasp a crayon to becoming a portrait artist. Throughout my life, I dabbled in various art forms such as sketching and painting, weaving, basket making, sewing, making pottery and other artistic endeavors. I stumbled upon photography in 2002. In 2004, I attended the Texas School of Photography, studying under Darton Drake who so inspired me with his “art” that I came home and quit my day job as a Registrar at an elementary school, throwing away my retirement, to pursue photography full time. Shortly thereafter, I started attending PPGH meetings. I have always loved image competition, but for years I was afraid to enter. I learned a lot just by watching and listening to the judges’ critiques of other members’ images. Then, in 2009, I finally mustered up the nerve to enter competition at the local level. I remember the first time that I entered, I thought my heart was going to jump out of my chest into my throat! PPGH provided me with education and the experience of image competition, which gave me the confidence to enter in SWPPA Competition and PPA’s International Photographic Competition. In addition to attending PPGH meetings, I have attended the Texas School of Photography every year since 2004 and have also attended Imaging USA five times. Since creating beautiful, artist images is my goal, I have studied Corel Painter under Helen Yancy and Jim Cunningham at Texas School and watch tutorials by Heather Michelle on YouTube. By attending PPA affiliated events, I have acquired a wealth of knowledge about photography and have fulfilled my childhood dream of becoming an artist, a portrait artist. Because of photography, I have gained many, lifelong friends (kindred spirits) whom I will cherish always. This photographic journey has been a life changing experience for me for which I am most thankful. That little girl inside of me is doing a happy dance! Accomplishments PPGH 2014 Photographer of the Year PPGH Best Overall Portrait 2014 PPGH Best Portrait of a Child in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 PPGH Membership Chair 2012, 2013, 2014
KAREN BUTTS, M.Photog., CPP
PPGH President’s Award in 2013 PPGH Executive Director’s Award in 2013 PPGH Full Fellowship Degree plus One Bar Houston FotoFest Curator’s Choice Award in 2014 SWPPA 2013 & 2014 went 4 for 4 SWPPA 2015 two merits in Open Category SWPPA 2015 one merit in Master Artist Category PPA Earned CPP degree in 2013 PPA Gold Medalist for International Photographic Competition 2013 & 2014 PPA IPC a total of Four Loan Images and Three Showcase Images Recently became and member of ASP (American Society of Photographers)
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I didn’t find photography, it found me. I wasn’t the child who knew exactly what I wanted to be when I grew up. I have tried on many “hats” as careers but none that really spoke to my soul. The one thing that has always been a part of me is sentimentalism. I was the kid who went to grandma’s Tess Campbell house and dug out all of the family pictures pouring over them for hours on end. I love a good picture with a great story behind it. And pictures always have a story behind them. With over 25 years in graphic design and marketing, I have learned how to tell stories with pictures playing an integral part. My appreciation of photography meant I was often the designated photographer for friends, family and even my employers. I somehow managed to find myself in the historian role, keeping track of the memories. That is why when at a photo session for my little girl with one of my favorite portrait artists, Lisa Jane (Murphey) New, my life changed. As I admired the way Lisa performed her magic with yet another amazing session with my daughter (who was five at the time), I commented to her that I would like to “steal her life.” My sweet daughter heard the comment and said “Why don’t you mommy? It would make you so happy.” (I must add here that she is one of the most over photographed children in the world and soooo ready for me to find a new subject to photograph!) We have all heard the saying “out of the mouths of babes.” She was so right. I am now on a journey that both intimidates and excites me...Becoming a professional photographer. I say that with all sincerity. I know I have so much to learn but feel my background and true love for photography as an art will aide me on this journey. I attended Texas School last year and absolutely loved every minute of it. I was like a sponge. I am hoping to be able to go this year as well. I have spent countless hours on PPA.com, YouTube, Creative Live, and Photovision trying to learn all there is to learn. I have attended a couple of classes through Houston Center for Photography, Houston Camera
New Me March 2015
Exchange, and PPGH and plan to continue taking classes until I learn the correct processes. I am studying hard to develop my skills and unleash the portrait artist in me. I am really looking forward to doing more meet ups and getting more hands on experience. My passion is capturing special moments and relationships. I especially love children and parental relationships. Childhood is so fleeting and life moves so fast, we sometimes forget to breathe them in. The way they look, the things they enjoy, the beauty of childhood. That’s what photography is to me. Stopping and taking the time to breathe in those precious moments before they disappear forever. I am very interested in the more high-end, traditional style of portraits, like Lisa Jane, William Branson, Lisa Evans, and Julia Kelleher. I am drawn to the painted portraiture and am very interested in becoming a portrait artist. But I know I have to crawl before I walk. I also enjoy photography of pets and their people. And I LOVE macro photography of nature, flowers, bugs, lizards, you name it. I have been married for 19 years. We have a nine year old daughter who is the light of our lives and one very spoiled Shih-Tzu. I am honored to be a member of PPA and now PPGH and receive support from so many talented professionals. I look forward to meeting all of you, learning as much as I can, and providing my future clients with portraiture that captures their precious memories and leaves lasting impressions in their minds and hearts. Photography has always been an interest of mine. As a teen I used to help my stepfather in his darkroom, which was in our laundry room. I love boudoir, wedding, horses, landscape, wildlife, and western photography. I am striving to be the best, most successful photographer I can and am looking forward to Dawn Nash making many lifelong friends here at PPGH. Thank you to my photography instructor at San Jacinto College, Mr. Marshall for showing me just how amazing photography is and will continue to be and for introducing me to PPGH.
embers March 2015
Alison photographs weddings,documentaries, and portraits in the Houston, TX area and beyond. Alison is known for her bold color, off camera/dramatic lighting, and fashion forward style of posing. She has taught at WPPI Las Vegas and for The Societies (SWPP) London in 2013, 2014, and 2015. Alison Carlino As a former master degreed teacher, Alison is able to relate to students both technically and personally. In her 12th year of business, she hosts several of her own workshops at her Richmond studio and around the Houston, TX area. She partners with Houston Camera Exchange to teach two workshops yearly and will be teaching with the Houston Guild in Feb 2016, leading into hopes of teaching with TPPA and PPA. She is also being considered for 2016 conventions in Malta, North Carolina, Canada, and again for SWPP. Alison is on the speaker team for Miller’s Professional Lab and is proud to be sponsored by them! She has been published in local magazines as well as The Knot Texas, Texas Weddings, Rangefinder, the Rangefinder Show Guide, and the SWPP Show Guide. In 2014, Alison landed the assignment for Official Corporate Photographer for the Houston Astros and Minute Maid Park.
Kaushlesh Biyani I got interested in photography at a very early age. The first photograph I ever took was of my mom, while we were on vacation in the foothills of the Himalayas. I was 5 years old then. I learned how to shoot on my dad’s Yashica Electro-35, manually focusing and learning the basics. My grandfather bought me my first camera – a simple point-and-shoot film camera - when I was 7 I photographed my Uncle’s wedding – I think I was allocated 3 rolls of film. I pursued photography while in school, and helped UT Austin purchase its first DSLR – a Nikon D70s. I was hooked, and have been a Nikon fan – boy, ever since. I photographed my first official wedding in 2006, and have been capturing love stories ever since.
The Viewfinder - Page 14 I graduated from the University of Texas at Austin (Hook’em Horns!) with degrees in economics & political science. I was a Webmaster and Photographer for the School of Nursing while I was at school at UT. I also got to photograph for SXSW, and got published in their magazine and website homepage! I ‘m a moments junkie and love to capture the “decisive moment.” I love the challenge of capturing those elusive moments Kaushlesh Biyani at 2-3 day long Indian Weddings. I also love meeting new faces and photographing them and telling their stories through their portraits. I LOVE to travel, and have visited 24 US states and 13 countries. I want to travel to every country in the world and photograph a wedding in each country! I grew up in India, and film photography was still very important in the early 90’s. Being known as the kid who could take great photos was a good skill to have. I just kept following that passion once I moved to the US for school, and loved creating wonderful memories for my friends and clients. I saw posts from several members, but Blanca’s post about her workshop put me over the finish line, and made me sign up. I hope to meet other photographers who are passionate about their craft, and want to share their knowledge and wisdom. I’d love to become an active part of the Houston Photography community and share my passion and knowledge with others. I would love to share my photography and knowledge of Indian Weddings with others in the community.
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PPA NATIONAL AWARD
March 2015
Through the years many people have given much of their time and energy to advancing the field of photography. The efforts of these dedicated individuals has benefited photography immeasurably. Yet, for all of their hard work and contributions, they ask nothing more than to improve the profession and help those involved in this exciting field. In 1958, Jim Hampson, a member of the PPA Board of Directors under President Louis F. Garcia, recommended that these valuable supporters of photography should be recognized for their exceptional contributions. That Board then created the National Award. Every year, PPA makes this prestigious award available to its State, Regional, National and International affiliates who may present it to a deserving individual. The National Award is to be presented by the highest ranking elected PPA official present. While PPA provides many awards, programs and benefits to its affiliates, the National Award is for people who go beyond what is expected of them. It does not matter if they are a member of PPA or if they are employed in the field of photography. What matters is that they cared enough about our craft to help improve it. This award is the highest award that can be given as it is granted by the affiliate, not earned through merits by the individual. The National Award shall never be given lightly, or given just to give it. The inscription on the plaque, “For service to professional photography” means “thank you for their time, their talents and most of all, their loyalty to professional photography”. PPA is pleased to share with PPARI in the presentation of the coveted National Award. It is a pleasure to join in this celebration to honor these dedicated individuals who have given so much time and energy to advancing the field of photography.
March 2015
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Honoring One of Our Own By Greta J. Mee, CPP
Tom Hathcock, CPP was honored with the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) National Award for outstanding service to professional photography. The bronze and walnut plaque was recently presented to him by the Professional Photographers Guild of Houston, a PPA Affiliated Association, at our annual gala held January 20, 2015. The National Award is offered by PPA to affiliated organizations on a yearly basis. First made available in 1958, the award recognizes those who generously contribute their time and talents to the service of their profession, their affiliated organization and their fellow photographers. Selections of the award are determined by the recipient’s peers, adding to its distinction and value. PPA is the largest international non-profit association created by professional photographers, for professional photographers. Almost as longlived as photography itself, PPA has roots back to 1869 and is now headquartered in Atlanta, Ga. It has never stopped growing and looking for new ways to assist its now 27,000 members through protection, education and resources for their continued success in the industry. Tom was selected to receive the award based on his many years and countless hours of service to the PPGH and to its members. Initially, Tom worked on the PPGH board from 1979-1988, serving as President in 1987. In 2012 he came back to the guild after his retirement in photography. As a non-board
member Tom attended board meetings to see where he was best needed. Upon seeing the membership committee struggling, he immediately volunteered to help step in and clean up the database. Tom personally called most of the names in the database to update their information and get them excited about coming to the guild. Many of those had not attended in years. For those he could not reach he tried every way possible to get updated information and get them current with their membership. He also volunteered to work with the bylaws committee to review our very outdated version and presented it to the membership for approval in September. He was always available for any board member who needed his assistance. In appreciation of his dedication, the Board of Directors chose him to serve as Executive Director of the guild for 2013, 2014 and now for 2015. As President in 2013, I personally relied on him to push all of us on the board toward greater excellence. We could not have fulfilled the vision for the changes we made in the guild without the unwavering support and dedication from our Executive Director. The guild today is strong, financially secure and active. And we have Tom Hathcock to thank for it all. As a few former board members collectively recalled: • He is full of ideas and constantly nudging us all to make things happen, all while making us laugh and have a good time. He genuinely cares about the guild and its members. • He encourages the board when encouragement is needed, he prods the board when prodding is needed and he truly has the Guild's best interest at heart. • He has been our compass and we are incredibly thankful to have had the opportunity to work with him. He is someone that we can all count on at any time for any reason.
Honoring One of Our Own
Continued on Page 17
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March 2015
What is the Merit & Degree program? Honoring One of Our Own...Continued from Page 16
• Tom Hathcock has turned the Professional Photographers Guild of Houston back as number one guild in the country! He has dedicated many, many unconditional hours (too many to count) to the PPGH guild. • Tom works one on one with each board member as well as the members. Everyone in our guild can and does call him a friend. • He has served with his heart. We are proud to call him a good friend and mentor. • Tom not only serves the board but he serves its members. Tom has been hounding many of us to pursue CPP, our Craftsman and our Masters degrees. Some of us didn’t feel that any of these were attainable, but thanks to Tom, we have been successful. He has truly made a difference in all our lives! • He deserves a huge gold star! Thank you Tom! And with that final thought in mind, we found the biggest gold star we could! We can’t thank Tom enough for all that he has done for the welfare of the guild and its members. TOMISMS: If you have ever worked with Tom you may have heard one of these--what we have fondly coined-Tomisms: “If you need help, just CALL ME! I'm your workhorse. I've seen all the CSIs and Star Treks. Put me to WORK!!” “yada, yada, yada” “I am on Tommy Time. If you aren’t there 15 minutes early…..You’re LATE!” “I can’t get anyone to answer their phone. I guess I’ll just go back home and watch Star Trek.” “You are all just so BIZZZZZZZYYYYYYY.” “I’m GOING DARK for the weekend so you can all have a break.”
PPA’s Merit & Degree program recognizes photographers’ achievements in the profession. Created in 1937, this is the oldest PPA educational program. It is run on a point system, with merits standing as points that member photographers earn for various accomplishments. Merits are earned towards the degrees. After 25 merits, the photographer is eligible for a degree, depending on the types of merits earned (whether they were speaker, exhibition, and so on). A PPA degree is not the completion of a university curriculum; it is a representation of the oldest and largest professional photography organization’s standards of excellence.
What are the different PPA degrees? Photographic Craftsman (Cr.Photog.) • One of the highest recognitions for speaking, writing, or mentoring on photography; positions the photographer as an authority in the industry. • Awarded in recognition of service to the profession as an orator, author, or mentor. Master of Photography (M.Photog.) • Celebrates superior photographic competence through a variety of channels. • Awarded through photographic competition, advanced education, and service to the profession. Master Artist (M.Artist) • Recognizes photographic competence, with an emphasis on print enhancements. • Awarded through photographic competition, advanced education, and service to the profession. Master of Electronic Imaging (MEI) • Recognizes photographic competence, with an emphasis on electronic images (computer graphics, enhancements, etc.). • Awarded through photographic competition, advanced education, and service to the profession.
February Meeting Images
March 2015
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Kim Christensen, Lynn Niemczak
Macon Leiper, Cat Dybala, M. Photog., Karen Butts, M. Photog., CPP
Teri Whitaker, CPP, Cornell McGhee Macon Leiper, Cat Dybala, M. Photog., Dixie Dobbins, M. Photog., Cr., CPP
Macon Leiper, Cat Dybala, M. Photog., Kathleen Kinser Luke Edmonson, M. Photog., Cr., CPP
Macon Lieper, Cat Dybala, M. Photog., Armando Chacon, M. Photog., Cr.
Images by Denzal Lovett
Luke Edmonson, M. Photog., Cr., CPP, Belinda Higgins, M. Photog., Cr., CPP
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1st Place - Master
“The Captive” By Dixie Dobbins, M.Photog., Cr., CPP
March 2015
February Image Competition
March 2015
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1st Place - Active
“Even Princesses Have Homework� By Kelly Willis
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2nd Place - Master
“Dahlia” By Karen Butts, M.Photog., CPP
March 2015
February Image Competition
March 2015
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2nd Place - Active
“The King’s Heir” By Kelly Willis
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3rd Place - Master
“Mommy, Wait for Me!” By Armando ChacÓn, M.Photog., Cr.
March 2015
February Image Competition
March 2015
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3rd Place - Active
“Pink Passion” By Kathy Kinser
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March 2015
Tips and Clips from PPA Imaging USA In Review What a show! Imaging USA 2015 was officially the biggest attended show in history. We hope you all had a great time! In case you missed out, or if you just want to relive the experience, here are our recap blogs and videos from three nights of fun in Opryland: Sunday, February 1 Monday, February 2 Tuesday, February 3
Sign up for the Business Basics Workshop in April! Need a boost for your business? Look no further. These workshops are proven to give you the business tools you need to compliment your skills behind the camera. Sign up now for this workshop at PPA headquarters in Atlanta with Ann Monteith and you can bring along someone from your studio for free!
Quick Link
New Member Benefit: PhotoVision is PPA’s Newest Membership Benefit Here’s another huge announcement for you PPA photographers! At Imaging USA, PhotoVision was rolled out as your newest PPA membership benefit. You now get the full PhotoVision monthly streaming library at no additional cost! Read on for more info.
Quick Link
FAA Takes Important First Step for PPA Members Big news from Capitol Hill on drones! The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released new guidelines that would seem to pave the way for widespread legal use of small drones in the U.S. Read up to see what this means for you!
Quick Link
Faces of PPA Campaign. Step out from behind the camera and get in front of it for once! Submissions are open. This campaign showcases the diversity within the PPA community, so get involved, have fun and show who you are in your own creative way. It’s also a marketing tool: use it as your own published article feature! It gives your credibility and visibility and that’s all that matters! Have a look at this handy Faces of PPA video and check out the gallery on Facebook. Quick Link
theLoop There are several ways you can engage with your members: • In theLoop, PPA’s exclusive Online community. • Want a place to chat with other Affiliate Leaders? theLoop has a group for that! Check out the Affiliate Leaders Group. • Or why not become active and promote your affiliate in your State community
theLoop Link
March 2015
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March 2015
March 2015
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Comprehensive Speaker List
March 2015
March 2015
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March 2015